Buskers Festival is just a day away. Get ready for the festival of the year with talents from across the world. Our first show is tomorrow at 11am in Centennial Square. We are excited to see you there!
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Centennial Square

4
·970 reviews·Victoria, Canada

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

December evenings

Magical holiday lights & music

CrowdHigh
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Buskers Festival is just a day away. Get ready for the festival of the year with talents from across the world. Our first show is tomorrow at 11am in Centennial Square. We are excited to see you there!

Centennial Square

Best Time

December evenings

Magical holiday lights & music

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4
(970 reviews)

"The Centennial Square Christmas lights display is a dazzling spectacle that adds a vibrant glow to the heart of the city."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚲 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.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Christmas Lights Display

Christmas Lights Display

Centennial Square

A dazzling spectacle of brilliantly illuminated decorations, transforming the square into a festive wonderland.

Vibrant Public Space

Vibrant Public Space

Centennial Square

Enjoy the good architecture and lively atmosphere of this central city hub on any given day.

Live Music Events

Live Music Events

Centennial Square

Experience the joy of the holidays with live music performances adding to the festive ambiance.

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Planning Your Visit

Holiday Magic & Beyond

Experience Centennial Square's dazzling Christmas lights, a festive wonderland with twinkling trees and captivating installations. Beyond the holidays, it's a vibrant public space with good architecture, offering a great vibe for everyday visits. Reddit

Getting Around & Parking

Centennial Square is centrally located, making it accessible. For events, consider the convenient bike valet service downtown. Nearby parkades offer easy car parking for visitors. Reddit

Best Times

When
December evenings
Why
Magical holiday lights & music
Crowd
High
When
Weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere & events
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful strolls & architecture
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Centennial square events?

🚲 Bike Valet Service

Secure your bike and belongings at the downtown bike valet for peace of mind during events. Reddit

🚗 Convenient Parking

Park in the adjacent parkade for easy access to the square, especially during busy event times.

reddit.com

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. Reddit

🚗 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

4
(970 reviews)

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

Dazzling Christmas lights
Festive ambiance
Good architecture

What People Dislike

Light display choreography

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. Reddit

Yes, there is a convenient parkade adjacent to the square that offers ample parking for visitors. Reddit

Absolutely! For events, there's a highly recommended bike valet service available downtown, ensuring your bike is safe. Reddit

Walking is a great way to explore the area, as Centennial Square is surrounded by other attractions and has good architecture to admire. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

The Christmas lights are most captivating in the evenings when they are fully illuminated, creating a magical ambiance. Reddit

Yes, especially during the holiday season with the light displays. The square's architecture also provides a great backdrop for photos year-round. Reddit

Centennial Square hosts a variety of events, including festivals, holiday celebrations, public markets, and community gatherings. Reddit

The city is making efforts to enhance safety, especially during outdoor events. It's always advisable to be aware of your surroundings. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Centennial Square is a fantastic spot for families, especially during the holiday season. The dazzling Christmas lights are sure to captivate children, creating a magical experience. Reddit The open space allows kids to move around, and during events, there might be live music or other entertainment that appeals to younger visitors. Reddit

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. Reddit 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

Centennial Square is an excellent destination for budget-conscious travelers as it's a public space with free access. The main attraction, the Christmas lights, is also free to enjoy, offering a significant visual experience without cost. Reddit This makes it a perfect spot for an evening stroll or a festive outing that won't break the bank. Reddit

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. Reddit 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

The Centennial Square Christmas lights display is a major draw during the holiday season, transforming the heart of Victoria into a festive wonderland. Visitors can expect a dazzling array of brilliantly illuminated decorations, from twinkling trees to captivating installations that contribute to a joyful holiday ambiance. Reddit The combination of the charming cityscape and the radiant lights creates a magical experience for residents and visitors alike. Reddit

While many find the display beautiful and creative, some reviews suggest that the choreography could be improved for a more cohesive flow. Reddit Despite this, the sheer spectacle of the lights, often accompanied by live music, makes it a delightful destination to soak in the Christmas spirit. Reddit Visiting in the evenings is highly recommended to fully appreciate the vibrant glow and festive atmosphere. Reddit

Centennial Square: More Than Just Holidays

Beyond its festive holiday transformation, Centennial Square serves as a vibrant public space throughout the year. It's recognized for its good architecture and provides a lively atmosphere, making it a pleasant place to visit any time. Reddit The square often hosts various events, festivals, and community gatherings, contributing to the city's cultural pulse. Reddit

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. Reddit 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. Reddit

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