Holiday lights, Christmas markets and winter festivals 2026

Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park, Comox

November 21 – December 31, 2026

Kick-off and Outdoor Winter Market November 21, 3:00–7:00 p.m. Santa photos 5:00–7:00 p.m. After that the park is open nightly until 9:00 p.m.

Kick-off by donation. The light displays are free. Professional Santa photo $10 cash, or use your own phone free.

Kids’ crafts, artisan vendors, warm food and drinks, and the Filberg Gift Shop on kick-off night. Proceeds support the lodge and park.

First Avenue, downtown Ladysmith

November 26, 2026

Craft fair at Aggie Hall 3:00 p.m. Street entertainment and food from 4:00 p.m. Light-up 6:15 p.m. Kinsmen Parade 6:45 p.m. Drone show after the parade, about 8:30 p.m.

Over 300,000 lights, live music, Santa and a drone show. The lights stay up from the last Thursday in November to mid-January. First Avenue is closed 3:00–10:00 p.m.

The Butchart Gardens·Brentwood Bay

December 1, 2026 – January 6, 2027

Gates 3:00–9:00 p.m. The gardens stay open until 10:00 p.m. Carollers and brass alternate every half hour from 5:00–9:00 p.m.

Adults 18+ $41.00. Youth 13–17 $20.50. Children 5–12 $5.00. Tax included.

Closed December 25. The Japanese and Mediterranean gardens are closed. Snowflake exchange and hot chocolate for children 12 and under. Open until 10:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, with no fireworks. The official light-up is December 1 at 6:00 p.m.

Milner Gardens & Woodland, Qualicum Beach

December 3–6, 2026 · December 10–13, 2026 · December 17–20, 2026

Admission 5:30–8:30 p.m. Viewing until 9:00 p.m.

By donation. Suggested $8 adult, $4 child, $20 household. Paid at the Welcome Centre; no online tickets.

An outdoor walk through lights and festive window displays. Food tent by Milner House. Cancelled on nights of heavy snow, freezing rain or strong wind.

Tofino Resort + Marina, 634 Campbell St

December 5, 2026

5:00–9:00 p.m.

Decorated boats in the harbour, a festive market, food and drink, live music and photos with Santa.

Tofino Community Hall, 351 Arnet Rd

November 21, 2026

A winter market at the community hall. Hours not confirmed; check the District calendar.

Wellington Hall, 3922 Corunna Ave, Nanaimo

November 27–28, 2026

Friday 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Saturday 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. No Sunday market.

Free entry and parking.

A German-style Christmas market with German food.

Coombs Fairgrounds, 1014 Ford Rd, Coombs

December 5–6, 2026

11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. both days.

Free.

Over 60 local vendors, artisans and crafters, with concession food and a heated outdoor tent.

Diana Krall Plaza, Nanaimo

December 5, 2026

2:00–7:00 p.m.

A holiday market, food trucks, an outdoor bar, live music, family activities and a holiday light-up.

Downtown Qualicum Beach

November 19, 2026

5:30–9:00 p.m.

Late-night shopping, entertainment, a tree light-up and Santa.

Downtown Duncan, City Square to Friendship Square

November 20, 2026

5:00–8:00 p.m.

Light displays, live music in City Square, roasted chestnuts, photos with Santa, a mini holiday train, and in-store activities and discounts.

Tofino

November 20, 2026

A night of local holiday shopping that opens Tofino Winter Nights, with a free evening shuttle. Start time not yet published.

Downtown Courtenay

November 20, 2026

5:00–8:30 p.m., opening with the tree light-up.

Elves, live music, interactive art, roving performers, food trucks and local shops. Elf costumes encouraged.

Memorial Plaza, Parksville

November 20, 2026

5:30–7:30 p.m.

The downtown holiday tree lighting, with music, seasonal performances and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

BC Parliament Buildings·Victoria

November 27, 2026

3:00–6:30 p.m. Inside activities 3:00–5:30 p.m. Driveway lighting 6:00–6:30 p.m.

Free. No tickets.

Family-friendly activities and performances inside, then the driveway lighting outside.

Ucluelet

November 27, 2026

A holiday shopping night with local businesses open late. The District has set the date; details are still to come.

Starts at Government and Belleville·Victoria

November 28, 2026

5:30 p.m.

Free.

Supports the Mustard Seed. A food-bank team is at Government and Wharf at 5:00 p.m.

South Shore Road, Lake Cowichan

November 29, 2026

4:00–8:30 p.m. The parade leaves at 5:00 p.m.

Theme “Jingle All the Way”. The parade runs along South Shore Road, over the car bridge, and ends near Country Grocer.

Lower Causeway and Ship Point Pier·Victoria

December 3, 2026

5:00–8:00 p.m.

Free.

Family-friendly. Hot chocolate, cookies, an artisan market, live music, and Santa arriving by boat.

Downtown Courtenay, Harmston Ave to 5th St and Cliffe Ave

December 5, 2026

6:00 p.m.