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October
13

See the holiday lights in Victoria this winter!

posted by: Best Western Plus Carlton Plaza Hotel on: October 13, 2019
Feel the Christmas magic in Victoria this winter
Photo by Catherine Zaidova on Unsplash
 
Winter is fast approaching and so is the holiday season! If you’re looking for a magical holiday escape without the arctic temperatures, Victoria is the perfect place to go. British Columbia’s mild winters are just cold enough to allow for maximum coziness without freezing your tail off, and our beautiful streets will be lined with twinkling lights and people sipping on hot drinks and enjoying the holiday spirit. Come be among them by checking out these awesome holiday light events in Victoria this winter!
 

Festival of Trees | November 21 — January 6

The Festival of Trees is a beloved local tradition that has become the "unofficial kick-off” to the holiday season in Victoria. Visit the iconic Bay Centre in downtown Victoria, which will be transformed into a winter wonderland of elaborate, hand-decorated Christmas trees. You can vote for your favourite tree. The festival is free to attend, but any proceeds from the festival go to the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation — so be sure to bring some change and start off your holiday season with a good deed!
 

Santa’s Light Parade | November 30

Santa’s Light Parade is the perfect way to mark the official start of 2019’s holiday season! On Saturday, November 30th, make your way down to the Victoria Harbour and join the festive crowds as the parade begins at 4 pm. The parade route starts on Belleville and Government streets near the Fairmont Empress Hotel and concludes near Chinatown and the McPherson Playhouse. Before and after the parade, you can check out “Christmas Square” in Centennial Square. Santa will be there handing out free cookies and milk and the lights at the square will be turned on at 7 pm sharp. There will also be lots of games, activities, and entertainment to warm you up and get you in the holiday spirit.
 

The Magic of Christmas at Butchart Gardens | December 1 — January 6

If you love everything festive, you don’t want to miss the Magic of Christmas event at Victoria’s famous Butchart Gardens. From December 1st to January 6th, the Gardens are full of “colourful lights, carollers, ice skating, and festive fare”. Each path of flowers in the Gardens is illuminated by a gorgeous display of lights, including scenes depicting the Twelve Days of Christmas. After strolling through the grounds and taking in the dazzling lights, visit the 5000 square foot outdoor skating rink and stop by the Coffee Shop for a hot chocolate and some gingerbread. Children 12 years and under can also bring a homemade paper snowflake from home to exchange for a free cup of hot chocolate at the Coffee Shop.
 
If you want to capture the magic of the holiday season in Victoria without busting your budget, there’s no better place to stay than Best Western Plus Carlton Plaza Hotel. Our convenient central location is within easy walking distance of major attractions and iconic landmarks, so you can bundle up, grab a hot drink, and breathe in the magic of the winter air while taking in the sights and sounds of Christmas.