Christmas Events for Kids in Nanaimo, British Columbia (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

3 min read

For 2026, we confirmed 2 Christmas events for kids in Nanaimo, British Columbia. The season opens on December 2 with SPOTLIGHT: Nutcracker with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and runs until December 20 with Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular. Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in Canada.

The short version

  • Kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in Nanaimo: 2
  • First: SPOTLIGHT: Nutcracker with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Nanaimo, December 2
  • Free events: None confirmed yet

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by town, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (registration, ages, what is included).

At a glance: Christmas events for kids in Nanaimo, British Columbia

Kids’ Christmas events
2 confirmed for 2026
Cities and towns
Nanaimo
Season
December 2 to December 20
Free events
None confirmed yet
Last checked

Christmas events for kids in Nanaimo

Listed soonest first: 2 confirmed events in Nanaimo.

Family Christmas event

SPOTLIGHT: Nutcracker with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet

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The Port Theatre presents the Nutcracker as part of its Spotlight Series, with Royal Winnipeg Ballet alumni Galina Yordanova and Nina Menon as choreographers. Clara's nutcracker comes to life at midnight, fights the Mouse King and visits the Sugar Plum Fairy's realm.

Shows are at 7pm on December 2, 3, 4 and 5, plus a 1:30pm matinee on Saturday, December 5. Regular tickets are $85 and student tickets are $55. The theatre recommends the show for ages 6 and up. It runs about 2 hours with a 20-minute intermission.

Parent tip: Book the Saturday matinee for an earlier bedtime. The theatre lists a pre-show chat at 6:15pm in the Harmac Room, and photos and video are not allowed during the performance.

Host
The Port Theatre Society (opens in a new tab)
Where
The Port Theatre, 125 Front St., Nanaimo (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with The Port Theatre Society (opens in a new tab)

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    Family Christmas event

    Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular

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    The Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular is a holiday musical with music, dance, storytelling, costumes and festive staging, created by Katy Bowen-Roberts. This year's show mixes pop and rock hits, Celtic fiddle tunes, jazz standards and classic holiday songs.

    Evening shows are at 7pm from December 15 to 19. Matinees are at 2pm on Friday, December 18, Saturday, December 19 and Sunday, December 20. Adult tickets are $70, student tickets $55 and groups of 10 or more $65. The run time is about 2 hours, including a 20-minute intermission. The theatre does not list an age recommendation.

    Parent tip: The theatre gives no age guidance, so a 2-hour show with an intermission is worth thinking about for little ones. The three matinees are the easier fit for younger children.

    Host
    Razzle Dazzle Productions (opens in a new tab)
    Where
    The Port Theatre, 125 Front St., Nanaimo (opens in maps)
    Confirmed
    On the host’s page, checked
    Check dates and details with Razzle Dazzle Productions (opens in a new tab)

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    Rally looks for new Christmas events in Nanaimo, British Columbia every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

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    More Christmas events for kids in Canada

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    Christmas events for kids in Nanaimo, British Columbia: questions parents ask

    What are the 2026 Christmas events for kids in Nanaimo, British Columbia?

    For 2026, we confirmed 2 Christmas events for kids in Nanaimo, British Columbia, each on its host’s own page: Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular (Nanaimo) and SPOTLIGHT: Nutcracker with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet (Nanaimo). Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.

    How do you confirm these events?

    We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 8, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

    Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

    Christmas events for 2026 are coming in late November

    More Christmas events arrive in late November. We add them here as soon as we confirm them.

    The story of Christmas in Nanaimo, British Columbia

    Nanaimo's Christmas season has Santa landing in the harbour by float plane, a Lions Club parade down Commercial Street and decorated boats on the water. Here is how those traditions fit together.

    A Lions parade, a float plane Santa and a Commercial Street start

    Downtown Nanaimo's Christmas season has long started with the Nanaimo Lions Santa parade. A city notice for the 2017 edition set it for Saturday, December 2, from 5 to 6pm. In a later year the parade ran with the Downtown Nanaimo Business Improvement Association along Victoria Crescent and Commercial Street, ending on Front Street.

    Santa has arrived by Harbour Air float plane in the harbour, then handed out photos and wishes at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre.

    Toy drives, a jamboree and a lights map in late 2025

    The 2025 season ran on community effort. A Nanaimo Christmas Village event at Cavallotti Lodge on East Wellington Road ran from November 28 to 30 with free entry. Families could bring a new, unwrapped toy or a cash donation for the Great Nanaimo Toy Drive.

