Get in the Holiday Spirit in the Alberni Valley
Christmas Markets, Festive Events & Seasonal Fun in Port Alberni
Christmas lights brighten Harbour Quay in Port Alberni. Source: alberni.ca
The holiday season brings a little extra cheer to the Alberni Valley, with Christmas markets, sparkling lights, festive performances and plenty of opportunities to celebrate with family and friends. From browsing handmade gifts to sipping hot chocolate by the waterfront, November and December offer lots of ways to enjoy the season in Port Alberni.
Whether you’re planning a weekend visit, shopping for something special or looking for family-friendly Christmas activities, here’s how to get into the holiday spirit in the Alberni Valley this year.
Shop Local at Christmas Markets & Holiday Fairs
Handmade gifts and festive crafts at an indoor market. Source: AV Markets on Facebook.
One of the best parts of the holiday season is finding gifts with a personal touch. The Alberni Valley’s Christmas markets bring together local artists, makers, bakers and small businesses, offering everything from handmade crafts and decorations to tasty seasonal treats.
Glenwood Holiday Winter Market | November 14–15
Kick off your holiday shopping at the Glenwood Centre with two days of vendors, music, entertainment and door prizes. It’s a fun opportunity to browse local creations and enjoy a festive community atmosphere.
View Glenwood Holiday Winter Market details
A Festive Evening at the Museum | November 19
The Alberni Valley Museum Shop is hosting a special evening of holiday shopping from 6–8 PM, complete with festive refreshments and savings on unique gifts. It’s a great place to find something locally inspired for the history lover or hard-to-shop-for person on your list.
View A Festive Evening details
Christmas in the Country Craft Fair | November 21
Head to Cherry Creek Community Hall from 10 AM–4 PM for a day of Christmas shopping featuring local vendors throughout the hall, banquet room and gym. The event also includes a concession and 50/50 draw supporting the community hall.
View Christmas in the Country details
Deck the Halls Indoor Market | November 21
Another great stop for holiday shoppers is the Deck the Halls Indoor Market at the Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel, running from 11 AM–4 PM. Browse homemade preserves, baked goods, pottery, beadwork and other locally crafted gifts.
A Fair Christmas Market | December 12
Still have a few names to cross off your shopping list? A Fair Christmas Market at the Kinsmen Community Centre offers another chance to shop local in December, with vendors gathering in the downstairs Five Acre space.
View A Fair Christmas Market details
Watch the Harbour Quay Light Up for Christmas
A festive boat decked out in colourful Christmas lights for Port Alberni’s Great Sail Past, bringing holiday cheer to the waterfront. Source: Blue Marlin Inn on Facebook
Few things signal the arrival of the holiday season quite like the waterfront glowing with Christmas lights. Harbour Quay hosts two festive celebrations this year, bringing families together for seasonal entertainment, colourful displays and holiday cheer.
Harbour Quay Light-Up | November 28, 5–7:30 PM
The annual ƛuukʷatquuʔis Harbour Quay Light-Up brings the community together for an evening of live music, family activities, festive treats and holiday shopping. This year’s celebration features local choir performances, a light parade, Santa photos, colourful projections and a Christmas tree lighting at 6:15 PM.
Families can also look forward to children’s crafts, a holiday train ride with Mrs. Claus, and complimentary hot chocolate and donuts from participating local businesses.
See the full Harbour Quay Light-Up schedule
Harbour of Lights & the Great Sail Past | December 6, 4–7 PM
Return to Harbour Quay for another magical evening along the waterfront! Harbour of Lights features the Great Sail Past, with boats decorated in colourful Christmas lights cruising across the harbour. The festivities begin at 4 PM with family activities, free hot dogs, hot chocolate and photos with Santa.
The Great Sail Past begins at 5:30 PM, with prizes to be won, followed by a fireworks display at 6:45 PM. Bundle up, bring the family and enjoy a festive evening by the water as Port Alberni celebrates the holiday season.
