We generally don’t have snowfall to mark the season in Victoria, but the holidays are fast approaching here regardless. 

If you’re looking for a more traditional Christmas market, the Dickens Fair in James Bay or the Victoria Edelweiss Club’s Christmas Market will offer that familiar holiday cheer. 

If you’re hoping to check out markets that are a bit more outside-the-box, the Krampus Market—celebrating a slightly more sinister Christmas tradition from Europe—and the Punk Rock Holiday Market will showcase unique spins on the holiday season.

There also are some fun fairs and festivals coming up, including the Candy Cane Winter Festival and Langford Winter Fest—alongside family photo opportunities, face painting, and hot beverage offerings, expect to find artisanal holiday markets at both. 

Check out our full list of events below.

Yuletide Market | Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays | 10am-4pm

Until Dec. 21, this Christmas market will take over Bilston Farm every weekend. Grab some freshly made pizza, enjoy live music, warm up with a hot drink, and shop the market. A special Christmas Night Market will take place Dec. 15-18.

Bastion Square Holiday Market | Sundays and Mondays | 11am-5pm

This market will be a mixture of indoors and outdoors, with multiple local vendors setting up shop every Sunday and Monday (and Saturday in December) until Christmas Eve. There will also be some live music for shoppers to enjoy. 

Out of Hand Market | Nov. 27 - 30 | 10am

Sip on mocktails while shopping local artisans. Enter to win prizes, pose in the photo booths, and listen to live music at the Crystal Garden. 

Vic West Christmas Market | Nov. 29 | 9am-3pm

Get in the Christmas spirit with the market at Banfield Park, featuring local artisans, handmade goods, treats, crafts, unique gifts, and seasonal decor. 

Victoria Edelweiss Club Christmas Market | Nov. 29 | 10am-4pm

Shop wares from local vendors, with soaps, ornaments, toys, and baked goods available for purchase. The kitchen will be serving up German bratwurst for lunch. 

Langford Winter Fest | Dec. 5-7 | 3-8pm

‍Head to Langford Station for this special market and light-up event. Grab a free hot dog or hot chocolate, take a ride on the carousel, or visit Santa in the Tinsel Gazebo. The Dec. 6 tree lighting ceremony will happen at 7:15pm and the IEOA Truck Parade will pass through the area at 7:30pm.

Krampus Market | Dec. 6 | 11am- 6pm 

Step into the folklore and mischief of the first annual Krampus Market at Fernwood Community Centre. Shop local makers, win door prizes, and take a photo with the Krampus—if you dare.

The Dickens Fair | Dec. 6 | 10am-4pm

It’s one of Victoria’s oldest and best-loved winter craft fairs in James Bay, with 60+ vendors and local artisans offering an amazing variety of affordable handmade and homemade products.

MakeShare Holiday Market | Dec. 6-7 | 11am-4pm

This local folk festival will be happening at Sea Cider, with 45+ artisan vendors, a forest village, live music, tasty food, a gift-wrapping station, and kid-friendly crafting.

Little Fernwood Winter Market | Dec. 7 | 12pm-5pm

Discover local artists and vendors at this first-time market in Paul Phillips Hall, with plenty of crafts and stocking stuffers to be found. 

Last Chance Christmas Craft Show | Dec. 12-14 | Fri. 2pm; Sat. & Sun. 10am

If you missed the First Chance Christmas Craft Show earlier this month, this is your chance to shop local artists, artisans, and vendors at the Mary Winspear Centre.

Candy Cane Lane Winter Festival | Dec. 13-14| 9:30am-4pm

This cozy festival—happening indoors at the Main Hall at the Saanich Fairgrounds—returns for a second weekend, featuring face painting, photos with Santa, mulled wine and hot chocolate, and a bustling artisan market, with plenty of gift ideas and stocking stuffers available.  

Punk Rock Holiday Market | Dec. 20 | 11am - 5pm

Rock on this holiday season with one of Victoria’s most unique events. Shop cool crafts, wares, and food while listening to local bands.