9 festive events happening at Vancouver Island's Merridale Cidery this holiday season

‘Tis the season to eat, drink and be merry and there’s no place to do it quite like Merridale Cidery and Distillery!

This holiday season, take the short trip up to Cobble Hill to see one of the most spectacular Christmas light displays on the Island, and take home a little something to sip and share over the holidays.

This November, Merridale will transform into a magical holiday destination to gather with your nearest and dearest—from sip and shop nights to visits with Santa and long table feasts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy—including some fantastic free festivities!

Here’s what’s happening at Merridale this holiday season:

Christmas Light Up (free!)
Starts November 15th

Wander through an enchanting Christmas wonderland and capture dazzling photos under thousands of twinkling lights. Join the tree lighting ceremony at dusk on November 15th or stop by anytime over the holidays to see the display.

Christmas Night Market (free!)
November 16th

Kick off the festive season at this European Christmas Market-inspired event featuring a selection of local craft vendors. Sample Merridale’s craft liqueurs and culinary delights, and get your holiday shopping done early while you’re at it!

Master Distillery Class
November 24th

Members of Merridale’s Speakeasy Club are invited to an exclusive distilling class with Master Distiller, Laurent Lafuente. Sip vintage spirits straight from the barrel while learning about the art, science and history of Merridale’s small batch spirits. The only way to join this exclusive event is to be a member of Merridale’s Speakeasy Club—once you’ve signed up for the Club, you will receive your invitation for the complimentary Master Distillery Class.

Long Table Holiday Meals
November 15th onward

Gather your friends, family or colleagues for a memorable feast. Merridale’s chefs have crafted a special holiday menu featuring farm- fresh ingredients. They’ll take care of all the details so you and your guests can enjoy the merriment, stress-free.

Holiday Pints & Paint Night
November 27th

Unleash your inner artist and paint your own Merridale mug! Enjoy an evening of creativity and community as you sip on mulled apple cider, and take home a beautiful creation to gift or keep. Guests must be 19+.

Merridale’s Santa Experience
Every weekend from November 30th – December 22nd

Bring the kids for a theatrical meet and greet with Santa! Kids can look forward to a personalized visit with Santa himself, an eye spy Christmas scavenger hunt, a hot apple cider and a baked treat to top it all off.

New Year’s Eve Kick-Off Party
December 31st

Get the party started with a special New Year’s meal at the Farmhouse Eatery. A celebratory menu featuring specialty appetizers and cocktails will be on offer, so you can fuel up before moving on to your after party–or head home to bed, fully satisfied!

New Year’s Day Brunch
January 1st

Start your year on a high note with a farm-to-table brunch to cure the revelry of the night before. Whether you’re in the mood for something fresh and healthy or the hair of the dog, you’ll walk out feeling ready to take on the new year.

Reservations are recommended as many of these popular events fill up quickly. No time to plan ahead? Stop in anytime during Merridale’s opening hours to check out the free (and fabulous!) light display, pick up some Christmas gifts or enjoy a tasting.

Holiday Shopping
All season long!

Have you heard of Merridale’s Speakeasy Club? Share the gift of a Speakeasy Cocktail Box or membership with the craft beverage connoisseur in your life—these beautifully packed boxes include vintage craft spirits, curated recipe cards, exclusive event invitations and more!

Speakeasy Boxes are now available to ship so you can send them straight to the lucky people in your life.

Merridale is also offering Curated Gift Kits for the holiday season! Elegantly wrapped and thoughtfully filled with craft spirits, liqueurs, ciders and handmade delicacies, these gift kits are here to save you time without sacrificing that personal touch. Can’t make it in to the shop? Order online and they’ll ship them to your door.