We confirmed 12 Christmas events for kids in Victoria for 2026. The season starts on November 27 with Light Up Event at the Parliament Buildings and runs until January 6 (The Magic of Christmas). 11 of them are free. Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in Canada.
The short version
- 12 kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in Victoria, Brentwood Bay, Saanich, Colwood and Esquimalt
- First: Light Up Event at the Parliament Buildings, Victoria, November 27
- Free events: Light Up Event at the Parliament Buildings, Wonderful Wintry Storytime, Wonderful Wintry Storytime, Wonderful Wintry Storytime, Carol-Along with the Carillon and Holiday Storytime
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by town, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included).
Victoria Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 12 confirmed for 2026
- Cities and towns
- Victoria, Brentwood Bay, Saanich, Colwood, Esquimalt, Langford and Oak Bay
- Season
- November 27 to January 6
- Free events
- 11
- Last checked
Christmas events for kids in Victoria
4 confirmed events in Victoria, soonest first.
Light Up Event at the Parliament Buildings
Tree lightingFreeLegislative Assembly of British Columbia · Victoria
- Host
- Legislative Assembly of British Columbia (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- BC Parliament Buildings, 501 Belleville Street, Victoria V8V 1X4
- When
- Fri, Nov 27, 3 to 6:30 pm; lighting about 6 pm
- Cost
- Free, no tickets needed
- Ages
- Everyone welcome
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Legislative Assembly of British Columbia opens the Parliament Buildings for an afternoon of holiday music before the building's famous lights are switched on for the season. From 3 to 5:30 pm, families can head inside to see the Christmas tree, enjoy family-friendly activities and listen to performances by local choirs and bands.
From 6 to 6:30 pm, the celebration moves outside to the front driveway for choral performances by local school choirs and the lighting of the Parliament Buildings. The event is free, no advance registration or tickets are required, and everyone is welcome. It is a classic way to start the season on the Inner Harbour, and the Legislature also hosts free musical performances in the Upper Rotunda throughout December if you want to return.
Parent tip: Come inside first for the tree and activities, then move to the front driveway before 6 pm for the lighting.
See dates and details from Legislative Assembly of British Columbia (opens in a new tab)Wonderful Wintry Storytime
Christmas story timeFreeGreater Victoria Public Library · Victoria
- Host
- Greater Victoria Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Central Branch, Greater Victoria Public Library, 735 Broughton Street, Victoria V8W 3H2
- When
- Mon, Nov 30, 11 am to 12 pm
- Cost
- Free, drop-in, space limited
- Ages
- Young children and families; under 3 with an adult
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Greater Victoria Public Library's Central Branch kicks off December with Wonderful Wintry Storytime in its children's area. Young children and their families celebrate wintry tales of snow and forest friends, with songs, rhymes and a paper craft to round out the hour. It is a seasonal storytime rather than a Christmas party, so it suits families of any tradition.
The program is free and drop-in, and space is limited. Children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. Central Branch is the system's largest library, in the heart of downtown Victoria on Broughton Street, so you can follow storytime with a walk to see the holiday window displays or the lights on the Inner Harbour later in the day.
Parent tip: Drop-in with limited space; children under 3 must be with an adult.
See dates and details from Greater Victoria Public Library (opens in a new tab)Wonderful Wintry Storytime
Christmas story timeFreeGreater Victoria Public Library · Victoria
- Host
- Greater Victoria Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- sxʷeŋxʷəŋ təŋəxʷ James Bay Branch, Greater Victoria Public Library, 385 Menzies Street, Victoria V8V 2H2
- When
- Wed, Dec 2, 3:30 to 4:30 pm
- Cost
- Free, drop-in, space limited
- Ages
- Young children and families; under 3 with an adult
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The sxʷeŋxʷəŋ təŋəxʷ James Bay Branch of Greater Victoria Public Library offers Wonderful Wintry Storytime in the late afternoon, a handy time for families whose little ones nap in the morning. Children and their grown-ups celebrate wintry tales of snow and forest friends with songs, rhymes and a paper craft.
The program is free and drop-in, with limited space. Children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. The newer branch on Menzies Street sits just behind the BC Legislature and is full of natural light. Once storytime ends it will be getting dark, which makes it easy to walk over and see the Parliament Buildings lit up for the season. The session runs for one hour, and families are welcome to browse the picture book shelves before heading out.
