
Centennial Square
A vibrant public square in Victoria, BC, renowned for its dazzling Christmas lights and lively atmosphere year-round.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical holiday lights & music

Centennial Square
Best Time
Magical holiday lights & music

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant public square in Victoria, BC, renowned for its dazzling Christmas lights and lively atmosphere year-round.
"The Centennial Square Christmas lights display is a dazzling spectacle that adds a vibrant glow to the heart of the city."

🚲 Bike Valet Service
Secure your bike and belongings at the downtown bike valet for peace of mind during events.
🚗 Convenient Parking
Park in the adjacent parkade for easy access to the square, especially during busy event times.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Christmas Lights Display
Centennial Square
A dazzling spectacle of brilliantly illuminated decorations, transforming the square into a festive wonderland.

Vibrant Public Space
Centennial Square
Enjoy the good architecture and lively atmosphere of this central city hub on any given day.

Live Music Events
Centennial Square
Experience the joy of the holidays with live music performances adding to the festive ambiance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Holiday Magic & Beyond
Getting Around & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Centennial square events?
🚲 Bike Valet Service
Secure your bike and belongings at the downtown bike valet for peace of mind during events.
🚗 Convenient Parking
Park in the adjacent parkade for easy access to the square, especially during busy event times.
Centennial Square Bike Valet Service
🎶 Enjoy Live Music
Check for scheduled live music performances, especially during the holiday season for extra cheer.
📸 Capture the Glow
Visit in the evening to witness the captivating and beautiful light displays.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚲 Bike Valet Service
Secure your bike and belongings at the downtown bike valet for peace of mind during events.
🚗 Convenient Parking
Park in the adjacent parkade for easy access to the square, especially during busy event times.
🎶 Enjoy Live Music
Check for scheduled live music performances, especially during the holiday season for extra cheer.
📸 Capture the Glow
Visit in the evening to witness the captivating and beautiful light displays.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Centennial Square shines brightest during the holiday season with its dazzling Christmas lights, creating a magical and festive atmosphere often enhanced by live music. Visitors appreciate the good architecture and vibrant vibe of the public space year-round. While the light displays are generally admired, some feel the choreography could be more cohesive.
"The Centennial Square Christmas lights display in Victoria, BC, is a dazzling spectacle that adds a vibrant glow to the heart of the city during the holiday season 🎄
The square transforms into a festive wonderland with an array of brilliantly illuminated decorations, creating a festive ambiance for residents and visitors alike.
The carefully arranged lights, from twinkling trees to captivating installations, contribute to the joyful spirit of the season 🌟.
The combination of the charming cityscape 🌆 and the radiant holiday lights makes Centennial Square a delightful destination to experience the magic of Christmas in Victoria."
Jacqueline Ross
"Went by to see the lights that were put up for Christmas, and was somewhat underwhelmed. While there are some gorgeous displays, I think the display could have been choreographed much better. There was no flow to these decorations. Next year they should higher an artist to plan it for them."
Gurv
"Great view of Christmas lights! Creative , captivating and beautiful to see it at the evenings!
On the regular days, this is a great place with good architecture and gives a vibe!"
S A
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Centennial Square is centrally located in Victoria, BC. It's easily accessible by public transport, walking, or driving. The city is generally walkable, and many bus routes stop nearby.
Yes, there is a convenient parkade adjacent to the square that offers ample parking for visitors.
Absolutely! For events, there's a highly recommended bike valet service available downtown, ensuring your bike is safe.
Walking is a great way to explore the area, as Centennial Square is surrounded by other attractions and has good architecture to admire.
The square is a public space designed for accessibility. However, specific event setups might vary, so it's good to check for any temporary changes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Centennial Square is a public space and generally free to enter. Special events held within the square may have separate ticketing requirements.
As a public square, it's typically open 24/7. However, specific event hours or access restrictions might apply during certain times.
The Centennial Square Christmas lights display is usually free to view, creating a magical holiday experience for everyone.
For specific events, booking might be necessary. It's best to check the official city or event organizer's website for details on reservations or tickets.
Discounts for group visits are typically event-specific. Inquire with the event organizer for any available group rates.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
Centennial Square is a hub for events, public gatherings, and enjoying the city's atmosphere. During holidays, it features stunning light displays and sometimes live music.
The Christmas lights are most captivating in the evenings when they are fully illuminated, creating a magical ambiance.
Yes, especially during the holiday season with the light displays. The square's architecture also provides a great backdrop for photos year-round.
Centennial Square hosts a variety of events, including festivals, holiday celebrations, public markets, and community gatherings.
The city is making efforts to enhance safety, especially during outdoor events. It's always advisable to be aware of your surroundings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Centennial Square itself typically doesn't have restaurants, but it's surrounded by numerous dining options in downtown Victoria.
You'll find a wide variety of cuisines near Centennial Square, from casual cafes and pubs to fine dining restaurants.
During special events and festivals, food vendors are often present, offering diverse culinary choices.
Generally, you can bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy in the public space, but check for specific event rules.
Popular spots often include places offering local seafood, pub fare, and international cuisine, easily found with a quick search of the downtown area.
📸 📸 Photography
Evenings, especially during the holiday season, offer stunning opportunities with the light displays. Daytime provides good architectural shots.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for general shots. For low-light holiday photos, a wider aperture lens or a tripod can be beneficial.
The illuminated trees and installations during Christmas are prime photo spots. The surrounding architecture also offers great framing opportunities.
Drone usage in urban public spaces is often restricted due to privacy and safety regulations. Check local bylaws before flying.
Experiment with different vantage points, including from slightly elevated positions or across the square, to capture the full scope of the lights.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Practical tips for families include visiting in the early evening to avoid the biggest crowds and potential meltdowns. Parking is convenient in the nearby parkade, making it easier to manage strollers and tired little ones. While there aren't dedicated play areas within the square itself, its central location means many family-friendly attractions and restaurants are just a short walk away.
🚲 Budget Travelers
For those traveling by bike, the availability of a bike valet service is a huge plus, offering secure storage for free or a minimal fee, which is a great saving compared to parking. Exploring the surrounding downtown area on foot is also free and allows you to discover local shops and eateries without spending extra on transport.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Centennial Square Christmas Lights
While many find the display beautiful and creative, some reviews suggest that the choreography could be improved for a more cohesive flow. Despite this, the sheer spectacle of the lights, often accompanied by live music, makes it a delightful destination to soak in the Christmas spirit. Visiting in the evenings is highly recommended to fully appreciate the vibrant glow and festive atmosphere.
Centennial Square: More Than Just Holidays
Its central location makes it an accessible point for exploring downtown Victoria. Whether you're looking for a place to relax, people-watch, or simply enjoy the urban environment, Centennial Square offers a welcoming space. The presence of a convenient parkade nearby ensures easy access for those arriving by car, and the downtown bike valet service is a great option for cyclists.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit