British Columbia | Dec 4 - Dec 10, 2025

Christmas Season in Vancouver & Victoria

Experience old-world Christmas markets, twinkling light displays, and luxurious stays in two of Canada’s most beautiful waterfront cities.

Vancouver and Victoria shine with the spirit of the holidays in December. This trip is an opportunity to embrace that spirit and leave the season’s stress and chaos behind. Relax in two luxury hotels — known as the “Castle in the City” in Vancouver and the “Castle on the Coast” in Victoria — enjoy high tea and holiday treats, admire festive light displays, and find one-of-a-kind gifts at traditional Christmas markets along the way.

We begin in Vancouver, where we’ll see the city from above on the Grouse Mountain Skyride before heading to the waterfront for the European-style Shipyards Christmas Market, full of artisan gifts, holiday decor, and delicious German treats. Then hop on the BC Ferry to Victoria to visit the world-famous Butchart Gardens, the Royal British Columbia Museum, the Victoria Christmas Market, and the Festival of Trees. This trip also includes a very special experience in Victoria: Christmas-themed high tea at the 1908 Fairmont Empress hotel. After returning to Vancouver, we’ll end our trip with another visit to the Christmas market and a stroll through the VanDusen Botanical Garden’s Festival of Lights.

December 4-10, 2025

 

Itinerary Highlights:

  • Three nights at the Fairmont Empress hotel in Victoria
  • Three nights at the Fairmont Hotel in Vancouver
  • Vancouver Christmas Market
  • Vancouver city tour
  • Grouse Mountain Skyride cable car
  • VanDusen Festival of Lights
  • Round-trip ferry to Victoria
  • Victoria, British Columbia
  • Butchart Gardens
  • Royal British Columbia Museum
  • High tea at the Fairmont Empress
  • Victoria Christmas Market

 

Package Includes:

  • Round-trip airfare from Raleigh-Durham International Airport or Charlotte Douglas International Airport
  • Six nights’ deluxe hotel accommodations
  • Nine meals: six breakfasts, one lunch, and two dinners
  • All sightseeing and admissions per itinerary
  • Wine and beer reception
  • Professional tour director
  • Our State host
  • Motor coach transportation
  • Baggage handling at hotels
  • Hotel transfers

 

Accommodations:

  • Three nights (split) in Vancouver: Fairmont Hotel
  • Three nights in Victoria: Fairmont Empress

 

Detailed Itinerary:

Vancouver’s picturesque setting among both mountains and sea make it one of Canada’s most beautiful cities. Photography courtesy of Premier World Discovery

Day 1: Arrive in Vancouver
Thursday, December 4, 2025

Welcome to the seaport city of Vancouver, the crown jewel of Western Canada. Considered one of the most beautiful cities in North America, Vancouver dazzles with its views of the Pacific Ocean, majestic mountains, and glittering skyline. Meet your tour director at the airport and check in for a two-night stay at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver — known as the “Castle in the City” — which has been the epitome of elegance since it opened in 1939. Enjoy a wine and beer reception and welcome dinner with your fellow Our State travelers.

Meals: Dinner
Overnight: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

 

The Grouse Mountain Skyride glides up the mountainside for a bird’s-eye view of Vancouver. Photography courtesy of Premier World Discovery

Day 2: Vancouver • Grouse Mountain Skyride • Shipyards Christmas Market
Friday, December 5, 2025

This morning, enjoy a panoramic tour of Vancouver, including Stanley Park, famous for its ancient Indian totem poles; Gastown, the city’s oldest commercial district; and Chinatown. Next, journey up Grouse Mountain — “The Peak of Vancouver” — on the Skyride cable car, where we’ll glide high above towering Douglas firs, watching as breathtaking views of the city of Vancouver, the sparkling Pacific Ocean, the Gulf Islands, and snowy peaks unfold.

