It’s beginning to feel a lot like the holidays on Vancouver Island—twinkling lights along the coast, festive markets, and crisp sea air. In this guide to Vancouver Island holiday events 2025, we’ve gathered the best markets, light displays, and seasonal celebrations happening across the Island.
1. Vancouver Island Holiday Markets 2025
Holiday markets are a highlight of the Vancouver Island holiday events 2025 season, bringing together local makers and festive lights.
Cozy coastal markets bring together local makers, warm drinks, and festive lights—everything you need for a relaxed, holiday-inspired day out.
Vancouver Island holiday markets offer the perfect chance to slow down and shop more intentionally. Many events highlight artisan-made goods, small-batch treats, and thoughtfully curated décor. They’re ideal for finding one-of-a-kind gifts, supporting local vendors, and enjoying a community-first atmosphere.
Most markets are set in walkable downtown areas or community halls, often paired with live music, food trucks, and photo-ready light displays. Whether you’re browsing handmade ceramics, artwork, jewelry, or locally roasted coffee, you’ll find plenty of meaningful ways to bring a little Island character home for the holidays.
2. Coastal Light Displays & Seaside Strolls
Coastal light displays remain one of the most-loved Vancouver Island holiday events 2025, drawing families and visitors throughout December.
Historic main streets and harbourfront walkways glow with colourful lights throughout December, turning coastal towns into picture-perfect holiday scenes.
As the days grow shorter, communities across Vancouver Island transform their waterfronts and heritage streets into bright corridors of festive light. Evening strolls become an experience of their own—shop windows glowing, historic buildings outlined in colour, and reflections shimmering across rain-glossed streets and harbour water.
Grab a warm drink, take a slow walk through a decorated downtown, and enjoy the blend of old-world charm and West Coast coastal scenery. It’s an easy, low-key way to soak in the season—perfect for family photos, catching up with friends, or simply enjoying a quiet, festive night out.
3. Holiday Events & Experiences to Explore
December on Vancouver Island is filled with festive gatherings—from concerts and light-up nights to community fundraisers and seasonal performances.
Beyond markets and coastal light displays, the Island offers a wide mix of holiday events throughout the month. Many pair live entertainment with food and beverage options, making them ideal for a full evening out. Concerts, theatre shows, neighbourhood light-ups, and charity events all add their own touch of seasonal charm.
Look for experiences that highlight the Island’s character: seaside performances, historic venues dressed for the holidays, and community celebrations that invite you to linger, mingle, and connect. Whether you’re attending with family, friends, or out-of-town guests, these gatherings reflect the spirit of Vancouver Island at its most festive.
However you choose to celebrate this month, we hope you find time to enjoy the lights, support local businesses, and make a few new memories along the coast.
