Get into the Holiday Spirit with Sidney’s Annual Kick-Off to Christmas on Friday, November 21, from 5 pm to 8 pm in downtown Sidney!

Sidney’s biggest shopping night is just around the corner, and we’re pulling out all the stops to make it unforgettable. Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Collectible Sidney Ornament Giveaway – Limited supply, location announced soon!
• Shop Local and Get Rewarded – Spend $100 at any of Sidney’s incredible shops or restaurants on the evening of November 21 and bring your receipt to the Explore Sidney team inside the Sidney Pier Hotel to receive a $20 Sidney by the Sea Gift Card – our way of saying thank you for supporting local businesses!
• Wreath-Making Station – Visit Hansell & Halkett in Sidney’s iconic Garden Court to shop their festive DIY wreath bar, where you can purchase artisanal wreath-making supplies to take home. Pick your favourite greenery and accents to create a custom holiday wreath that’s uniquely yours!
• Toast the season at The Farmer’s Daughter – Mulled Wine, Cider, Charcuterie Cups, and Grilled Cheese Bites — cozy up in Sidney’s own Winter Wonderland at The Farmer’s Daughter and savour these festive favourites.
• Chocolate & Candy Stations – Satisfy your sweet tooth with complimentary indulgent treats at our chocolate and candy stations scattered throughout town.
• Complimentary Holiday Beverages – Warm up with a free holiday drink while you browse. The perfect cozy touch to enhance your evening. Find us at Salvador Davis & Co. Notaries Public on Second Street!
• Photos and Cookies with Santa – Capture the holiday magic with a photo op with Santa himself. Kids (and the young at heart) can enjoy cookies while they wait. Santa will arrive at the Sidney Pier Hotel at 5 pm and stay until 7 pm!

This festive night will be packed with surprises, holiday cheer, and so much more. Don’t miss your chance to start the season with Sidney’s best holiday celebration yet!

Light Up Downtown Sidney
Discover a twinkling wonderland as Sidney welcomes the community to celebrate the holiday season with dazzling displays of holiday-themed features around town by local merchants, the Town staff, and Sidney BIA.

Winter Wonderland Alley in Garden Court | November 14 – Mid-January
Each year, Garden Court becomes a magical Winter Wonderland, where guests can stroll through a snowy dreamland. Snowflakes gently cascade from a ceiling of glowing white orbs, creating the enchanting sensation of walking through a snow-kissed wonderland. Prepare to be transported into a world of wintry bliss!

Families are invited to join a fun-filled holiday scavenger hunt in downtown Sidney! Search for the little scout elves hidden around town, then visit the Sidney Information Centre at 2281 Beacon Avenue to share which elf was your favourite. As a thank-you, you’ll receive a festive holiday goody!

Reminder: the Sidney Information Centre is closed from Wednesday, December 24, 2025, reopening Monday, January 5, 2026, but you’ll have until Monday, January 12, 2026 to drop by and collect your prize. 💙

Participating Businesses

Coming soon!

Santa’s Aviation Adventure: Helicopter Arrival and Photos with Santa
Saturday, December 6 at 10 am
Santa is trading in his sleigh for a helicopter as he makes a special stop at the BC Aviation Museum for a festive day the whole family will love. Watch the excitement unfold as Santa arrives by helicopter at 10:20 AM, then stay to meet him in person and capture the moment with photos available until 1:30 PM! Click for more information.

Sidney Sparkles Holiday Parade
Sunday, December 7 at 5 pm
Experience the magic of the season as Sidney’s downtown transforms into a twinkling wonderland for the annual holiday parade! Watch in awe as vibrant floats, lively marching bands, and, of course, Santa Claus himself make their way through the streets. Bundle up, bring the whole family, and join us for an unforgettable evening of holiday cheer and festive fun! Click for more information.

FREE Photos with Santa
Saturday, December 13, from 11 am to 2 pm
Get ready for some holiday fun! Join Santa at the Landmark Building in Sidney at the corner of Beacon Avenue and Second Street (2506 Beacon Avenue). Hosted by the Peninsula Celebrations Society, this festive event offers free photos with Santa—and pets are welcome too! Click for more information. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the magic. It’s a wonderful opportunity for the whole family (including your furry friends) to get into the holiday spirit! Click for more information.

Sidney Museum LEGO Exhibition
Returns December 20
The Sidney Museum’s Annual LEGO® Brick Exhibition is a beloved event that has become a staple for local families and LEGO® brick enthusiasts alike. Running from December 20, 2024, to March 30, 2025, this unique exhibition showcases an impressive collection of intricate LEGO® brick creations. The displays feature everything from iconic cityscapes and vehicles to creative, imaginative worlds. Visitors of all ages are invited to explore the colourful, detailed scenes, and children often find themselves inspired to build their own creations at home. The exhibition has grown in popularity over the years, drawing visitors from across Vancouver Island and beyond, making it a must-see during the winter months in Sidney. Additionally, during the whole month of December to see a Winter Wonderland display of Christmas LEGO® bricks. Admission to the museum is by donation, making it an affordable and fun outing for the whole family. Click for more information.

Sidney Community Christmas Singalong
Saturday, December 20 at 2:00 pm
Get into the holiday spirit at the 2025 Sidney Community Christmas Singalong, a festive community tradition filled with music, cheer, and seasonal magic. Led by Anne-Marie and Peter Brimacombe and joined by the REACH! Children’s Chorus, this joyful afternoon invites everyone to sing along—or simply sit back and enjoy beloved Christmas classics. With lyrics projected for all to follow and refreshments available for purchase, it’s an event the whole family can enjoy together. Free admission at the Shoal Centre!

Festive Concerts at the Mary Winspear Centre
Get into the holiday spirit at the Mary Winspear Centre! This season, Sidney’s event hub brings you a magical lineup of festive fun, from heartwarming musical performances to hilarious comedy shows and enchanting ballets. There’s truly something for everyone to enjoy! Check out a few of their upcoming holiday events below and make your season merry and bright!

O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy – November 6

First Chance Christmas Craft Fair – November 8

SPHA Christmas Bazaar – November 22

The Storybook Nutcracker – November 29-30

The Celtic Tenors – December 1

The Peninsula Singers “Winter Wonderland” – December 5-7

Big Hank’s Christmas Blues Show – December 10

A Canadian Winter Celebration – December 11

Last Chance Christmas Craft Fair – December 12-14

The Festive Brass: Christmas in Canada – December 12

Cookeilidh “Making Spirits Bright” – December 13

Piano Heist: A Very Merry Heistmas – December 14

Christmas Pops – December 16

Pinocchio the Panto – December 20-22 & 26-28

George Canyon & Aaron Pritchett (Cowboy Christmas) – December 23