Feasting! And shopping! And celebrating! Whew. With the holiday excitement gearing up, we won’t blame you if all you really want to do is spend some quality time with your family. Only a quick and scenic ride away from Seattle on the Victoria Clipper V, BC’s capital city offers a welcome respite while still providing plenty of festive activities to keep you in the spirit. Not sure where to start? Keep your holiday merrymaking going strong with these tips for yuletide cheer from Victoria locals.
Where to Wrap Yourself in Luxury
Looking for a little serenity during the otherwise hectic holiday season? A luxe stay at Victoria’s historic Fairmont Empress hotel is just what you need to rejuvenate. Duck into the award-winning Willow Stream Spa and let holiday stress melt away with one of their indulgent, 60-minute treatments. Pamper yourself further by hopping into the Finish-style mineral pool, sauna and steam inhalation room.
Once you pull yourself away from the spa, pop upstairs to soak in some holiday cheer. With halls bursting with stunning décor and carolers filling the Lobby Lounge with classic tunes, The Fairmont Empress doesn’t disappoint when it comes to Christmas spirit. When you’re craving a bite to eat, Victoria local and resident food expert, Rebecca Wellman, suggests, “Hit up Q at the Empress for an incredible holiday lunch on the veranda or a cocktail at Q bar.”
If your little ones were extra nice this year, spoil them and swing by the Kid’s Christmas at the Castle. They’ll be treated to a slew of holiday crafts, stories and holiday goodies in the well-stocked candy buffet. The sweet rewards don’t stop there, you’ll find plenty of adult treats too. Hello canapés and champagne!
Laura Mitbrodt of Laura Jane Atelier adds, “I also love to have afternoon tea during the holidays at The Fairmont Empress because they have an amazing holiday inspired high tea.”
Laura Mitbrodt of Nosh on sweet and savory nibbles spiced up with festive flavors such as peppermint macarons or Christmas fruitcake topped with marzipan butter frosting. Afterward, cuddle up fireside on the harbor-facing Veranda, s’mores in hand as you sip on cocoa or spiced cider.
Where to See Glittering Lights
Brightening up the darkest of evenings with more than 300,000 lights, there is a permanent soft spot in our hearts for The Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights Tour. Combined with evergreen swags and wreaths of holly, this awe-inspiring display will leave your kids (and you!) giddy with excitement.
Ladena Racine of My Family Stuff says, “We always choose an evening to go to The Butchart Gardens during the holidays to see their light display. The lights really transform The Gardens and make for a memorable night out with the family.”
Ladena Racine of With 55-acres of holiday goodness stretching before you, the only challenge of the night will be determining what to tackle first: the dazzling lights filling The Gardens or the lineup of fantastic treats in the Dining Room restaurant. Just don’t forget to swing by the glistening open-air ice skating rink near the entrance of the grounds. With twinkling lights overhead and Christmas tunes in the air, there are few places that are more magical.
Sue Fast, editor of Island Parent magazine, says:
“There’s nothing like ice skating outdoors to get you into the holiday spirit and there’s no better place to do it than at Butchart Gardens. Book a 40-minute skate time, rent a pair of skates onsite, and then warm up afterward with a cup of hot apple cider as you stroll the Gardens and marvel at the lights.”
“There’s nothing like ice skating outdoors to get you into the holiday spirit and there’s no better place to do it than at Butchart Gardens. Book a 40-minute skate time, rent a pair of skates onsite, and then warm up afterward with a cup of hot apple cider as you stroll the Gardens and marvel at the lights.”Where to Feast on Festive Fare
With more than a handful of farm-to-table restaurants, it is no secret that Victoria’s buzz-worthy culinary scene serves up some incredible eats, and the holidays are no exception. Treat your taste buds to some local flavor and dig into everything from contemporary takes on PNW cuisine to casual country cooking.
Natasha Mills of Momma Mills, recommends, “For dining and drinks, I always enjoy The Local on Wharf Street. My friend, owner Jeremy Petzing, ensures the holiday decor is maxed out every year and it warms your heart like an old Christmas movie.”
Natasha Mills of If you want to kick things up a notch for a swanky date night, it doesn’t get more romantic than classic French cuisine. After all, they say the way to a foodie’s heart is through their stomach.
Racine proclaims, “A favorite dinner spot for my husband and I to frequent during the holidays is Brasserie L’Ecole. This French restaurant has the most amazing menu and ambiance. Everything from the endive salad to the moule + frites is perfect. The wine selection is also tough to beat!”
Where to Soak in the Holiday Spirit
For old-timey holiday fun, pop inside the magnificent Craigdarroch Castle to experience how the Dunsmuir family celebrated Christmas more than 100 years ago. A National Historic Site built during Queen Victoria’s reign, the castle fills all 39 of its rooms chock-full of trimmings, such as decorated mantles, vintage toys and clothing as well as Christmas trees!