Parent tip: A good after-nap option; children under 3 need an adult, and the Legislature lights are a short walk away.
See dates and details from Greater Victoria Public Library (opens in a new tab)Carol-Along with the Carillon
Carol concertFreeRoyal BC Museum · Victoria
- Host
- Royal BC Museum (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Royal BC Museum, Precinct Upper Patio, 675 Belleville Street, Victoria V8W 9W2
- When
- Sat, Dec 5, 4:15 to 5 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Everyone welcome
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Royal BC Museum calls its Carol-Along with the Carillon a festive signature event. Families gather on the museum precinct's upper patio to sing favourite holiday songs with the Newcombe Singers, accompanied by the bells of the Netherlands Centennial Carillon, the tall bell tower beside the museum. Hot chocolate and cookies help everyone warm up, and the museum says everyone is welcome.
The carol-along is free and lasts about 45 minutes in the late afternoon, so it suits young children who cannot stay out late. It takes place outdoors, so dress for the weather and bring your singing voice. The museum is a short walk from the Inner Harbour and the Parliament Buildings, which makes it easy to combine with a December stroll to see the lights downtown.
Parent tip: It is outdoors on the upper patio, so dress warmly; arrive a few minutes before 4:15 pm to find a spot near the singers.
See dates and details from Royal BC Museum (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Brentwood Bay
2 confirmed events in Brentwood Bay, soonest first.
The Magic of Christmas (Brentwood Bay)
Christmas lightsThe Butchart Gardens · Brentwood Bay
- Host
- The Butchart Gardens (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- The Butchart Gardens, 800 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay V8M 1J8 (near Victoria)
- When
- Daily, Dec 1 to Jan 6; carols 5 to 9 pm
- Cost
- Garden admission; timed entry ticket recommended
- Ages
- All ages
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
During the Magic of Christmas season, The Butchart Gardens near Brentwood Bay fill with colourful light displays, including scenes depicting The Twelve Days of Christmas that families can find one by one while singing along to the carol. Traditional Carollers and a Festive Brass band alternate every half hour from 5 to 9 pm, and the Coffee Shop serves hot chocolate and gingerbread by the fire. The average stroll takes about an hour.
A sweet tradition for children 12 and under: make a snowflake at home from a sheet of white paper, bring it along, and trade it at the Coffee Shop for a cup of hot chocolate. Your snowflake may decorate the windows all season. The Gardens strongly recommend booking a timed entrance ticket in advance; walk-ups are admitted only if there is capacity. Pets are not permitted before 8:30 pm during the season.
Parent tip: Book a timed entrance ticket ahead, and have kids 12 and under bring a homemade paper snowflake to trade for hot chocolate.
See dates and details from The Butchart Gardens (opens in a new tab)Wonderful Wintry Storytime (Brentwood Bay)
Christmas story timeFreeGreater Victoria Public Library · Brentwood Bay
- Host
- Greater Victoria Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Central Saanich Branch, Greater Victoria Public Library, 1209 Clarke Road, Brentwood Bay V8M 1P8 (near Victoria)
- When
- Sat, Dec 12, 10:30 to 11:30 am
- Cost
- Free, drop-in, space limited
- Ages
- Young children and families; under 3 with an adult
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Central Saanich Branch of Greater Victoria Public Library, inside the Central Saanich Cultural Centre in Brentwood Bay, runs Wonderful Wintry Storytime on a Saturday morning in December. Young children and families celebrate wintry tales of snow and forest friends, with songs, rhymes and a paper craft to finish.
The program is free and drop-in, with limited space. Children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. Brentwood Bay is only a few minutes from The Butchart Gardens, so families on the Saanich Peninsula could make a day of it with storytime in the morning and the Gardens' Christmas lights after dark. Activity Room A is where the session takes place. The program runs for one hour, a good length for toddlers and preschoolers.
Parent tip: Drop-in with limited space; consider pairing it with an evening visit to The Butchart Gardens nearby.
See dates and details from Greater Victoria Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Saanich
2 confirmed events in Saanich, soonest first.
