3 min read | Categories: Choose Your Own Adventure, Quiz, Christmas, Holiday Events
Let’s play a game – a Christmas game. Victoria doesn’t hold back for the holidays, and you may feel indecisive with how much there is to see and do. We’ve made it easy for you… Choose how you would vacation in Victoria this holiday season, and we’ll provide some festive suggestions!
Did someone say holiday packages? Look no further than staying at the Inn at Laurel Point, who’s Celebrate the Holidays package comes with waterside rooms for prime city-light viewing, a charcuterie plate, red or white bottle service, and a tasty inn-made treat. They also have packages that include admission to the Butchart Gardens, one that rings in the New Year, and Naughty or Nice packages that celebrate romance.
The Parkside Hotel + Spa is a hotel that truly does it all. With a convenient downtown location and family friendly amenities including a movie-theatre, a pool and hot tub, roof-top marshmallow roasting, and the calming Parkside Spa, this hotel will keep you entertained and your kids’ energy spent! For the holiday season, don’t miss the Gingerbread Showcase happening in the Parkside atrium until January 2nd.
Turn moments into memories at the iconic Fairmont Empress, who’s every amenity lights up for the holidays. Walk by a dazzling grand entrance wreath to find a majestic holiday tree in the lobby, begging for a festive photo. Enjoy an evening of laughter on the Empress’ harbourfront Veranda – in full Christmas-mode with cozy firepits, roasting s’mores, fondue, mulled wine, and so much more.
Victoria offers plenty of options to take you from A to B, in ways that will save you valuable trip-planning time and money. Consider booking your family trip to the Butchart Gardens through Grayline City Sights, who arranges pick-up, drop-off, and admission into the Gardens for you in a comfortable, modern coach. Grayline’s Hop On, Hop Off tours are also a quick and convenient way to travel to the city’s prime landmarks.
You deserve to feel like a royal. Consider booking your Holiday Light Tour with L.A. Limousines, who will greet you at your hotel with exceptional service, water bottles in hand, and expert narration of our city’s top sights and neighbourhoods. If you’re charmed by their service (and we know you will be!), you can even arrange for airport pick-up and drop-off through them.
For those wanting to get their exercise in, we recommend renting a bike through Cycle BC. We hear you thinking: Won’t it be too cold for a bike ride? Thanks to Victoria’s sub-Mediterranean climate zone, us locals enjoy biking year-round! Cycle BC also offers awesome e-bikes, scooters, motorcycles, and even a motorcycle Totem Tour around Victoria, taking you to our city’s most iconic landmarks.
To whoever recommended a tea experience in Victoria, thank them later. You’re in for a treat! For a touch of old-world charm and a dash of Christmas magic, head over to the Pendray Inn & Teahouse for their Winter Afternoon Tea special. As an excellent alternative, dine at the Teahouse at Abkhazi Gardens’ for their Festive Christmas High Tea feature, which will leave you dreaming of their garden views and homemade Christmas pastries.
Let’s brunch! For a festive spread that’s almost too beautiful to eat, head over to Aura Restaurant Waterfront + Patio. Known year-round for their shareable plates and Inner Harbour views, Aura turns up the holiday notch with delectable dishes such as brioche eggs benedict, crispy potato latkes, and sparkly festive cocktails. Don’t leave the little ones behind – they offer a kids menu for $30!
As fellow food lovers, we hear you, and feel you. Luckily, Off the Eaten Track Tours is here for adventurous foodies who believe that variety is the spice of life. Take their Self-Guided Cozy Christmas food tour for a taste of seven festive items – from Roger’s Chocolates, to decadent cheese from l’Apéro Wine & Cheese Bistro and so much more.
Great choice – Victoria’s Inner Harbour delights both the young and the young-at-heart, offering an extra dose of charm this season. Vessels at the Marina are decorated with holiday lights that glimmer across the reflected water, harmonizing beautifully with a lit-up downtown. The best way to take them in is by booking a Victoria Harbour Ferry tour and taking to the waters via an adorable pickleboat. It doesn’t get more Victorian than that!
How appropriate for the Garden City! Victoria’s sub-Mediterranean climate allows us to explore our ravishing gardens year-round. The Butchart Gardens tackles these cooler days by assembling a light display that rivals a scene from your favourite childhood Christmas story. The Magic of Christmas is a must-do each holiday season, weaving the tale of the 12 Days of Christmas through an enchanting, lit-up garden wonderland.
Credit: Matt Shannon Photography
What better way to sight-see Victoria than to take to the streets of downtown core? Enjoy this charming Victoria light-walk with your significant other or grand friend. We recommend grabbing a warm bevy from Murchie’s Tea & Coffee at sundown, and starting your walk at the BC Parliament Buildings. The Legislature resembles an enormous gingerbread palace with it’s festive red, green, and gold December lights.
Walk down Government Street, checking out picturesque Trounce Alley and Bastion Square along the way. Make your way over to the Lights of Wonder display at Centennial Square, running from December 15th – 31st 2022. This outdoor event will feature four interactive light tunnels, a 40-foot festive tree, and live entertainment!
We hope our game gave you some pointers to think about! For even more ways to explore Victoria’s festivities, check out our Christmas page. Happy Holidays!