Mitbrodt says, “During the holidays I like to check out all the decorations at Craigdarroch Castle and take photos among the pretty Victorian Christmas decor.”
If it’s fast-paced action you’re after, frosty festivities are no further away than your local ice rink.
Anna James, a local Victoria journalist, states, “Hockey is my winter boyfriend. When it gets cold, head to a Royals game at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre. Last season I scooped up rink side tickets for about $25. It is perfect for a date night or bringing the whole family.”
Anna James, a local Where to Catch Holiday Tunes
Ready to tune-up your holiday vibes? Whether it is classic carols or modern beats, there is something about holiday music that brings out the magic of the season in us all. Luckily, Victoria’s music scene is as rich and diverse as a four-course turkey dinner.
Honor Cienska, owner of the West Coast-inspired Tonic Jewelry in Market Square, mentions, “One of the best things about Victoria is how many amazing musicians we have living and performing here. There are no shortage of cozy venues to choose from but Hermann’s Jazz Club and the Northern Quarter are two of my favorites and they feel extra cozy during the holidays.”
Honor Cienska, owner of the West Coast-inspired Cienska goes on say that the holidays are also prime-time for Christmas shows. She explains, “I already bought my tickets to check out Oliver Swain’s ‘Holiday Social.’ And then there’s always Daniel Lapp’s ‘Home for Christmas’ show, which is a staple in the family tradition department! These joyful gatherings are sure to put you into the spirit of celebration with your community.”
Where to Sample Sensational Holiday Sips
Let’s be honest, it wouldn’t be the holidays without indulging in festive brews. Boasting a burgeoning wine and cider scene, there is no better place to raise a glass of holiday cheer than in the tight-knit community of Cowichan Valley.
Fast says, “Take in south Cowichan’s brightest light-up with a stroll through the light-filled courtyard of Merridale Cidery. Stay for the farm-to-fork long table Christmas dinner on Friday and Saturday nights, from November 23 through December 22. While you’re there, savor a glass of cider, a cocktail or a holiday drink from the tasting bar and watch the original animated ‘Grinch Who Stole Christmas’ on the outdoor covered deck.”
Where to Seek Out Solace
The weather outside may be starting to look a little frightful, but the holiday activities on the island are delightful. Instead of waiting for the sun to show up, pile on your coziest sweater and escape outdoors to experience the natural beauty of the region.
Wellman states, “There are several things around Vancouver Island that are great for filling the cooler, darker days that make up our fall and winter. Head Up Island for some storm watching in Tofino. If you are traveling up from Victoria (Tofino is about a four and a half hour drive north from the city), be sure to stop in for brunch at Hudson’s on First in Duncan.”
Wellman states, “There are several things around Vancouver Island that are great for filling the cooler, darker days that make up our fall and winter. Head Up Island for some storm watching in Tofino. If you are traveling up from Victoria (Tofino is about a four and a half hour drive north from the city), be sure to stop in for brunch at For a full-on storm immersion, venture out onto Tonquin Beach and Trail. Stand where the beach meets the forest and look on as howling gales stir the ocean into a lather. Or seek out a snug spot inside the Wolf in the Fog or Pointe Restaurant at Wickaninnish Inn, curl up with a piping hot drink and relax to the sound of crashing waves.
Where to Shop Til You Drop
The gift-giving season is coming! Did someone say shopping? We won’t blame you for feeling a tingle of excitement at the chance to show a little love to local shops. Stroll along streets lined with festive décor and enjoy a trip to holiday shopping heaven.
The best part? No matter whether you’re shopping on Johnson or Fort Street, you are never far from an excellent selection of locally-produced threads, jewelry, books, housewares and more that are sure to please even the pickiest people on your gift list.
Cameron Giannotti of Rad World Travel, adds, “For any last minute Christmas shopping, Victoria has some awesome vintage shops. Both The Patch and the newly opened Victoria Vintage have some great finds!”
Cameron Giannotti of Where to Find Your Cozy
Need a cozy spot to give your feet a rest mid-shopping spree? Tuck into the sleek, modern Silk Road Tea. Stop by the tea tasting bar and sip your way through a few varieties before selecting your perfect blend or let the knowledgeable staff guide you toward a festive brew.
Fast suggests, “Warm up with a selection of seasonal teas at Silk Road Tea Store’s Tea Flight for 2, which is served daily at the Chinatown shop between 11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Then wander over to Bastion Square’s Pop-Up Holiday Market (it runs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout December) for local, handmade gifts. Afterward, head across the street to Happy Hour at the Tapa Bar for a featured glass of red or white wine sangria and a bowl of the best-ever Mussels de Cha Cha Cha.”
Victoria during the holidays is pure magic. With bright lights, fantastic seasonal sips and eats, fabulous shopping and an array of holiday festivities, you won’t need to look far to indulge in seasonal goodness. No matter your style of merrymaking, you have the ingredients of an epic holiday experience that is not to be missed.
