Shipyards Christmas Festival

The Shipyards Christmas Festival is a community event featuring live music and an artisan market at North Vancouver’s Shipbuilders’ Square in December.

Now called the Spirit of the Season Festival, the event takes place on a Saturday either at the end of November or at the beginning of December. That’s when the City of North Vancouver’s official Christmas tree is lit up!

Spirit of the Season Celebration at the Shipyards

Communities all across the Lower Mainland hold winter holiday celebrations where they light their city’s giant Christmas trees, offer family-friendly activities and enjoy live entertainment. The kick-off for the Spirit of the Season Celebration is the City of North Vancouver’s official Christmas event, and it’s free!

The North Shore event usually takes place on the first Saturday of December. Last year the event happened in the Shipyards District on Saturday, November 30th, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm.

Shipbuilders' Square at Shipyards Christmas Festival — Shipyards Christmas Festival at Shipbuilders’ Square

Festival Location

The Spirit of the Season Festival takes place in and around Shipbuilders’ Square. The square is located at the bottom of Lonsdale Avenue in North Vancouver just a short walk from Lonsdale Quay and the SeaBus Terminal. The Square’s address is 15 Wallace Mews. It’s just behind the Tap & Barrel restaurant and Pinnacle Hotel.

In addition to outdoor entertainment and activities, there is usually an artisan market at the event. Last year there were dozens of vendor booths in the area for the new Shipyards Christmas Market.

Festivals Date and Schedule

A number of activities take place throughout the event, while some occur at specific times. The festival itself runs from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm. The Shipyards Christmas Market runs from 11:00 am until 10:00 pm throughout the weekend.

North Vancouver’s Mayor usually lights up the Christmas tree between 4:00 pm and 4:30 pm on the Saturday. Mr. and Mrs. Claus are typically there to help too.

Entertainment includes live music and dance performances. Other activities normally include lantern-making, storytelling, craft activities and other fun things. There is also free hot chocolate, and food trucks are on-site.

Balloon-Twisting Man — Balloon Animal-Making at the Shipyards

Festival Costs and Activities

The Shipyards Christmas event is free to attend, although donations benefiting local charities are welcome. Most of the activities at the festival are free too.

There is an artisan market along with live entertainment and other family-friendly fun. Admission to that market is free too.

Christmas Markets

A few holiday artisan markets take place at the Shipyards in December. The Made in the 604 Market runs inside the Pipe Shop in early December. There are dozens of local artisan vendors selling everything from handmade soaps to homemade sauces to Christmas cards and other products.

Another market at the Shipyards in December is the Shipyards Artisan Christmas Market (which is unrelated to the Made in the 604 Market). It too features dozens of local artisans. Last year it took place on the weekend of December 14th and 15th.

Last year saw the launch of the Shipyards Christmas Market. It’s free to enter, and features a European theme, live music and about 75 vendor booths. The market runs from the end of November to Christmas Eve.