With Christmas gift buying, package wrapping, card writing, meal planning and house decorating, it seems like the holiday season goes by in a blur and is gone before you know it. However, all you really want to do is spend some time with your family. This year, leave your “to-do” list behind and escape to the charming city of Victoria to reconnect with your kids and make memories you will talk about for years.

With streets decked out in seasonal decor, the sweet sound of bells and carols filling the air and twinkling lights in very direction you look, the town packs in more holiday magic and fun than you can imagine. Yet with a little planning it is possible to squeeze much of the holiday goodness into one weekend. Grab your whole family and use this guide to map out the perfect holiday weekend in Victoria.

STAY

Steps away from the Inner Harbour in downtown Victoria, the stylish, newly renovated Hotel Grand Pacific goes above and beyond with unique amenities to make you and your family feel right at home. Kids can play board games and puzzles while munching on tasty snacks and sipping on drinks from the personalized mini-bar program. If you need to relax after a busy day of exploring, gather your brood and cuddle up for a comfy movie night, complete with popcorn ordered from the in-room dining menu.

The cornerstone of downtown Victoria, the majestic Fairmont Empress is another one of our favorite places to stay. During the holidays, the hotel’s halls brim with Christmas spirit and are filled with more glowing, lavishly decorated Christmas trees than you have ever seen under one roof. If your kids need to burn off some excess energy, they can take or dip in the hotel’s heated indoor pool or partake in a scavenger hunt that will take them all over the Empress.

Taste

When you find your stomach growling, head over to Mo:Lé Restaurant, which is just a five-minute walk from the historic Chinatown. A Victoria institution, the bright, brick-walled restaurant offers all-day breakfast and lunch, with vegan and gluten-free options. Kids will love the macaroni and cheese, while the polenta and eggs will satisfy any adult’s appetite.

Prefer a thick, juicy burger? Then Big Wheel Burger is a must-visit. If you’re near Gateway Village or Beacon Hill Park, drop by one of Big Wheel’s to feast on sustainability made gourmet burgers and  hot dogs paired with rich, creamy shakes. Treat kids 12 and under to a special meal combo with fries, a drink and a cookie.

Play

Wander through the beautifully decorated streets of Victoria and experience the magic of the season by taking in festive events that bring Christmas to life. Start with a tour of the beautifully decorated Christmas trees at the annual Festival of Trees at the Fairmont Empress, where local businesses sponsor elaborate decorations in support of BC Children’s Hospital. Next, meet festively costumed teddy bears at Bear Wear at the Hotel Grand Pacific, before you head to the Inn at Laurel Point to marvel at a village of impressive gingerbread creations at Canada’s National Gingerbread Showcase.

See

Of course, a holiday visit to Victoria is not complete without a visit to The Butchart Gardens to explore the enchanting Holiday Lights display. With thousands of colorful, twinkling lights, carolers in the Piazza filling the air with the sound of classic Christmas songs and glistening outdoor skating rink, it doesn’t get more quintessentially Christmas than this. Grab a steaming cup of hot chocolate and take part in the 12 days of Christmas scavenger hunt and see if you can spot all of creatively designed displays.

When you’re looking to celebrate the holiday season with family, look no further than Victoria. With a wealth of rich events and activities combined with the stunning sight of historic buildings dressed up in lights, simply walking around gives you a sense of something magical and is sure to put you in the holiday spirit. Experience this wonderland yourself with a visit to BC’s capital for the ultimate family holiday getaway.

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