    On Saturday, December 6, the Winter Jamboree filled the Old City Quarter from 10am to 4pm, free, with an artisan market at 403 Fitzwilliam Street. NanaimoNewsNOW also posted its Christmas Lights Map on December 1, a self-guided tour of decorated homes around the city.

    Boats with lights and a third Winterfest

    Nanaimo does lights on the water. A 2024 guide lists a decorated boat tour from Mark Bay to Departure Bay, finishing at the Nanaimo Yacht Club, and a harbour cruise with 20 to 50 vessels.

    Winterfest was in its third edition on Saturday, December 2, 2023, and kicked off the season around Commercial Street, Diana Krall Plaza and the Vancouver Island Conference Centre, with festivities for about three weeks. The Port Theatre now anchors December with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet's Nutcracker, December 2 to 5, 2026, and the Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular, December 15 to 20.

    Traditions today

    • Nutcracker at the Port Theatre: The Royal Winnipeg Ballet production plays December 2 to 5, 2026, with a 1:30pm matinee on December 5. The theatre recommends ages 6 and up.
    • Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular: The Razzle Dazzle Productions holiday musical runs December 15 to 20, 2026, with matinees on December 18, 19 and 20.
    • Old City Quarter Winter Jamboree: In 2025 the free jamboree ran from 10am to 4pm on December 6, with an artisan market at 403 Fitzwilliam Street.
    • Christmas Lights Map: NanaimoNewsNOW publishes a map of decorated homes. The 2025 map went up on December 1.
    • Toy drive donations: In 2025, a Nanaimo Christmas Village event asked visitors to bring a new, unwrapped toy or a cash donation for the Great Nanaimo Toy Drive.
    • Lights by boat: A 2024 guide describes decorated boats cruising Nanaimo Harbour, with 20 to 50 vessels.

    A fact for kids

    In one Nanaimo Bulletin report, Santa and his elves arrive in Nanaimo's harbour by float plane before riding in the Lions Santa parade.

    Questions about Christmas in Nanaimo, British Columbia

    When is the Nutcracker at the Port Theatre in Nanaimo in 2026?

    The Royal Winnipeg Ballet's Nutcracker plays the Port Theatre on Wednesday, December 2, Thursday, December 3 and Friday, December 4, 2026 at 7pm. On Saturday, December 5 there is a 1:30pm matinee and a 7pm show. These are the dates the theatre lists.

    How much are tickets for the 2026 Nanaimo Nutcracker?

    The Port Theatre lists regular Nutcracker tickets at $85 and student tickets at $55, with taxes and fees included. Members save $5 on regular tickets. Check the Port Theatre for your family's total before choosing a night.

    Is the Port Theatre's Nutcracker suitable for young children?

    The Port Theatre recommends the Nutcracker for ages 6 and up. The show runs about 2 hours with a 20-minute intermission, and photography and video are not allowed. For younger children, the Saturday matinee at 1:30pm on December 5 is the gentler time slot.

    Who choreographed the Nutcracker coming to Nanaimo in December 2026?

    Galina Yordanova and Nina Menon, both Royal Winnipeg Ballet alumni, choreographed the production. Paul Daigle designed the costumes and Brian Perchaluk the set. It follows Clara's nutcracker coming to life at midnight, the Mouse King battle and a visit to the Sugar Plum Fairy's realm.

    Is there a talk before the Nutcracker at the Port Theatre?

    Yes. The Port Theatre lists a pre-show chat at 6:15pm in the Harmac Room before the evening performances of the 2026 Nutcracker. The theatre gives that time only, so ask the box office whether the Saturday matinee has a chat too.

    When is the Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular in 2026?

    The Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular runs at the Port Theatre from Tuesday, December 15 to Sunday, December 20, 2026. Evening shows are at 7pm from December 15 to 19, and matinees are at 2pm on December 18, 19 and 20. Razzle Dazzle Productions presents it.

    How much does the Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular cost?

    The Port Theatre lists adult tickets at $70, student tickets at $55 and group tickets for 10 or more at $65, all with taxes and fees included. A VIP add-on for the Friday, December 18 evening show includes meeting the cast, a drink and a cheese tasting.

    What kind of show is the Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular?

    It is a holiday musical created by Katy Bowen-Roberts, with music, dance, storytelling, costumes and festive staging. This year's edition mixes pop and rock hits, Celtic fiddle tunes, jazz standards and classic holiday songs. It runs about 2 hours, including a 20-minute intermission.

    Which Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular shows are in the afternoon?

