Victoria shines in December — literally. The whole city glows with lights, music, and community warmth, and some of the best things to do this season are entirely free. Whether you’re new to the Island or simply soaking up the magic, here’s your Local Love guide to the most festive no-cost activities across Greater Victoria.

1. Inner Harbour Holiday Lights

December transforms the Inner Harbour into a glowing postcard. Parliament, the Empress, and the marina sparkle every night — and it’s completely free. Grab a hot chocolate, stroll the waterfront, and soak in the atmosphere.
Best time: just after sunset.

https://gvha.ca/events/harbour-holiday-light-up/

2. Lights of Wonder

Check out Lights of Wonder - Downtown Victoria’s most photo-worthy holiday event at Centennial Square November 29 – December 31! Catch live entertainment on stage Friday and Saturday nights. Snap unforgettable holiday photos with family, friends, and even your pup. Don’t miss the return of the Ferris wheel, opening December 19.

https://downtownvictoria.ca/lights-of-wonder/

3. Sidney’s Seaside Lights & Beacon Avenue Stroll

Sidney goes all-in on holiday lights every year. Take a walk along Beacon Avenue, enjoy the decorated storefronts, and wander the waterfront promenade by the pier.

Bonus: Many shops offer free tastings or cookie samples on select days.

https://www.exploresidney.ca/holidays/

4. Esquimalt’s 2025 Christmas Tree Village

Esquimalt is one of the most underrated places for holiday magic. Experience the magic of the holidays at the tenth annual Christmas Tree Village.The Recreation Centre Atrium and Archie Browning Sports Centre is transformed into a holiday wonderland, teeming with twinkling lights and delightful decorations.

https://www.esquimalt.ca/ChristmasTreeVillage

5. Oak Bay Village Holiday Windows

Oak Bay’s boutique shops create beautiful window displays throughout December. It’s festive, friendly, and walkable — and with the smell of fireplaces drifting through the village, it feels like a small-town Hallmark movie.

And On the first Saturday of December the Island Equipment Owners Association Truck Parade & Food Drive, featuring over 80 brightly lit cement trucks, dump trucks and other heavy equipment comes through Oak Bay Village. Music, food collection from 5 PM at the Oak Bay Municipal Hall.

https://www.oakbay.ca/whats-happening/annual-events/christmas-in-oak-bay/

6. Beacon Hill Park Winter Walks

No cost, endless beauty. Wander through Beacon Hill Park, visit the ducks, enjoy quiet forest paths, and take in the views from Dallas Road. Crisp winter air + ocean scenery = perfection.

Park info:
https://www.victoria.ca/parks-recreation/parks-trails/our-parks/beacon-hill-park

7. Drive or Walk Through Festive Neighbourhoods

Local favourites you can walk or drive through:

https://www.timescolonist.com/life/greater-victoria-christmas-lights-map-4831091

Free, cheerful, and perfect for a pre-holiday drive.

8. Local Craft Markets

Victoria hosts multiple markets — and many offer free entry on certain days or after certain hours. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s a lovely way to support local makers and feel part of the community.

https://www.victoria.ca/community-culture/events

Local Love Wrap-Up

December in Victoria is less about spending and more about slowing down, wandering, and feeling part of this island community. Whether you’re exploring harbour lights or discovering new neighbourhood favourites, the magic is everywhere — and most of it is free.

If you're new to Victoria or thinking about calling this beautiful place home, exploring in December is the perfect way to get to know its heart.

And if you’d like help choosing a neighbourhood that fits your lifestyle — I’d love to guide you.

Jacqueline Ross
REALTOR® | Coldwell Banker Oceanside Real Estate
(250) 415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
www.YourVanIsleHome.com
Instagram | Facebook  
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Helping you find home — and community — here in Victoria, BC.

As we move along in December, the Victoria real estate market shows a clear shift in pace. Sales slowed in November, inventory remained healthy, and the overall tone of the market leaned toward patience — offering more breathing room for buyers and a steady, balanced environment for sellers.

Here’s what you need to know.

Home Sales Down Compared to Last Year

A total of 451 properties sold across the Victoria Real Estate Board region in November 2025. This reflects:

• 18.1% fewer sales compared to November 2024 (551 sales)

• 26.9% fewer sales than October 2025

• Yet still higher activity than November 2022 and 2023, when sales dipped below 400

Sales varied by property type:

• Condo sales: 119 units sold (down 36% year-over-year)

• Single-family homes: 241 sold (down 8.4% year-over-year)

The Board notes this year-over-year comparison looks dramatic only because 2024 experienced an unusual late-year sales rally, which is not the norm for Victoria.

Inventory Eases, But Choices Remain Strong

At the end of November, there were 3,152 active listings, representing:

• 7.9% fewer listings than October 2025

• 11.1% more listings than November 2024

Buyers still have plenty of selection, but inventory is tightening slightly as we enter the winter season — a typical trend for Victoria.

Market Tone: Balanced, Patient, and Price-Sensitive

2025 VREB Chair Dirk VanderWal describes the November mood as “one of patience.”

• Buyers are taking their time.

• Sellers who price accurately and present their homes well are still seeing results.

• The market remains balanced, without the urgency of the early 2020s.

Different neighbourhoods and property types perform differently, so understanding where your home sits on the buyer–seller spectrum is key.

Benchmark Home Prices: Stable With Mild Movement

Single-Family Homes (Victoria Core)

• November 2024: $1,313,900

• November 2025: $1,276,700 (-2.8% year-over-year)

• Slight dip from October’s benchmark of $1,280,100

Condominiums (Victoria Core)

• November 2024: $542,100

• November 2025: $553,100 (+2% year-over-year)

• Up from October’s benchmark of $549,000

Condo values continue to hold steady, while single-family pricing shows mild softening — a trend aligned with broader affordability patterns.

What This Means for Buyers

• You have time and choice, especially compared to recent years.

• Well-priced homes still move quickly, particularly in the Core, Sidney, and Saanich East.

• If you're planning to buy in early 2026, now is a great moment to start conversations and get pre-approved before the January uptick.

What This Means for Sellers

• Presentation and pricing matter more than ever in a patient market.

• Buyers are thoughtful and selective — staging, photography, and market positioning are essential.

• A complimentary home evaluation can help you understand where your home sits in today’s balanced conditions.

I Can Help You Navigate This Market

Whether you’re planning to buy or sell in 2026, I’d love to walk you through what this market means for your specific plans.

➡️ Reach out anytime for a personalized market review or home evaluation 250-415-5656.

Jacqueline Ross
REALTOR® | Coldwell Banker Oceanside Real Estate
(250) 415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
www.YourVanIsleHome.com
Instagram | Facebook  
Get the newsletter!

Helping you find home — and community — here in Victoria, BC.