Wonderful Wintry Storytime (Saanich)
Christmas story timeFreeGreater Victoria Public Library · Saanich
- Host
- Greater Victoria Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Saanich Centennial Branch, Greater Victoria Public Library, 3110 Tillicum Road, Saanich V9A 2B7 (near Victoria)
- When
- Wed, Dec 2, 11 am to 12 pm
- Cost
- Free, drop-in, space limited
- Ages
- Young children and families; under 3 with an adult
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Saanich Centennial Branch of Greater Victoria Public Library hosts Wonderful Wintry Storytime in its community room. Young children and their families celebrate wintry tales of snow and forest friends, then enjoy songs, rhymes and a paper craft to take home. The winter theme makes it a welcoming choice for families of every tradition.
The program is free and drop-in, but space is limited. Children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. The branch sits beside Pearkes Recreation Centre on Tillicum Road, so a public skate or a swim afterward can turn this into a full morning out. It is a calm, short program well suited to toddlers and preschoolers. The library lists the session as running for one hour, a comfortable length for short attention spans.
Parent tip: Space is limited, so arrive early; pair it with a skate at Pearkes Recreation Centre next door.
See dates and details from Greater Victoria Public Library (opens in a new tab)Holiday Storytime (Saanich)
Christmas story timeFreeGreater Victoria Public Library · Saanich
- Host
- Greater Victoria Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Bruce Hutchison Branch, Greater Victoria Public Library, 4636 Elk Lake Drive, Saanich V8Z 7K2 (near Victoria)
- When
- Thu, Dec 10, 10:30 to 11:30 am
- Cost
- Free, drop-in, space limited
- Ages
- Young children and families; under 3 with an adult
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Greater Victoria Public Library's Bruce Hutchison Branch, tucked inside Saanich Commonwealth Place, hosts a Holiday Storytime for young children and their families. The library describes it as a festive storytime and craft in anticipation of Christmas Day, held in the branch's Arbutus Room, so little ones get seasonal stories plus something to make and take home.
The program is free and drop-in, but space is limited, so arriving early is a good idea. Children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. Because the branch shares a building with Commonwealth Place, you can easily pair storytime with a family swim or a snack afterward. It is a gentle, low-cost December outing for toddlers and preschoolers in Saanich and the Royal Oak area.
Parent tip: Space is limited, so arrive a little early; children under 3 need an adult with them.
See dates and details from Greater Victoria Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Colwood
1 confirmed event in Colwood, soonest first.
Holiday Storytime (Colwood)
Christmas story timeFreeGreater Victoria Public Library · Colwood
- Host
- Greater Victoria Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Juan de Fuca Branch, Greater Victoria Public Library, 1759 Island Highway, Colwood V9B 1J1 (near Victoria)
- When
- Wed, Dec 23, 10:30 to 11:30 am
- Cost
- Free, drop-in, space limited
- Ages
- Young children and families; under 3 with an adult
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Two days before Christmas, the Juan de Fuca Branch of Greater Victoria Public Library hosts a Holiday Storytime in its program room. The library describes it as a festive storytime and craft in anticipation of Christmas Day, aimed at young children and their families, which makes it a good way to fill a busy, excited morning during the school break.
It is free and drop-in, with limited space. Children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. The branch is a large, family-friendly library beside the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre on the Island Highway, so there is room to browse holiday picture books afterward. Check the library's holiday hours before you go, as the system closes for Christmas Day.
Parent tip: Busy days before Christmas fill quickly, so arrive early; children under 3 need an adult.
See dates and details from Greater Victoria Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Esquimalt
1 confirmed event in Esquimalt, soonest first.
Wonderful Wintry Storytime (Esquimalt)
Christmas story timeFreeGreater Victoria Public Library · Esquimalt
- Host
- Greater Victoria Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Esquimalt Branch, Greater Victoria Public Library, 101-503 Park Place, Esquimalt V9A 0H6 (near Victoria)
- When
- Sat, Dec 12, 11 am to 12 pm
- Cost
- Free, drop-in, space limited
- Ages
- Young children and families; under 3 with an adult
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Greater Victoria Public Library's Esquimalt Branch, its newest location at Esquimalt Town Square, hosts Wonderful Wintry Storytime on a Saturday morning, which works well for parents who are at work during the week. Young children and families celebrate wintry tales of snow and forest friends, followed by songs, rhymes and a paper craft.
The program is free and drop-in, but space is limited, so arrive a bit early. Children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. The bright, modern branch is right on the town square, so it is easy to follow storytime with a coffee or a walk. The winter theme makes it a comfortable choice for families of all backgrounds. The session lasts one hour, which leaves plenty of the weekend free for other plans.