Celebrate with Christmas Music & Live Performances
A choir performance adds music to the holiday season. Source: timbrechoir.ca
Holiday music has a way of bringing people together, and the Alberni Valley’s local performers help make the season special. From community choirs to orchestral performances, there’s plenty of festive music to enjoy this season.
Joy! A Holiday Concert | November 29
Celebrate the season with Joy!, an afternoon of festive music featuring the Barkley Sounds Choir and Alberni Valley String Orchestra at Alberni Valley United Church. Special performances by the AVUC Handbell Ensemble and the Dennis Olsen Trio add to this community celebration. The concert begins at 2:30 PM, with tickets priced at $20 for adults and $5 for children under 12.
View Joy! Holiday Concert details
Timbre! Choir Christmas Show | December 6
Enjoy an afternoon of seasonal music as Timbre! Choir returns to the ADSS Theatre at 2:30 PM. This annual Christmas concert brings local voices together for a performance filled with familiar holiday spirit.
View Timbre! Choir Christmas Show details
Keep an eye on the local performing arts calendar for additional concerts, theatre productions and community performances throughout the holidays.
Make Christmas Memories with the Family
Christmas train promotional artwork featuring Alberni Pacific Railway locomotive No. 7 and Santa. Source: albernipacificrailway.ca
Holiday activities don’t have to involve a shopping list. Sometimes the best memories come from spending time together.
Santa’s Steam Express | December 4–6, 11–13 & 18–20
All aboard for one of Port Alberni’s favourite Christmas traditions! Santa’s Steam Express returns to the Alberni Pacific Railway for three festive weekends in December. Climb aboard a heritage train pulled by the historic No. 7 Steam Locomotive for a 40-minute round-trip adventure featuring twinkling lights, billowing steam and a special visit from Santa himself.
With daytime and evening departures, this family-friendly experience is a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season. Tickets are $16.05 for adults and $5.35 for children ages 2–17, with children under two riding free on a lap. Hot chocolate and souvenir Christmas mugs are also available for purchase.
Trains depart from the Port Alberni Train Station at 3100 Kingsway Avenue. Advance booking is recommended, as this popular holiday event can sell out.
View departure times and book your Santa’s Steam Express tickets.
Visit Santa at the Capitol Theatre | December 12, 13, 19 & 20
Bring your camera and stop by the historic Capitol Theatre for a family photo with Santa. Visits take place from 11 AM–3 PM, with admission by donation in support of Portal Players Dramatic Society.
Take an Evening Stroll to See the Lights
Pull on a warm jacket and head out to enjoy the Christmas decorations around town. Harbour Quay is an especially lovely place for an evening stroll, with waterfront views and seasonal displays providing a festive backdrop.
Warm Up with Local Treats and Holiday Shopping
A tempting selection of freshly baked muffins, pastries, croissants and savoury treats, perfect for a cozy café stop in the Alberni Valley.
After a day of browsing Christmas markets or enjoying festive activities, take a break and warm up at one of Port Alberni’s local cafés. Stop by Wildflower Bakeshop & Café, Riverbend Café or SteamPunk Café & Coffee House for a freshly brewed coffee, a warm drink or a bite to eat.
While you’re out, make time to browse the Alberni Valley’s independent shops for unique Christmas gifts. From locally made products and artisan creations to books, home décor and specialty foods, there’s plenty to choose from when shopping for family and friends.
For more gift ideas, check out the Alberni Valley shopping guide.
Plan Your Holiday Visit to the Alberni Valley
With Christmas markets, waterfront lights, live entertainment and family activities throughout November and December, there’s plenty of holiday fun to enjoy in Port Alberni.
Make a day of it by pairing a Christmas market with lunch at a local restaurant, or plan a weekend getaway to enjoy the lights, festive events and a little Christmas shopping.
For more upcoming events and seasonal activities, visit the Alberni Valley Events Calendar and start planning your holiday visit.