Pet Friendly Holiday Events on Vancouver Island

Christmas is a time for family - and that includes your pets!

Here's a list of Holiday events on mid and south Vancouver Island that welcome leashed dogs and other pets. Click on the icons 🎁🌟🎅🏼🌲 beside the events for more details. Listings and links will continue to be be updated as we receive more information.

Please let us know if you have a pet-friendly event you would like us to add!

2025 Holiday Markets & Lights

Merridale Cidery & Distillery

Cobble Hill: Merridale Light-Up & Shopping Night

🎁 Merridale Cidery & Distillery, 1230 Merridale Road

Saturday, November 15, 4-9pm

Comox: Winter Market & Tree Lighting

🎁 Downtown Comox: Town Circle and Comox Ave

Friday, November 21, from 3-7pm

Tree Lighting at 5:15pm

Entertainment
Photos with Santa

Coombs Christmas Market

🎁 Coombs Fairgrounds, Ford Road
Saturday-Sunday December 6-7, 11am-4pm
60+ Local Vendors
Delicious Food
Dogs are welcome at the outdoor portion of the market. Small dogs may also be carried inside, though this is not recommended, due to the crowds.

Ladysmith Festival of Lights

🌟 Downtown Ladysmith

Thursday November 27, starts at 4pm with Light Up Parade at 6:45pm

Nanaimo: Downtown Winterfest
🎁   Commercial Street and Diana Krall Plaza, Nanaimo
Late Night Shopping & Tree Lighting in Downtown Nanaimo
Thursday, December 4, 5pm: Tree Lighting
Thursdays, December 4, 11, 18, 4-9pm: Shopping

Mobile Bar
Food Trucks
Live Music

Nanaimo: North Town Centre Holiday Kick Off
🎁   4750 Rutherford Rd, Nanaimo
November 22, 12-4pm

Nanaimo (South): Cedar Christmas Market
🎁   Woodbank School, 1984 Woobank Road, Nanaimo
Sunday November 9, 10am-2pm

Nanoose Bay: Christmas Market & Walk of Lights
🎁   Arbutus Meadows Farm, 1515 Island Hwy E
Saturdays December 6, 13 & 20, 4-8pm

The farm is dog friendly and entrance is by donation. Indoor and outdoor events, including:

food trucks
hot cocoa
lavender shop

Parksville Holiday Sparkle: Christmas Tree Lighting
🎁   Memorial Plaza, Downtown Parksville
Friday November 21, 2025, 5-8pm; Santa arrives at 6pm!
Christmas singalong
hot chocolate
kids activities

Qualicum Beach Moonlight Madness and Tree Lighting
🎁   Downtown Qualicum Beach
Thursday November 20, 2025, 3-9pm; Tree lighting planned for 6:10pm
live music street
performers
specialty food trucks

Qualicum Beach, Moonlight Madness

South Saanich: Butchart Gardens Magic of Christmas
🌟 Butchart Gardens, Brentwood Bay
Monday December 1 - Tuesday Jan 6, 8pm-10 pm
Pet-Friendly Access limited to evenings, after 8pm only
light displays
traditional carolers
festive brass band

Victoria: Cook Street Winter Market
🎁 200-400 Block of Cook St, Victoria
Friday November 28, 4-8pm

Victoria: Lights of Wonder & Santa Parade
🌟 Downtown Victoria: Centennial Square
Saturday November 29, Entertainment 4:30-8pm, Santa Claus Parade 5:30pm, starting at Belleville and Government Street
Saturday November 29 – Wednesday December 31, Lights on display

Pet Photos with Santa

Nanaimo North Town Centre - all pets welcome!

🎅🏼 Campbell River: The Garden Party

Pet photos on Saturdays November to December 20, 10am-12 noon

🎅🏼 Nanaimo North Town Centre

Pets welcome Tuesdays and Thursdays from November 25- December 23

🎅🏼 Parksville: Buckerfield’s

Saturday November 15, 10am–2pm: By donation

Please RSVP with Buckerfield’s Parksville: 250-248-3243

*Also available at other Buckerfiels's locations: contact your local store*

🎅🏼 Qualicum Beach: QB Animal Hospital

Thursday November 20, 5:30-6:30pm: By donation

🎅🏼 Sidney: Peninsula Society

Saturday December 13, 11am-2pm, Landmark Building, 2506 Beacon Avenue

🎅🏼 Various locations: Bosley's

Details to follow on this year's photos at Bosley's

🎅🏼 Various locations: PetSmart

Details to follow on this year's photos at Petsmart