Here in Cowichan, the weather outside really isn’t that frightful, which gives you ample opportunity to get your holiday shopping done and maybe even treat yourself to a mini pre-Christmas getaway. From sensational experiences to fabulous shopping, Christmas truly is made in Cowichan.
Follow the Light!
The Ladysmith Festival of Lights is a magical holiday tradition on Vancouver Island. Thousands of lights are strung up along the historic First Avenue creating an enchanting holiday display. Head out to Ladysmith on November 28th for the Light Up Parade and make this part of your family’s holiday tradition.
In Duncan, stop in at the Christmas Kickoff on November 22nd from 5-9pm. Live music, horse and carriage rides, fireworks and a visit from Santa transform downtown Duncan into a winter wonderland.
Locally crafted gifts
Each community in Cowichan has a unique shopping area that is perfect for picking up one of a kind gifts for everyone on your list. Swing into Duncan and stop at Cardino’s Shoes for the shoe lover on your list (a great spot for Blundstones), or in Chemainus, stop in at Beyond the Usual for the outdoor adventurer in your family.
Sometimes when you’re shopping for that perfect gift, what you really need is a locally-sourced gift shop. At the Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre, you’ll find a wide variety of local items, but also you can chat with them for more shopping tips. With seasonally rotating stock, the Neck of the Woods General Store in Ladysmith and Little Bird Greets, Sweets & Treats in Duncan are both excellent stops to find local goods.
See our shopping page for more.
All aboard!
The holidays aren’t complete in Cowichan without a stop on the BC Forest Discovery Centre’s Christmas Express. Bring the entire family to the Centre for holiday carols, hot chocolate, a visit with Santa, and of course a ride on the Christmas Express. Tour the 100-acre property and kick-start your Christmas spirit! The festivities start on November 29th. Check out the full list of train times right here.
O Tannenbaum
Picking the perfect tree is an essential part of the Christmas season. Douglas fir, Grand fir, Noble fir, Rocky Mt. fir — whatever kind of tree you’re looking for we have it in Cowichan.
Bring the family out to Cowichan and choose your own from the rows at the Lakes Road Tree Farm, the Cowichan Valley Christmas Tree Farm or the Sahtlam Tree Farm. You’ll find the perfect tree for your family and make a memorable experience while you’re at it!
Enjoy a Christmas Play
What’s better than dinner and a show? From November 22nd to December 22nd catch this year’s holiday performance at the Chemainus Theatre Festival – Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley. When the family gathers for Christmas at Pemberley, an unexpected guest sparks hopes for independence, an intellectual match, and possibly even love!
Before your evening show, enjoy a three-course meal at the Playbill Dining Room. View the current menu here.
Come Home to the Farm
Merridale is the proud owner of one of the brightest privately owned light displays on Vancouver Island. Visit the farmhouse in Cobble Hill and be transported to a winter wonderland. With thousands of twinkling lights, decorations, festive food, holiday shopping and entertainment — it’s a Christmas evening that won’t be forgotten.
From all of us at Tourism Cowichan we wish everyone safe travels this winter and a very happy holiday!
