Victoria, British Columbia has been buzzing with excitement as November draws to a close, preparing for a magical December. In this month’s “Hot Stories,” we explore the city’s enthusiastic Christmas preparations, which are turning it into a merry paradise.

Victoria is preparing for a festive December with dazzling light displays, community gatherings, and inspiring programs.

Come and celebrate with us as we unveil the captivating tales that bring Victoria to life during this enchanted season, illuminating the city and capturing the spirit of the season.

1- “Victoria’s Largest Free Light Display: A Dazzling Announcement by the Downtown Victoria Business Association.”

The Downtown Victoria Business Association (DVBA) recently announced that Centennial Square will be lit up by Victoria’s biggest free light show all through December. Since the event began in 2019, this will be the first time that the lights are on every night for the whole month.

Entertainment and activations will take place on Friday and Saturday nights until December 21, and then nightly from December 21 to December 31.

Lightsofwonder.ca has the full list of activities and entertainment planned for the event. During the holidays, Lights of Wonder brings tens of thousands of people to downtown every year. The event is free, easy to get to, and family and pet-friendly.

Along with the other light shows this year, there is a new light tunnel that you can explore. On stage will be local performers, as well as free picture booths, lion dancers, Irish dancers, treats and warm drinks, the chance to donate to local charities, prizes, a pet night, wandering carolers, silent discos, a big New Year’s party, and more.

The DVBA is also giving away free horse-drawn train rides around downtown for the first time in years. You can get these on December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, and 16 from 5 to 7 p.m.

“On behalf of our downtown businesses, we are excited to offer a bigger Lights of Wonder event this year,” DVBA CEO Jeff Bray said in a statement.

“It’s great that Lights of Wonder has become a regular part of the holiday season in the region. It’s a whole month of fun for families and pets with lots of lights and entertainment.”

“Go see Lights of Wonder, and while you’re downtown, don’t forget to buy local.”

2-“Victoria hosting holiday crafting, singing and drinks at Sleigh the Day”

Everyone is welcome to join the City of Victoria in downtown Victoria next month for a day of holiday activities like making projects, singing carols, and more.

From 1 to 4 p.m. on Dec. 17, between Humboldt and Courtney Streets on Government Street, there will be the Sleigh the Day event.

At the event, people of all ages can make holiday crafts and sing along with festive carolers.

There will also be local artists selling their handmade goods and holiday treats. Making crafts will begin at 1 p.m. and be open as long as materials last.

There will be vendors selling hot chocolate and spiced apple cider, and the Victoria Beer Society will be serving seasonal artisan beers for purchase.

Together with the Victoria Beer Society, the city’s OUR DWTN project brings you the Sleigh the Day event.

3-“Miracle on Broad Street: CFAX 1070 Radiothon Lights Up Victoria for Santas Anonymous Support”

On Friday, December 8th, CFAX 1070 will hold its yearly Miracle on Broad Street radiothon to raise money for CFAX Santas Anonymous.

Broadcasters from CFAX 1070, CTV Vancouver Island, and Virgin Radio Victoria will be at this live-to-air event, along with a lot of great performing guests.

The money they made at Miracle on Broad Street will be used to buy food for the 1,500 families who will receive Christmas Hampers this December.

It will also go to the Special Grants program, which helps kids in their community all year long.

From 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., you can listen to CFAX 1070 to find out more about the people Santas Anonymous helps and the thousands of donors and workers who make it possible.

Projects and programs that help kids, teens, and families in Greater Victoria get much-needed funds from CFAX Santas Anonymous.

4-“Central Saanich’s Butchart Gardens set to light up for magic of Christmas”

The holidays are coming up, and Butchart Gardens will look spectacular.

The gardens will be filled with the magic of Christmas again on December 1 at 5 p.m., when the official light-up event takes place.

People can enjoy free rides on the carousel and see thousands of twinkling lights, magical displays, and holiday plants.

The holiday party lasts until January 6 and includes classic carolers, holiday bands, and a display of the Twelve Days of Christmas.

The grounds will be open from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., and you can look around until 10 p.m. On December 25, they will be closed.

The pet-friendly hours are from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

From 2:45 to 3:30 p.m., the Dining Room restaurant will serve Christmas high tea. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., it will be open for dinner.

There will be food at the Blue Poppy from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Butchart Gardens staff invite tourists to book a date and time at butchartgardens.com.

5-“Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular 2023”

The Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular is a party with lights, dance, music, and decorations.

Many people on Vancouver Island look forward to it every holiday season. It’s now in its 15th year.

The singing and dancing extravaganza this year includes medleys of well-known songs by the Beach Boys, Cat Stevens, George Gershwin, and the Rolling Stones.

There are also songs from the musical Chicago, a collection of Sea Shanties, Hot Chocolate from The Polar Express, Bing Crosby’s classic White Christmas, and many more classic hits and Christmas favorites.

What better way to enjoy the holiday season than by getting tickets to this amazing show?

It moves quickly and has lots of colors.

It will transport you on an emotional trip via a broad range of dance and music styles, including tap, jazz, Broadway, classical, and rock & roll, all weaved together with heartfelt readings and tales.

There is a high demand for this program.  A popular choice for bus tour groups, workplace parties, family and friend reunions, and holiday festivities.

Don’t miss this fun Christmas event; book early.

6-“Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Brunch”

December 24, 2023, at 10:30 AM until December 25, 2023, at 2:30 PM

It’s really the best time of the year! Enjoy the holidays without any stress this Christmas at ARC by having their famous Bottomless Brunch.

Executive Chef Adam Middleton has put together a special holiday menu with some of their best holiday dishes and, of course, holiday drinks.

Bring food and your loved ones with you, and they’ll take care of the rest. Have fun, eat, and drink! Enjoy the holidays!

Christmas Eve Brunch with No Limits

$99 for adults and $59 for kids 12 and younger

10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (last seating at 1:30 p.m.)

December 24th and 25th are open.

Please keep in mind that the final bill you pay when you book will include an automatic 18% tip and any taxes that are due.

Reservations are needed.

Here is where you can make bookings.