Winter Festivals on Vancouver Island: Celebrate the Season!
From festive lights and artisan markets to whale-watching and winter solstice events, Vancouver Island offers a variety of unique winter festivals. Here’s a roundup of must-visit events to enjoy during the colder months.
Tips for Enjoying Winter Festivals on Vancouver Island
•Dress Warmly: While Vancouver Island has mild winters, outdoor events can get chilly, so dress in layers and bring a cozy blanket if you’re attending outdoor festivities.
•Plan Ahead: These festivals often attract crowds, so booking accommodations early and planning parking and transportation is key.
•Support Local Vendors: Many events feature local artisans and businesses. Supporting them through your holiday shopping is a great way to bolster our local economy!
1. Butchart Gardens’ Magic of Christmas
•When: December
•Where: Butchart Gardens, Brentwood Bay
•What to Expect:
•The Magic of Christmas is a stunning display of lights, seasonal decorations, and caroling that transforms the gardens into a winter wonderland. Families and visitors can enjoy a charming, immersive experience with a Christmas carousel, festive food, and holiday shopping.
•Highlights:
•The Twelve Days of Christmas light display.
•Ice skating under twinkling lights at the outdoor rink.
•Website: Butchart Gardens’ Magic of Christmas
2. Festival of Trees in Victoria
•When: Mid-November to Early January
•Where: The Bay Centre, Victoria
•What to Expect:
•Each year, the Festival of Trees showcases a magical display of decorated trees, each sponsored and designed by local businesses and organizations. Visitors can enjoy the festive atmosphere while voting for their favorite tree and supporting BC Children’s Hospital.
•Highlights:
•Creative, themed tree designs.
•An easy stop for shopping and dining within the Bay Centre.
•Website: Festival of Trees Victoria
3. Christmas in Old Town – Royal BC Museum
•When: December
•Where: Royal BC Museum, Victoria
•What to Expect:
•The museum’s historic Old Town area is decked out with holiday decor, taking visitors back to a Victorian Christmas with vintage displays and festive charm. It’s a quieter, family-friendly event perfect for those looking to combine history with holiday spirit.
•Highlights:
•Historic decor and winter scenes.
•Family-friendly activities and museum exhibits.
•Website: Royal BC Museum
4. Ladysmith Festival of Lights
•When: Last Thursday in November, lights remain up through January
•Where: Ladysmith
•What to Expect:
•Known as “Light Up,” this festival kicks off the holiday season with thousands of colorful lights illuminating the town. This community event includes a parade, fireworks, and live music, creating a festive atmosphere for all ages.
•Highlights:
•Vibrant light displays throughout downtown Ladysmith.
•Parade and fireworks on opening night.
•Website: Ladysmith Festival of Lights
5. Tofino Winterlights Festival
•When: Late November to Early January
•Where: Tofino Botanical Gardens, Tofino
•What to Expect:
•The Tofino Winterlights Festival transforms the Tofino Botanical Gardens into a peaceful, illuminated forest walk with creative light installations that blend with nature. Visitors can enjoy mulled wine, hot chocolate, and cozy fires along the way.
•Highlights:
•Magical forest light displays.
•Quiet, immersive experience with beautiful ocean views.
•Website: Tofino Winterlights
6. Winter Solstice Lantern Festival
•When: December 21
•Where: Various locations on Vancouver Island, including Victoria
•What to Expect:
•This celebration of the winter solstice involves a community lantern procession, live music, and storytelling. It’s a meaningful way to honor the longest night of the year and look forward to brighter days ahead.
•Highlights:
•Beautifully crafted lanterns.
•A sense of community and mindfulness.
•Website: Winter Solstice Lantern Festival
7. Parksville Christmas Craft Fair and Gingerbread House Competition
•When: November to December
•Where: Parksville
•What to Expect:
•Parksville hosts a lively craft fair featuring handmade holiday gifts, decorations, and treats. Alongside it is the famous Gingerbread House Competition, with delightful and often intricate entries that visitors can admire and vote on.
•Highlights:
•Gingerbread House Competition, perfect for families.
•Craft fair with local artisans.
•Website: Parksville Christmas Craft Fair
This is just the beginning- check out this great website with even more ideas for holiday fun!
