Cedar & Yellow Point Annual Country Christmas Self-Guided Tour 2024
Enjoy a unique, festive experience and support local artisans at the same time! This annual event offers an opportunity to explore the studios, farms and shops of local artists and artisans in the Cedar and Yellow Point areas. Tour dates are Nov. 21 to 24 and Nov. 28 to Dec. 1, with all locations open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Visitors can experience live demonstrations, discover unique handcrafted items and enjoy a scenic drive through the countryside, then stop at local cafes and pubs and pore over your finds. Artisans will be open for an extra shopping day event on Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Visit cyartisans.com for a detailed list of participating artists and a downloadable map.
Deck the Hall Christmas Market
Get into the holiday spirit at the Deck the Hall Christmas Market, held at the Cowichan Exhibition Grounds from Nov. 22 to 24. This festive market features more than 120 artisans from across Vancouver Island, offering a wide range of unique, handcrafted gifts, holiday decor, and seasonal treats. Admission is free, and visitors can enjoy a cozy, festive atmosphere while shopping for one-of-a-kind presents. Food concessions will be available on-site to keep you refreshed as you browse.
Visit cowex.ca for more information.
Old Time Christmas
Enjoy a cozy evening in downtown Ladysmith at the Old Time Christmas event, fondly known as “Light Up for Locals.” This family-friendly celebration takes place on Friday, Dec. 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. along 1st Avenue with treats, activities and holiday cheer. Shops will stay open late, so you can explore local businesses while enjoying live music, a Christmas market and face painting for the kids. Don’t miss the chance to snap a photo with Gingy and Santa!
Visit ladysmithdowntown.com for more information.
Little Town Christmas
Join the Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society for an afternoon of festive holiday fun for the whole family at Little Town Christmas on Dec. 7 at the Chemainus Legion, 9775 Chemainus Rd. The event kicks off with family Christmas photos from 1 to 2:15 p.m., followed by photos with Santa from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Enjoy face painting, games, a craft station, a wreath-making table and more, along with hot dogs, hot chocolate, s’mores and Christmas carols. This free event is a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit and make lasting memories in Chemainus.
Visit cvcas.ca for more information.
Holiday Bazaar in Cedar
Join the festive spirit at the Holiday Bazaar, held at Cedar Community Hall on Dec. 7 and 8. Hours are Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Discover a curated selection of locally crafted art, gifts and handmade goods perfect for the holiday season. With more than 50 local vendors, attendees can browse original artwork, ceramics, jewelry, and unique home decor. Santa Claus will make an appearance on Dec. 7 from noon to 3 p.m., and a variety of food trucks will be on hand to keep you energized while you shop.
Visit pacificartsmarket.ca for details.
LaFF’s 21st Annual Winter Celebration
Join Ladysmith Family and Friends (LaFF) for their 21st Annual Winter Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 7 at Aggie Hall. This family-friendly event offers two sessions: 8:30 to 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. to noon. Featuring a winter market, craft station, a delicious snack, and a healthy meal kit to prepare together at home. Attendees can also get a professional group photo taken. Tickets are available by donation with a suggested minimum of $75 per group of four (value of take-home items is approximately $150).
Visit familyandfriends.ca to reserve your tickets and celebrate the season with LaFF.
Christmas Light Cruise (Sail Past)
Enjoy the sight of brightly lit boats floating along the coastline, adding a magical glow to the holiday season. The annual Christmas Light Cruise, hosted by the Fisherman’s Wharf Mariners, lights up Ladysmith’s waterfront on Dec. 14 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. This festive parade of decorated vessels will journey from Fisherman’s Wharf to Transfer Beach, where a community campfire celebration awaits, before continuing as far as Boulder Point, just beyond Lagoon Bridge, and then returning to Fisherman’s Wharf.
Gifts from the Heart Christmas Arts Market
Discover unique, handcrafted items perfect for holiday gift-giving at the Gifts from the Heart Christmas Arts Market in Ladysmith. Held at Aggie Hall (1110 1st Ave.), this festive market runs Dec. 14 and 15, offering a cozy atmosphere with more than 40 local vendors showcasing art, ornaments, stocking stuffers, and seasonal decor. Browse jewelry, textiles, and other distinctive gifts while supporting local artisans. Treat yourself or find heartfelt, one-of-a-kind presents for loved ones in the lead-up to Christmas.
Visit pacificartsmarket.ca for more information.
16th Annual Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular
Join the festive tradition at the 16th Annual Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular, a dazzling celebration of music, dance, lights and holiday spirit across Vancouver Island. This year’s show promises a vibrant mix of musical medleys, from Van Morrison and Dolly Parton to Taylor Swift, along with favorites from Grease, classic James Bond hits and the holiday classic White Christmas. With a talented cast of 18 professional singers, dancers and musicians, this high-energy performance takes audiences on an emotional journey through rock, Broadway, jazz and classical music, interwoven with touching holiday stories. Don’t miss this popular holiday event at the Sid Williams Theatre in Courtenay Dec. 9 to 11, McPherson Playhouse in Victoria Dec. 14 and 15, or The Port Theatre in Nanaimo Dec. 17 to 22. Reserve your seats early for an unforgettable seasonal experience!
Visit yellowpointchristmasspectacular.ca for tickets and more information.
Ladysmith Museum’s Magic of the Season: Chapter 4
Embrace the spirit of the season with a child-sized approach to fun. This colourful miniatures exhibit has something for all and is guaranteed to delight the young and young at heart. Magic of the Season features seasonal displays, dioramas, miniatures, and a selfie station, as well as arts and crafts and free treats for kids. Stop by the Ladysmith Museum at 721 1st Ave. for the fourth chapter of this beloved tradition, which opens on Ladysmith Light-Up night and continues until Christmas. Sponsored by Ladysmith & District Credit Union.
Visit ladysmithhistoricalsociety.ca for details.
Ladysmith Little Theatre presents A Christmas Carol
What better way to usher in the holiday season than with this Christmas classic? Join storyteller Steven Méthot and local musicians for this special fundraiser — three shows only! On Dec. 18, 20 and 22, audiences can enjoy a dramatic re-creation of a Charles Dickens soiree and hear the tale as Dickens himself told it. Come share in the magic and mystery of this timeless story.
Visit ladysmiththeatre.com for more information and tickets.
Ladysmith Fire/Rescue Santa Parade
Santa, Mrs. Claus, and all their firefighter elves are busy preparing for the Ladysmith Fire/Rescue Santa Claus Parade on Dec. 22 from 3 to 8 p.m. The fun starts at 3 p.m. when the parade departs from the Fire Hall on 6th Avenue. Santa and his gang will stop at Brown Drive Park before continuing to 4th Avenue and French Street at 4 p.m. The third stop at 5 p.m. will be at the corner of 4th Avenue and Methuen Street, followed by a stop at the Diamond Hall at 6 p.m. They’ll next appear in the heart of downtown Ladysmith at 7 p.m., before the final stop on Louise Place in South Ladysmith at 8 p.m.
