Join us for the 6th annual Sea of Lights, a beloved tradition at Tofino Resort + Marina where locals and visitors gather to toast the festive season under the glow of thousands of twinkling lights.
Whether you’re here to admire the glowing boats, sip hot chocolate by the fire, listen to the carolers sing, explore our holiday night market, or simply feel the magic in the salty winter air, this is one night you won’t want to miss.
Event Schedule
5:30pm to 6:30pm – Photos with Santa at the Marine Adventure Centre
6:30pm to 7:15pm – Christmas Carols from the Treble Sparrows Kids Choir at the Courtyard
7:30pm to 8:30pm – Photos with Santa at the Marine Adventure Centre
7:30pm to 9:00pm – Music by Dakota Cooney Outside Festive Market Rooms
Happening between 5pm and 9pm
Jurassic Gingerbread Contest Display @ Upstairs Shelter
Festive Market @ Ground Floor of White Building
Fire Pits and Mulled Wine @ Outside Festive Market Rooms
Fire Pits, S’mores, and Hot Chocolate by donation for the West Coast Community Resource Society
Vessel Illuminations @ Marina
Beer, Wine, and Cioppino @ Shelter Patio
Lighting Up the Inlet with Vessel Illuminations & Competition
The marina transforms into a shimmering display of creativity as boats (and sea planes) of all shapes and sizes are decked out in dazzling lights. Stroll the docks and watch as their reflections dance across the dark waters.
You can view and vote for your favourite, and if you have something that floats, why not join the fun?
Enter your vessel below for a chance to win a prize!
Purple Lights for a Cause
This year, Sea of Lights is proud to support Westcoast Community Resource Society (WCRS) as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (Nov 25–Dec 10), a global movement raising awareness and encouraging community action toward safer, more equitable lives.
WCRS provides essential services across the West Coast of Vancouver Island, including safe housing, counselling, outreach, crisis response, and programs that strengthen community wellness and resilience.
As part of the Purple Lights Campaign, WCRS will #LightUpTheNight by displaying purple lights in solidarity with survivors on a Sea of Lights vessel. Funds raised support the vital programs WCRS provides year-round.
At Sea of Lights, WCRS will have:
- A purple-lit vessel in the marina
- Hot chocolate and s’mores by donation, with all proceeds supporting WCCRS
Purple lights across homes, businesses, and community spaces serve as a powerful reminder that our region stands with survivors, and that support shines brightest together.
A Holiday Market Like No Other: In-Room Vendor Experience
This isn’t your typical market. On the first floor of our waterfront hotel, each outdoor-facing guest room transforms into a cozy boutique for the evening. Wander from room to room, discovering handcrafted goods, artisan treats, and locally made treasures; all while soaking in the festive atmosphere.
You’ll find warm lights, warm drinks, and warm welcomes behind every door.
Interested in becoming a vendor?
We’re inviting makers, creators, and local businesses to host their own ‘shop’ during Sea of Lights. For just $40, you’ll have your own first-floor hotel room as a storefront, complete with a display table and access to a special overnight rate for out-of-town vendors. Set-up starts at 1pm, and the market runs from 5–9pm.
A Tofino Tradition
Sea of Lights is a celebration of community, creativity, and the warmth that shines brightest during the winter season. Bring your friends, your family, your festive spirit, and help us light up the inlet for a good cause.
See you on the docks.
Not from Tofino? Guests who stay + play at Tofino Resort + Marina will be contributing:
- 1% Eco Fee supports the protection, conservation and sustainability of natural ecosystems in Clayoquot Sound.
- 1% to Tribal Park Allies supports the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation in the restoration and guardianship of their lands.
