Downtown Victoria is full of holiday cheer
It’s just a week until Christmas! Downtown businesses have been decorated for the holidays, people are doing their last-minute shopping, and festive cheer is in the air. Since many of the usual holiday traditions are not possible this year, we have put together a list of some places to find expressions of holiday spirit, from shop windows to sweaters and more!
Photo Ops
the bay centre
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We may not get a snowy winter wonderland this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t experience the magic of one. With the Festival of Trees still ongoing, the hanging lights, and the snowy holiday backdrop on the bottom floor, The Bay Centre is the place to go to get in the holiday spirit!
Photo by Ariel Glidden
Christmas Sweaters
the patch
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The Patch Clothing is a vintage store, full of unique and high-quality apparel and accessories. They also carry jewellery and contemporary clothing lines, with something for everyone! With winter in full swing, they have an extensive selection of cozy sweaters from around the world, including funky and silly Christmas designs.
Photo by Ariel Glidden
Lights
There are so many beautiful light displays around downtown Victoria. When you have a chance, definitely take a tour of them all!
Finest at Sea
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Finest at Sea is a fish shop and food truck located in James Bay across the street from Fisherman’s Wharf. They sell wild, fresh, and sustainably-sourced seafood products. With lights and so much more, they have really gone all-out on their decorations!
Photo by Ariel Glidden
Window Displays
From painted scenes to Christmas trees to elaborate 3D scenes, these are some of the shop windows that are filled with holiday cheer!
merchant quarters
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Merchant Quarters is a modern general store, fashioned after the early general stores of the 1800s. They offer functional, high-quality goods, including flannel shirts, cheese, Birkenstock sandals, and Ray-Bans. They choose to sell BC-made products from local artisans and makers and seek out companies that are socially-minded and have fair trade philosophies.
Photo by Ariel Glidden
Rogers Chocolates
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Rogers’ Chocolates was founded in 1885 by Charles “Candy” Rogers and his wife, Leah, and the shop was the first chocolatier in Canada. They sell high-quality chocolates, including boxes, bars, and specialty items like maple chocolates and chocolate-covered pretzels. Every December, their heritage store’s window is filled with goodies and decorations!
Photo by Ariel Glidden
Garden of eden
Established in 1973, The Garden of Eden is an adult toy and fun shop. They have a large selection of masks, costumes, nylons, stiletto shoes, boots, corsets, wigs, and much more! Located at 106 – 1483 Douglas Street, near City Hall, their holiday window display is beautiful and full of colour and holiday cheer!
Photo by Ariel Glidden
the papery
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The Papery is a treasure trove of high-quality stationery products, cards, paper and so much more. With fun and funky products, they are the place to go for creative seasonal gifts and presents for any occasion. The window in their new location at 734 Fort Street is painted with a snowy holiday scene, complete with a treehouse!
Photo by Ariel Glidden
the Dutch bakery
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The Dutch Bakery began in 1956 after Kees and Mable Schaddelee came to Canada from the Netherlands. It is still a family business and sells a delectable collection of baked goods, chocolate, and cakes. They also have a diner that serves breakfast and lunch. Their painted window makes you feel like you’re sitting in a winter wonderland.
Photo by Ariel Glidden
Central Barbershop and Stylists
Central Barber Shop and Stylists is located on Fort Street in the Bay Centre. They have a fabulous painted window, full of holiday cheer, snow, and even Donald Duck! Whether you are on a tour of holiday storefronts or need a hair cut, you should check them out!
Photo by Ariel Glidden
The Tuscan Kitchen
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Locally owned and operated for 20 years by the Schelini Family, the Tuscan Kitchen is the place to go for handmade Italian ceramics, fine tableware, heirloom linens, culinary tools, and artisanal Mediterranean foods. Located on View Street in the Bay Centre, their front window is full of bright colours, holiday cheer, and fine quality products.
Photo by Ariel Glidden
Garrick’s Head Pub
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Since 1867, The Garrick’s Head Pub has been serving thirsty patrons of downtown Victoria. They have a wide selection of local and BC draughts and a menu filled with delicious pub fare! Each of their windows has a wonderful, seasonal painting, including some aliens, whales, and a sea monster, by @art_by_drea.
Photo by Ariel Glidden
The Churchill
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The Churchill is a cozy pub, located on Government Street at Bastion Square. They offer high-quality local beverages, a delicious West Coast pub menu, and a refined atmosphere. Their festive window is filled with a Christmas tree, an inflatable Santa, and beautiful paintings by @art_by_drea!
Photo by Ariel Glidden
Hunt & Gather Hair Company
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Hunt & Gather Hair Company is a West Coast-inspired all-gender hair salon located on Gordon Street. They have cutting and styling services, colour services, extension services, and more, including an award-winning team for their bridal and editorial styling. Their holiday window is full of lights, gold decorations, and seasonal greenery.
Photo by Ariel Glidden
Bon Macaron
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Bon Macaron Patisserie began as a way to share some of France’s delicious baking with Victoria. They have over 40 flavours from Creme Brulee to Bubble Gum to Ginger Honey, including a selection of fabulous Christmas flavours like Candy Cane and Chocolate Orange. You will definitely want to include this shop on your list of beautiful window displays and holiday treats!
Photo by Ariel Glidden
Other Holiday Blogs:
Are you looking for more holiday activities, shops, and ways to celebrate? Check out our other holiday blog posts!
Ways to Give Back to Those in Need this Holiday Season
How to Celebrate this Holiday Season During COVID
Giving Back to Staff this Year!
Shop Local this Holiday Season
have a wonderful holiday season and a very happy new year!
