Shipyards Christmas Market
The holidays always seem to sneak up on us, like waking up to an unexpected dusting of snow outside! Of course there are always the telltale signs: Christmas carols being played in stores on November 1st, candy cane-flavoured everything on your local cafe menu, but still, sometimes you might feel unprepared to face Santa, no matter which list you happen to be on this year. So, to ease you into the spirit at your own pace, we’ve found a few festive occasions that will bring merriment into your life at a level that you’re ready for. Whether it’s skating out onto fresh ice or taking in the view from a North Pole outpost atop Grouse Mountain, you’re sure to discover a bit of wonderment around Vancouver’s North Shore this season. And to take this star-lit sentiment even further, we’ve just opened bookings for our holiday hotel packages! So pack your jolliest PJs and make the most of the cozy mountain ambience.
*Update! We have just received reports via our fireside fax machine that Santa Clause WILL be in the area in the coming weeks, so be sure to keep an eye out! We’ve included a few possibilities for his whereabouts below.
The Shipyards
Glide, glide, glide, with every push across the ice, you’ll feel all the more invigorated by the combination of crisp air and warm ambience. As the region’s largest outdoor skating rink, this is a surefire way to ease into the season. Or if you’re feeling a little ice-shy, stop by for a little hot chocolate and people watching. Seeing the little ones race around the rink, you’re sure to reignite a few nostalgic touch points.
Opening on November 27th – TBD
Dundarave Festival of Lights | Credit: IG @fionabyw
Over 150 glittering outdoor Christmas trees illuminate this beautiful walk along the West Vancouver waterfront! With each one being decorated by a different local group, family, school and business, you’ll get a heartwarming sense of the community that lives here. Along with the light displays that stay lit through the month, each Saturday will feature live noon-to-dusk live music, finishing off with festive carolling around a massive bonfire on December 19!
Opening from November 28 – early January, 2027
Sticking with the same waterfront locale, you’re only a short hop away from the skating rink, in case you want to add to your evening itinerary. At this European-style market, you’ll find all kinds of unique artisan-made items that would delight anyone on your gift list. Completely free to enter, you can put those savings towards a piping hot chimney cake as you stroll through the 90+ vendors on site.
Open from November 27th – December 24th
Grouse Mountain
Welcome to Vancouver’s North Pole! High above the clouds on Grouse Mountain, you’ll find a remote workshop casting a warm glow on the surrounding snow banks. This is your chance to visit St. Nick at his workplace as he opens his doors to believers of all ages for meet-and-greets, glittering light displays, reindeer stables, and a designated sledding area! You can also take in the majestic winter scenery with snowshoeing, ice skating, and beautifully lit wooded walking paths.
Open from November 20th – December 24th
One of the biggest and brightest lighting displays around, this radiant tradition casts a new magical shimmer across Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Millions of twinkling bulbs light the way as you cross above the expansive canyon, snapping photos between the treetops. Grab a decadent hot chocolate as you follow the echo of live music and discover new surprises around every hulking trunk.
Open from November 20th – January 10th
Reports and sightings continue to pour in, but we CAN confirm that the man of the hour will be available for photos at a variety of spots across the North Shore! How is it possible that he can seemingly appear in several different places all at once? Because magic! Here are just a mitten-full of the spots where we are certain that he’ll appear for photos and well wishes.
Seymour Mountain
November 28th – December 24th
Shipyards Christmas Market
November 27th – December 24th
Grouse Mountain
November 20th – December 24th
Park Royal
November 19th – December 24th
Hopefully you’ve marked all of these festive happenings on your advent calendar! If not, be sure to save the link for future reference so you can always make merry at a moment’s notice. Vancouver’s North Shore also has Signature Events that happen year-round, so there’s a good chance something will be going on no matter when you visit, whether right now or the new year.
If you’ve made it this far into the article, we have a good feeling you’re on the nice list, so go forth and spread cheer however you know how. Happy holidays!
