Get into the spirit of the season with our Nanaimo holiday guide. From Nanaimo aficionados to curious newcomers, our guide showcases the best of the holiday season.
Popular events include the Festival of Trees, where beautifully decorated trees bring festive cheer and creativity to the community. The Nanaimo Christmas Light Tour offers a mesmerizing display of twinkling lights throughout the city, illuminating the streets with holiday magic. And the Skate with Santa event is something you definitely don't want to miss, allowing families to enjoy a delightful day on the ice with everyone’s favorite jolly figure. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Nanaimo
- Nanaimo Christmas Light Tour
- Festival of Trees
- Christmas at The Port Theatre
- Skate with Santa
- Christmas Carol Concert
- Christmas High Tea
- Winter Bazaar
- Holiday Bazaar
- Christmas Market
- Holiday Lights Display
See these and even more events listed below!
Nanaimo Holiday Light Displays
Nanaimo Christmas Light Tour
What to Expect:
Boats decorated with Christmas lights in a scenic harbor setting.
Description:
Watch boats decorated with Christmas lights travel from Mark Bay to Departure Bay via Newcastle Channel and back to the Nanaimo Yacht Club, creating a festive holiday display.
Where: Nanaimo | More Info: Nanaimo Christmas Light Tour
Holiday Lights Display
What to Expect:
Decorated boat cruise through Nanaimo Harbour.
Description:
The NYC Christmas Light Parade features a festive cruise of decorated boats through Nanaimo Harbour, showcasing holiday spirit with 20-50 participating vessels.
Where: Nanaimo | More Info: Holiday Lights Display
Nanaimo Holiday Markets and Shopping
Winter Bazaar
What to Expect:
Local craftsmanship in cold-weather wear.
Description:
The Winter Bazaar in Nanaimo showcases locally-made winter clothing and accessories, featuring artisans who create warm, stylish items perfect for Vancouver Island winters.
Where: Nanaimo | More Info: Winter Bazaar
Holiday Bazaar
What to Expect:
Unique, locally-crafted art and gifts.
Description:
The Holiday Bazaar is a premier event showcasing unique, locally-crafted art and gifts. It features a curated collection of original artwork, handmade crafts, and home goods created by talented local artisans. This event supports local small businesses and offers perfect holiday shopping opportunities.
Where: Nanaimo | More Info: Holiday Bazaar
Christmas Market
What to Expect:
100 Canadian makers selling unique handmade gifts and artisan foods.
Description:
The Handmade Christmas Makers Market is a celebration of creativity and craftsmanship, featuring over 100 Canadian makers, artisans, and crafters selling unique handmade gifts and artisan foods. The event includes hourly prize draws, a children's activity area, and visits with Santa.
Where: Nanaimo | More Info: Christmas Market
Nanaimo Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas at The Port Theatre
What to Expect:
Tribute concert with Legends All-Star Band and special guest Lovettes.
Description:
Join Zachary Stevenson and the Chicago-based trio Lovettes for a special Christmas concert at The Port Theatre. This event features a show-stopping salute to female icons and girl groups from the 1950s and 60s, with performances of big hits and seasonal tunes backed by the Legends All-Star Band.
Where: Nanaimo | More Info: Christmas at The Port Theatre
Christmas High Tea
What to Expect:
Interactive British comedy with wordplay and physical humor.
Description:
O Christmas Tea is a hilarious and inventive British comedy show featuring wordplay, comic physicality, and interactive elements. Combining British propriety with an unabashed love for the unexpected, the show is reminiscent of classic British pantos. When catastrophe strikes at James and Jamesy’s Christmas tea party, the duo conjures wildly funny solutions to stay afloat, sweeping the audience out to sea in this jolly holiday escapade.
Where: Nanaimo | More Info: Christmas High Tea
Christmas Carol Concert
What to Expect:
Visual storytelling with giant masks and puppets.
Description:
The WONDERHEADS present a captivating reimagining of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," featuring giant masks, whimsical puppets, and wondrous theatrical invention. This production showcases larger than life characters, glowing ghosts, and 10-foot-tall puppets, whisking audiences away on Ebenezer Scrooge's Christmas Eve adventure.
Where: Nanaimo | More Info: Christmas Carol Concert
Nanaimo Other Holiday Activities
Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Exclusive autograph session with Nanaimo Clippers players.
Description:
The Festival of Trees is a community fundraiser featuring an exclusive autograph session with Nanaimo Clippers players at Woodgrove Centre. All proceeds benefit the Loaves and Fishes Food Bank, supporting those in need during the holiday season. Fans can bring their gear and snag merchandise onsite while catching a glimpse of the new Alternate Jersey - Midnight Sails.
Where: Nanaimo | More Info: Festival of Trees
Skate with Santa
What to Expect:
Free admission and equipment rentals for all participants.
Description:
The Lions FREE Skate event is a weekly community gathering at Frank Crane Arena, offering free admission, skate, and helmet rentals every Sunday from 12-1:30 PM. It is designed for skaters of all ages and abilities, providing an excellent opportunity for the community to get active.
Where: Nanaimo | More Info: Skate with Santa
Santa's Workshop
What to Expect:
Free photo with Santa and shareable video.
Description:
At Santa's Workshop, families can take a photo with Santa Claus and receive a free 4x6 studio-quality photo and a shareable video. The event features holiday giveaways, games, and crafts, creating a fun and memorable holiday outing for all.
Where: Nanaimo | More Info: Santa's Workshop
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- North Cowichan (25 miles)
- Duncan (29 miles)
- Richmond (36 miles)
- West End (37 miles)
- Vancouver (37 miles)
- West Vancouver (38 miles)
- Ladner (39 miles)
- Port Alberni (39 miles)
- Tsawwassen (40 miles)
- North Vancouver (41 miles)