Parent tip: Saturday sessions are popular, so arrive early; children under 3 need an adult.
See dates and details from Greater Victoria Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Langford
1 confirmed event in Langford, soonest first.
Holiday Storytime (Langford)
Christmas story timeFreeGreater Victoria Public Library · Langford
- Host
- Greater Victoria Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Langford Heritage Branch, Greater Victoria Public Library, 102-1314 Lakepoint Way, Langford V9B 0S2 (near Victoria)
- When
- Fri, Dec 11, 11 am to 12 pm
- Cost
- Free, drop-in, space limited
- Ages
- Young children and families; under 3 with an adult
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Langford Heritage Branch of Greater Victoria Public Library offers a Holiday Storytime for young children and families in its public space. The library describes it as a festive storytime and craft in anticipation of Christmas Day, a nice mix of listening and making for toddlers and preschoolers.
It is free and drop-in, though space is limited. Children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. The branch is family friendly and shares a building with the Victoria Conservatory of Music and the YMCA-YWCA Westhills, so parking and a post-storytime snack or swim are easy to arrange. The branch also runs a Wonderful Wintry Storytime earlier in December if your child would enjoy a second visit.
Parent tip: Drop-in with limited space; children under 3 must come with an adult.
See dates and details from Greater Victoria Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Oak Bay
1 confirmed event in Oak Bay, soonest first.
Holiday Storytime (Oak Bay)
Christmas story timeFreeGreater Victoria Public Library · Oak Bay
- Host
- Greater Victoria Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Oak Bay Branch, Greater Victoria Public Library, 1442 Monterey Avenue, Oak Bay V8S 4W1 (near Victoria)
- When
- Wed, Dec 16, 10:30 to 11:30 am
- Cost
- Free, drop-in, space limited
- Ages
- Young children and families; under 3 with an adult
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Greater Victoria Public Library's Oak Bay Branch, next to the Monterey Recreation Centre, holds a Holiday Storytime in its community room the week before Christmas. The library describes it as a festive storytime and craft in anticipation of Christmas Day, made for young children and their families.
The program is free and drop-in, but space is limited, so plan to arrive a little early. Children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. With Oak Bay Village a short drive away, it is easy to turn the morning into a small holiday outing with a stroll past the village lights and shops afterward. This is a calm, cozy choice for toddlers and preschoolers who are excited about Christmas.
Parent tip: Space is limited, so arrive early; an adult must stay with children under 3.
See dates and details from Greater Victoria Public Library (opens in a new tab)A story for the trip home
Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is hand-painted in watercolour. It is a cozy five-minute read after a big day out.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolour. Ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon.ca (opens in a new tab)Victoria Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Victoria in 2026?
We confirmed 12 Christmas events for kids in Victoria for 2026, each on its host’s own page, including Light Up Event at the Parliament Buildings, Wonderful Wintry Storytime, The Magic of Christmas (Brentwood Bay), Wonderful Wintry Storytime (Saanich), Wonderful Wintry Storytime, Carol-Along with the Carillon, Holiday Storytime (Saanich), Holiday Storytime (Langford), Wonderful Wintry Storytime (Esquimalt), Wonderful Wintry Storytime (Brentwood Bay), Holiday Storytime (Oak Bay) and Holiday Storytime (Colwood). Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Victoria?
Yes. 11 of the 12 events here are free, including Light Up Event at the Parliament Buildings, Wonderful Wintry Storytime, Wonderful Wintry Storytime (Saanich), Wonderful Wintry Storytime, Carol-Along with the Carillon, Holiday Storytime (Saanich), Holiday Storytime (Langford), Wonderful Wintry Storytime (Esquimalt), Wonderful Wintry Storytime (Brentwood Bay), Holiday Storytime (Oak Bay) and Holiday Storytime (Colwood). Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Victoria?
Christmas story times on this page: Wonderful Wintry Storytime, Wonderful Wintry Storytime (Saanich), Wonderful Wintry Storytime, Holiday Storytime (Saanich), Holiday Storytime (Langford), Wonderful Wintry Storytime (Esquimalt), Wonderful Wintry Storytime (Brentwood Bay), Holiday Storytime (Oak Bay) and Holiday Storytime (Colwood). Library story times are usually free; ones with a meal or show are ticketed.
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 2, 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.