In the afternoon, find holiday cheer around every corner at the Shipyards Christmas Market, located in the lively waterfront area of Vancouver. Take time to browse the market’s European-style artisan booths full of decorations, holiday gifts, and unique handicrafts. Enjoy gourmet food, festive sweets and authentic German drinks, like the deliciously warm mulled wine glühwein. The evening is at your leisure to explore this beautiful city.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

 

A scenic ride on the BC Ferry takes travelers from Vancouver to Swartz Bay en route to Victoria. Photography courtesy of Premier World Discovery

Day 3: Ferry to Victoria • Butchart Gardens
Saturday, December 6, 2025

Board the BC Ferry for a scenic cruise across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island. Arrive in Swartz Bay and travel by motor coach to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. Check into the famous Fairmont Empress hotel, always beautifully decorated for the Christmas season, for a three-night stay. The award-winning Fairmont Empress is a National Historic Site dating to 1908, famed as Canada’s “Castle on the Coast” and featuring unparalleled views over the Inner Harbour.

Later, visit the world-famous Butchart Gardens. While the flowers sleep in the winter, the gardens come to life during the holiday season with colorful displays of lights, including scenes depicting “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Bundle up and stroll through 55 acres of beautiful Christmas displays, sing along to the sounds of the season with traditional carolers and festive brass. Plus, stop in at the coffee shop to warm up with a hot chocolate and gingerbread by the fire.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Fairmont Empress in Victoria

 

High tea at the Fairmont Empress is a luxurious tradition dating back to 1908. Photography courtesy of Premier World Discovery

Day 4: Victoria • High Tea
Sunday, December 7, 2025

Today, enjoy a city tour of Victoria, featuring the Inner Harbour and the imposing Parliament Building, constructed in 1897. We’ll also visit the Royal British Columbia Museum, which showcases the human and natural history of the region. Then enjoy high tea and lunch at the Fairmont Empress, a tradition that began when the hotel opened in 1908. This isn’t just any tea, but a Christmas-themed extravaganza with seasonal treats and delicacies, including the original blend of The Empress Tea. Later, visit a Victoria Christmas market and browse crafts, local artisan products, and holiday treats. This evening, enjoy a panoramic tour of Christmas lights around the city. See famous landmarks such as the Parliament Buildings and more that are lit up spectacularly for the holiday season.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Fairmont Empress in Victoria

 

The legislative building in Victoria – the capital of British Columbia — is even more spectacular during the holidays. Photography courtesy of Premier World Discovery

Day 5: Victoria at leisure
Monday, December 8, 2025

The entire day is at leisure to relax, explore Victoria, or enjoy the amenities of the Empress hotel. Swim in the indoor pool or enjoy a day at the Fairmont Spa. Perhaps visit the historic Empress hotel library for quiet time with a book, or enjoy an exquisite bar and lounge offering stunning views over the Inner Harbour and warm spots around a cozy fireplace. Be sure to visit the Festival of Trees, located at the Bay Centre, a must-stop shopping mall downtown. The Festival of Trees traditionally has more than 80 Christmas trees on display during the holiday season.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Fairmont Empress in Victoria

 

Day 6: Ferry to Vancouver • VanDusen Festival of Lights
Tuesday, December 9, 2025

This morning, board the BC Ferry and cruise through the Gulf Islands en route to Vancouver. Stop for another visit to the Shipyards Christmas Market, with free time to stroll at your leisure and shop for souvenirs. Check into the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver for an overnight stay. Later, step into a holiday wonderland at the VanDusen Botanical Garden’s Festival of Lights. Explore 15 acres adorned with more than a million twinkling lights, plus a new interactive installation, dancing lights, themed light areas, and a display inspired by the Great Bear Rainforest of British Columbia. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow Our State travelers.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

 

Day 7: Departure
Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Transfer to the Vancouver International Airport to board your flight home after a joy-filled holiday experience in British Columbia.

Meals: Breakfast

 

Tour Rates:

Regular rate: $4,799 per person (based on double occupancy)
Single rate: $6,199

Make your final payment by check prior to the final payment due date and receive a booking discount of $100 per person.

 

For Reservations & More Information:

Premier World Discovery
Melissa Grant
(877) 953-8687, ext. 238 (Pacific Time)
mgrant@premierworlddiscovery.com

Online booking option: Click here and use the booking number 197914 to make your deposit online in just a few minutes.

Please note: A passport is required for this trip. For more information on physical requirements and what to expect on an Our State trip, click here.