Spending the holiday season on an island by the sea offers a unique charm. Imagine festive activities like tree lightings and old-fashioned farm celebrations, holiday light displays, and seasonal markets, all within reach of a beautiful beach. There’s no better place to experience exactly that than The Beach Club Resort in Parksville. If you’re visiting mid-Vancouver Island with family this season, you’re in for a mix of coastal views, cheerful markets, and other special Christmas experiences to remember.
Special Events for Christmas in Parksville
Holiday Sparkle: Parksville Downtown Tree Lighting Celebration
5:30 – 6:30 PM November 22, Memorial Plaza
Kick off the holiday season in Parksville at the Holiday Sparkle: Downtown Tree Lighting Celebration. Memorial Plaza lights up with festive cheer for this all-ages, family fun event. Enjoy a singalong, let the kiddos mail their letters to Santa in an 'official' North Pole mailbox, and warm up with complimentary popcorn and hot chocolate. Shortly after the tree lighting, Santa and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance and greet families.
Milner Christmas Magic
5:00 – 8:00 PM December 5-8, 12-15, and 19-22, Milner Gardens
One of the most popular things to do with kids in Parksville year-round, Milner Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland during the holidays for its annual Milner Christmas Magic event. Wander paths illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights, admire beautifully decorated trees and window displays, and enjoy seasonal treats in a festive atmosphere.
Little Qualicum Cheeseworks Christmas on the Farm
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM December 7, Morningstar Farm
Looking to add some traditional holiday charm to your Christmas vacation in Parksville? Save the date for Christmas on the Farm. This highly anticipated event offers wagon rides, interactive kids' craft stations, storytelling and live music, food trucks, photo booths, and bonfires for roasting marshmallows. Kids can also interact with the farm's resident animals.
Holiday Season Markets
WinterFest Craft Fair
November 15-17 (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Friday & Saturday, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Sunday), Qualicum Beach Civic Centre
Head over to Qualicum Beach for the WinterFest Craft Fair, a literal treasure trove of handcrafted gifts, unique jewellery, home decor, and specialty goodies. Every year, this is one of the most popular things to do in Parksville to kick off the holiday shopping season. Shoppers will also enjoy live entertainment, art showcases, and complimentary snacks.
Whoville Winter Wonderland Market
3:00 - 8:00 PM November 23, Jensen Centre
Brand new to the Christmas in Parksville scene this year, the Whoville Winter Wonderland Market brings a fun, immersive “Merry Grinchmas” theme. Browse over 50 quirky Whoville-themed booths with one-of-a-kind gifts, plus local food trucks and photo booths.
Coombs Country Christmas Market
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM, December 7 & 8, Coombs Fairgrounds
Known for its “Hallmark movie vibes,” this Christmas Market is held in a cozy, heated outdoor tent at the fairgrounds with an array of food vendors, festive home and outdoor decor, and artisan gifts.
Moonlight Madness in Qualicum Beach
12:00-9:00 PM November 21, downtown QC
For a cheerful night out, head to Moonlight Madness for late-night shopping. Browse unique finds, meet local vendors, and enjoy the lively holiday market atmosphere that transforms downtown Qualicum Beach into a holiday wonderland.
Qualicum Beach Farmers Market
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM Saturdays year-round, 644 Veterans Way, Qualicum Beach V9K 1L8
While this market is not exclusive to the holiday season, the Qualicum Beach Farmers Market, one of the most beloved Parksville attractions, takes on a holiday theme in November and December — and still maintains its local charm. Every Saturday throughout the season, shop for Christmas-themed decor, handcrafted gifts, and artisanal treats alongside market staples like produce, dairy products, baked goodies, and beauty products.
On December 1, the special Very Merry Christmas Market will hold a fundraiser for the Oceanside Hospice Society with even more seasonal items.
Family Fun Outdoor Adventures
Take a Winter Hike
Winter isn't what most people think of when they hear "hiking season," but those in the know have a different perspective on this tranquil time of year. Several trails near Parksville are hikable year-round, and some offer special winter scenery, like frozen waterfalls. As a bonus, most of the best winter hikes are also short and sweet, making this one of the best things to do with kids and totally free!
Here are a few of our favourite trails to check out this winter:
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Englishman River Falls
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Cathedral Grove, MacMillan Park:
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Little Mountain Lookout (psst...you can also drive right up to the lookout, a great idea especially at sunset!)
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Rathtrevor Beach
Annual Polar Bear Splash
12:00 PM, January 1, 2025, Parksville Community Beach
A Parksville tradition since 1990, the Annual Polar Bear Splash invites the bravest, most daring souls to ring in the new year with a plunge into the chilly ocean...many in fun costumes! Held every year on New Year’s Day, this community event is a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re taking the frigid plunge yourself or cheering others on from the shore. It’s fun and exhilarating and a memorable way to welcome the new year for all ages.
Spend Christmas in Parksville
So, there you have it; tons of fun ways to plan an unforgettable Christmas vacation in Parksville! Whether you’re admiring holiday lights, shopping for unique local gifts, or taking a brisk winter hike (or polar plunge!), the holiday season in Parksville offers loads of family fun for all ages and interests. Book a stay at
The Beach Club Resort to not only be close to all the top Parksville attractions but also have a cozy, inviting place to unwind at the end of the day. Enjoy
amenities, including an indoor pool and hot tub while also being steps from the beach and having the convenience of an
onsite restaurant and
spa. Because the holiday season should be just as relaxing as it is festive!