    There are three 2pm matinees at the Port Theatre: Friday, December 18, Saturday, December 19 and Sunday, December 20, 2026. The Friday and Saturday evening shows are at 7pm. The theatre gives no age recommendation, so the afternoon is the easier pick for families with young kids.

    Where is the Port Theatre in Nanaimo?

    The Port Theatre is at 125 Front St., Nanaimo, BC V9R 6Z4, downtown by the harbour. It hosts both ticketed December 2026 shows confirmed by Rally Takes the Train's Nanaimo Christmas events guide: the Royal Winnipeg Ballet's Nutcracker and the Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular.

    Is there a Santa Claus parade in Nanaimo in 2026?

    A 2026 Nanaimo Santa parade date had not been confirmed on an official page when this was researched. The Nanaimo Lions Club has run the parade in the past, with the Downtown Nanaimo Business Improvement Association. Check the Downtown Nanaimo BIA before planning your evening.

    What route has the Nanaimo Santa parade used?

    In a Nanaimo Bulletin report the parade started at Victoria Road and Farquhar Street, followed Victoria Crescent, crossed the highway to Commercial Street, continued to Church Street and ended on Front Street. Floats had to be lit, and no candy or handouts were allowed.

    How does Santa get to downtown Nanaimo?

    In one Nanaimo Bulletin report, Santa and his elves arrive in the harbour by Harbour Air float plane. Santa then took photos and heard wishes at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre, and the Nanaimo Museum lobby hosted a workshop with crafts, hot chocolate and photos. That report is not from 2026.

    Where can we see Christmas lights in Nanaimo?

    NanaimoNewsNOW publishes a Christmas Lights Map, a self-guided tour of decorated homes. The 2025 map went up on December 1. A 2024 guide also lists decorated boats cruising from Mark Bay to Departure Bay, and a harbour cruise with 20 to 50 vessels.

    What was the Winter Jamboree in Nanaimo's Old City Quarter?

    The Winter Jamboree ran on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 10am to 4pm in the Old City Quarter, free to attend. It included an artisan market at 403 Fitzwilliam Street. A 2026 date had not been confirmed when this was researched.

    What is Winterfest in downtown Nanaimo?

    Winterfest was in its third edition on Saturday, December 2, 2023, and kicked off the holiday season downtown, centred on Commercial Street. Related activities were at Diana Krall Plaza and the Vancouver Island Conference Centre, with festivities running about three weeks. No 2026 date was confirmed.

    Where can families donate toys at Christmas in Nanaimo?

    In 2025, a Nanaimo Christmas Village event at Cavallotti Lodge, 2060 E Wellington Road, ran November 28 to 30 with free entry. Visitors could bring a new, unwrapped toy or a cash donation for the Great Nanaimo Toy Drive. Check for a 2026 version.

    Does the Nanaimo Museum do anything for kids in December?

    In an older Nanaimo Bulletin report, the museum lobby offered family Christmas crafts on Fridays and Saturdays, plus a day of old-fashioned activities, with December admission free for a cash donation to the Loaves and Fishes Food Bank. No 2026 program was confirmed when this was researched.

    Are Christmas events in Nanaimo free?

    Some are. The 2025 Winter Jamboree and the Christmas Village toy drive event were free. The two confirmed 2026 theatre shows are ticketed, with Nutcracker tickets at $55 to $85 and Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular tickets at $55 to $70, so budget for those.

    Where do I find a list of Christmas events for kids in Nanaimo?

    Rally Takes the Train's Nanaimo Christmas events guide lists the confirmed December 2026 shows at the Port Theatre, with dates, times and prices. Dates come from the host's own page, and anything unconfirmed, such as the Santa parade, is left off until a 2026 date appears.

    Sources

    1. SPOTLIGHT: Nutcracker (2026), Port Theatre
    2. Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular (2026), Port Theatre
    3. Winter Jamboree in the Old City Quarter, Tourism Nanaimo
    4. Christmas Lights Map, NanaimoNewsNOW
    5. Nanaimo Christmas Village and Great Nanaimo Toy Drive, Nanaimo Christmas Village
    6. Winterfest, third edition (2023), NanaimoNewsNOW
    7. Christmas in Nanaimo: Christmas arrives downtown, Nanaimo Bulletin
    8. Santa parade lights up Nanaimo's downtown core, Nanaimo Bulletin
    9. Nanaimo Christmas 2024, Nanaimo Christmas events guide
    10. Notice of Special Event: Nanaimo Lions Christmas Parade, City of Nanaimo
    Kelsey Cecil
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