Lizard Adventure Travel

Christmas is fast-approaching, and it's time to embrace that warm and fuzzy festive spirit.  Whether you're a tourist or a local, these opportunities are unique to Victoria and should not be missed!

*Feel free to add to this list in the comments section below.

1) Miracle on 34th Street - radio play to be presented at the Crystal Ballroom in the Empress Hotel

2) Oak Bay Christmas Festival - the village is transformed in a magical wonderland; kicks off the last Sunday of November

3) Festival of Trees at the Fairmont Empress Hotel; lush forest of beautifully decorated trees (funds raised go to the BC Children's Hospital), runs mid November to mid January

4) Countryside Christmas - nostalgic Chrismas treat at Chemainus Theatre Festival (Nov.11 - Dec.31)

5) Butchart Gardens - Dec.1-Jan.5, ten of thousands of Christmas lights are hung to create the ever-popluar 12 Days of Christmas Display, live performances and outdoor ice-rink on site!

6) Craigdarroch Castle - takes a month to decorate; rooms are presented in traditional Victorian fashion complete with Victorian toys

7) Santa Shuffle - Dec.3 with Running Room

8 )  Milner Gardens Christmas Magic - festival of lights and music, by donation

9) Ghosts of Christmas Past the legend of Christmas Hill and much more; ghost tours presented by local historian John Adams and his team with a specific Christmas flair!

10) AJ's Organic Cafe - offering a fantastic selection of ethically sourced seasonal beverages and baked goods for this festive time of year; located in the Atrium at Yates and Blanschard SPECIAL NOTE: if you have a Christmas or Holiday Party check out AJ's Catering Services (they also have gluten-free options)

11) Seasonal Beers  - sample winter and holidy brews! Sat. Nov.12

12) Time Out - Surviving the Season - Tues. Nov.15, how to lower your stress this holiday season

13) Nautical Wreath Workshops - learn how to create wreaths from manila rope

14) Centennial Square Christmas Tree Light-Up - Nov.26, seasonal music, performances and more

15) Island Farms Santa's Lights Parade - Nov.26, more info contact Victoria Festivals Society at 250-382-3111

16) A Baroque Christmas - Dec.17, live performance by Nancy Argenta and Aulos Ensemble

17) Christmas Starlight Cinema  - Christmas movies under the stars in the Victoria Harbour (event contact info 250-360-2999 or  kelvin@dunnpr.com)

18 ) Stuary McLean and the Vinyl Cafe Christmas - Nov.28, one of Canada's best storytellers and beloved authors

19) The Nutcracker - presented by Dance Victoria with the Victoria Symphony

20) Christmas Light Tour with Lizard Adventure Travel - 2 hour Christmas Light Bus Tour of Victoria; info@LizardAdventureTravel.com or 250-891-6881 for more info or click promo video!  We will visit the award winners from the Times Colonist Christmas Light's Contest - trip photos