Christmas at the Cannery Trees

The Steveston Festival of Trees is a Christmas event at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site in Richmond‘s Steveston Village each December.

The Steveston Festival of Trees runs from late November until early January filling the Cannery with decorated trees, festive crafts and holiday spirit.

Other Christmas-themed events and attractions during the holiday season include the PNE Winter Fair, VanDusen Festival of Lights, Vancouver Christmas Market and the Soar with Santa film at FlyOver Canada. There’s also the Dundarave Festival of Lights in West Vancouver, Canyon Lights at Capilano Bridge, Photos with Santa at Britannia Mine, and both Christmas Glow and Martini Town Merry & Bright in Langley.

See our article about Vancouver’s Best Christmas Activities to learn about all of the Lower Mainland’s main holiday attractions this year. Continue reading to learn about the Steveston Festival of Trees.

Christmas at Steveston Cannery

At Christmas time there are festive attractions throughout Metro Vancouver. In Richmond, one of the highlights is the Steveston Festival of Trees at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery.

During December the Cannery is home to dozens of elaborately decorated Christmas trees. The trees are designed and sponsored by local merchants. People vote for their favourite trees both onsite and online, with winners announced in early January.

The Cannery is an interesting place to visit any time of year, but especially magical during December with the Festival of Trees.

Last year the festival ran from November 30, 2024, until January 5, 2025. Dates for the 2025/26 season are expected to be similar (with details yet to be confirmed).

Cannery Admission in 2025

The regular cost of admission to the Cannery is the following as of October 2025 (prices are subject to change):

- Adults – $13.25
- Seniors (65+) – $11.25
- Children & Youth (ages 17 and under) – Free
- Cannery Society Members – Free

The Cannery is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Festival of Trees Location

The Steveston Festival of Trees takes place indoors at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery, located at 12138 Fourth Avenue in Steveston Village.

TIP: While in the area, if it’s not raining or you have an umbrella, go for a walk along the waterfront in Steveston Village. The Britannia Heritage Shipyard is just a 15- to 20-minute walk away, and the route there on a nice day is beautiful.

Cannery Christmas Tree — Christmas at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery

What to Expect

The Festival of Trees is a community event where local businesses and organizations decorate trees to showcase their creativity and holiday traditions. Voting is usually open from late November through December and winners are announced in early January before the trees are taken down. Last year the festival took place from November 30, 2024, to January 5, 2025.

During the 2024 Christmas season, additional activities included a ‘What’s Cooking?’ recipe exchange where guests shared favourite holiday recipes on a community wall, and ornament making in the Cannery Kids Corner. Children could create a keepsake decoration to take home.

A special ‘Santa at the Cannery’ day usually takes place on the first Sunday in December. In 2024, families met Santa and Mrs. Claus from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at no extra cost (admission was free that day). Photo tickets are required and are handed out on site from 10:30 am on a first-come, first-served basis.

The 2025/26 Christmas season activities and events at the Cannery are likely to be similar, with exact details to be confirmed.

Christmas in Steveston Village

On the first Sunday in December, Steveston Village usually celebrates the start of the Christmas season with several events, including some at the Cannery. In 2024, “Christmas in Steveston Village” took place on Sunday, December 1. The 2025 date for “Christmas in Steveston” is likely Sunday, December 7, with exact details to be confirmed.

At the Christmas in Steveston Village event there is usually a classic car show. Santa arrives by boat at Fisherman’s Wharf. On the same day, Santa Claus sometimes hangs out at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery for part of the afternoon.

Santa typically arrives at the wharf in Steveston Village at around 1:00 pm. The Christmas Classic Car Cruise takes place at about noon and runs until 1:30 pm. Both of these events are free to enjoy.

Click Christmas in Steveston Village for more details about the special one-day event.

More Information

Click Christmas at the Cannery to learn more about the Steveston Festival of Trees.

See our articles about the Gulf of Georgia Cannery or Steveston Village for more information about the National Historic Site and the surrounding area.

Check out any of the following for a list of other festival activities: