Steveston Village celebrates the start of the holiday season each December with Christmas tree decorations at the Cannery, classic cars and Santa Claus.
From Santa’s arrival by boat to vintage cars, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a holiday dog parade, the village is filled with small-town Christmas charm all season long.
The 2025 celebrations run from Sunday, November 30th, to Wednesday, December 31st, in Richmond’s historic Steveston Village.
Christmas at Steveston Village in 2025
Each Christmas season, Steveston Village glows with festive cheer. This year’s holiday calendar begins with the Christmas Tree Lighting on the last day of November, and continues through December with the Christmas Classic Car Cruise, Santa’s Arrival by Boat, horse-drawn carriage rides, the Holiday Dog Parade, and the Festival of Trees at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery.
Christmas Tree Lighting
The holiday magic begins with the Steveston Village Tree Lighting on Sunday, November 30th, 2025, from 4:00 to 4:45 pm. The community gathers at The Steveston Tram for the annual countdown until the tree lights up the night. It’s a family-friendly tradition that marks the official start of the festive season.
Christmas Classic Car Cruise
In 2025, the Christmas Classic Car Cruise takes place on Sunday, December 7th, from 11:45 am to 12:00 pm.
After the procession makes its way through town, usually the cars remain on display in the parking lot of the Steveston Hotel at 12111 Third Avenue, just steps from the Cannery.
The event supports the Richmond Christmas Fund and is free, with donations of both money and toys warmly appreciated. There are usually around 30 to 40 classic and vintage vehicles on show, from convertible MGs to antique trucks, all dressed up for the holidays.
Santa’s Arrival by Boat
One of Steveston’s most beloved holiday traditions is Santa’s Arrival by Boat. On Sunday, December 7th, 2025, Santa docks at Fisherman’s Wharf at 1:00 pm, greeting families and waving to the crowd before making his way to the Gulf of Georgia Cannery.
From 2:00 to 4:00 pm, children can meet Santa inside the Cannery for photos and festive fun. It’s a simple, small-town moment that captures the magic of the holidays by the sea.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
In 2025, visitors can enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride around Steveston Village on Sunday, December 7th, and again on Sunday, December 14th, from 12:00 to 4:00 pm. The rides are free, with donations accepted for the Richmond Christmas Fund!
Holiday Dog Parade
Dogs also get their turn to meet Santa this year during the Holiday Dog Parade on Sunday, December 14th, 2025, starting at 11:00 am.
Owners and pets are invited to dress in festive costumes and join the parade along Imperial Landing, beginning at Phoenix Pond Bridge and ending at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery.
After the parade, visitors can get dog photos with Santa from 11:15 am to 1:00 pm inside the Cannery.
Festival of Trees
The Christmas at the Cannery “Festival of Trees” runs from December 1st, 2025, to January 7th, 2026, at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery.
Local merchants and community groups each adopt and decorate a Christmas tree, transforming the Cannery into a sparkling indoor forest. Visitors can view the trees during regular Cannery hours and vote for their favourites. Click Festival of Trees for further details.
Other Information
For up-to-date details, visit the Gulf of Georgia Cannery‘s website or the Steveston Merchants Association‘s website.
For details about the venues and the surrounding area, see the following:
For lists of other Christmas-related things to do, check out the following:
- Vancouver’s December Calendar
- Lower Mainland Christmas Craft Fairs
- Best Vancouver Christmas Activities
Other articles that might be of interest include the following:
