Top 5 Holiday Events in Nanaimo 2025 | Array
Celebrate the season with these must-see holiday events near you.
Looking for the best holiday events in Nanaimo this year? You’re in the right place. As a marketing agency based in Nanaimo, we love a good festive moment (twinkling lights, handmade markets, warm drinks, you name it!) Whether you’re in the mood for glowing gardens, live performances, or cozy shopping experiences, we’ve rounded up five can’t-miss events happening across the region.
Here’s your guide to the top holiday events in Nanaimo for 2025.
1. Downtown Nanaimo Winterfest
Date: December 4, 11, and 18
Time: 4 PM to 9 PM
Details: Free entry
Downtown comes alive for three nights of late-night shopping, live music, food trucks, and festive cocktails from TravelBar. Opening night features a giant Christmas tree light-up at 5 PM in Diana Krall Plaza. Expect cozy vibes, holiday treats, and visits from Mr. & Mrs. Claus as you explore downtown shops and seasonal pop-ups. Details here or follow the event on Facebook.
2. Milner Christmas Magic
Dates: December 4–7, 11–14, & 18–21
Times: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM (viewing until 8:30 PM)
Details: Admission by donation
Vancouver Island University’s Milner Gardens & Woodland once again turns its forest paths and garden spaces into a glowing holiday walk. With thousands of lights, festive window displays, and plenty of photo-ready moments, this is a holiday event you don’t want to miss. Browse the Gingerbread Gift Shop for stocking stuffers, warm up with food and drinks, and make an evening of it with friends or family. Find more details here.
3. Mistletoe and Magic Handmade Market
Date: December 12 to 14
Time: Fri: 2pm-8pm | Sat: 10am-5pm | Sun: 10am – 4pm
Details: $7 weekend pass (kids 12 & under free)
This 100% handmade holiday market brings 90+ Canadian makers together at Beban Park Social Centre. Browse artisan goods, enjoy a full concession, enter hourly prize draws, and visit Santa’s stage for photos. With a weekend wristband, you can pop back in as often as you like for more gifts, treats, and festive fun. Purchase tickets here.
4. Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular
Dates: December 16 to 21
Time: Tue–Thu 7:00 PM · Fri & Sat: 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM · Sun 2:00 PM
Details: $65 for Adults | $55 for Students | $60.00 for Group (10+)
Get ready for a holiday tradition at the Port Theatre! The 17th Annual Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular brings music, dance, lights and storytelling together in a fast-moving, colourful show that’s become a Vancouver Island favourite. Expect rock-’n’-roll, Broadway, jazz, tap, holiday classics, and a few surprises all wrapped up in two hours of festive cheer. Grab your tickets early; this show sells out fast.
5. Christmas Market & Walk of Lights
Date: December 6, 13 & 20
Time: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Details: Market free | Walk of Lights by donation ($5/person or $15/family)
After a year-long hiatus, Arbutus Meadows returns with their cozy farm-style Christmas market featuring local vendors, seasonal treats, and festive finds inside their event barn. After shopping, follow the twinkle-lit trail through the Walk of Lights: complete with storytelling, warm bonfires, live music, food trucks, and hay wagon rides. It’s a wholesome, heartwarming holiday outing for all ages. Details here.
How will you celebrate the 2025 holiday season in Nanaimo?
Whether you’re planning a festive night out, searching for the perfect local gift, or creating new traditions with the people you love, these Nanaimo holiday events offer something for every kind of cheer.
And if you’re an event organizer looking to elevate your brand, website, or seasonal campaign, we can help turn big ideas into meaningful moments.