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, in 2026 the event takes place on Saturday November 28th. That’s when the City of North Vancouver’s official Christmas tree is lit up!

TIP: Another fabulous event in North Vancouver’s Lower Lonsdale neighbourhood is the Shipyards Christmas Market. It runs daily from November 27th until December 24th in 2026. It features over 100 vendors and admission is free! On December 5th there is also the Deep Cove Bonfire Night at Panorama Park in the District of North Vancouver, and all season there is Canyon Lights at Capilano Bridge.

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.

The event is free to attend. In 2026 it takes place on Saturday, November 28th, from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Things usually begin with the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus on a City fire truck, followed by welcome ceremonies led by the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. The evening includes live dance and music performances on the Shipyards stage.

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 the outdoor entertainment, the festival overlaps with the Shipyards Christmas Market which happens on the same day (as well as daily until December 24th).

Festival Date and Hours

In 2026 the festival takes place on Saturday, November 28th, from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The Shipyards Christmas Market, meanwhile, runs from 11:00 am until 10:00 pm.

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 as well. Admission to the Shipyards Christmas Market is free too.

Highlights include photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Cates Deck, ice skating, light displays, free craft activities and workshops. There are also food trucks and many restaurants nearby.

Festival Entertainment

Performing at the festival in 2026 are Ballet Bloch, the Borealis String Quartet, Lions Gate Sinfonia, North Shore Academy of Dancing, Perform Art Studios, and The Phonix Band. This year’s performance schedule is to be confirmed. The tree will be lit between around 5:45 and 6:00 pm.