Steveston Festival of Trees 2025 – A Winter Wonderland at the Historic Cannery

The Steveston Festival of Trees 2025 returns this holiday season, transforming the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site into a festive winter wonderland from November 29, 2025, to January 4, 2026. This beloved community tradition invites visitors to explore beautifully decorated holiday trees, enjoy family-friendly activities, and celebrate the spirit of the season in the heart of Steveston Village, Richmond.

📍 Location: Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site, 12138 Fourth Avenue, Richmond, BC
📅 Dates: November 29, 2025 – January 4, 2026
🕒 Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎟 Admission: Regular Cannery admission applies (free on select days)
🌐 More Info: gulfofgeorgiacannery.org/events/festival-of-trees-2025

🎄 Event Overview

Presented in partnership with Tourism Richmond, the Steveston Festival of Trees fills the Cannery with dozens of dazzling holiday trees decorated by local businesses, organizations, and community members. Each display reflects the year’s theme — “Holiday Touchstones” — celebrating the meaningful objects, decorations, and gifts that connect us to cherished holiday memories.

Visitors can admire the creativity behind each design and vote for their favourite tree either in person or on Facebook (@GulfofGeorgiaCannery) between November 29 and December 31, 2025. The winning entry will be announced in early January 2026.

🌟 2025 Theme: Holiday Touchstones

This year’s theme, inspired by the Cannery’s feature exhibit Cannery REcollections: Redefining Storytelling through Objects, invites participants to showcase decorations that reflect personal stories and traditions. Guests can also share their own holiday memories at the “What We Hold” pop-up installation, running December 1–31, 2025, which highlights celebratory stories and meaningful holiday gifts.

✨ Special Events & Activities

🎊 Filipino Holiday Heritage

Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025 | Time: 1:00–3:30 PM | Admission: Free with Cannery admission

Celebrate Filipino culture with a dance performance by the Richmond-based Philippine Cultural Arts Society, followed by a Parol (lantern) crafting workshop led by artist Leann Juatco. Learn how to make a traditional parol and discover how it symbolizes Filipino holiday traditions.

🎅 Santa at the Cannery

Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025 | Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Photos with Santa 2:00–4:00 PM)
Admission: Free (ticket required for photos; available on site at 10:30 AM, first-come, first-served)

Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Cannery’s Boiler House Theatre, enjoy live festive music, and explore the Festival of Trees free of charge. Guests must bring their own cameras or smartphones for photos — professional photography will not be provided.

🐾 Dog Photos with Santa

Date: Sunday, December 14, 2025 | Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Presented by: Steveston Merchants Association

Bring your furry friends to capture a holiday photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus outside the Cannery. Photos are first-come, first-served (dogs are not permitted inside the building).

🏛 About the Festival

The Steveston Festival of Trees has become a cherished Richmond community tradition, combining local creativity with holiday spirit. Each tree tells a story — reflecting the warmth, culture, and shared joy that define the season. Visitors can stroll through the Cannery’s decorated galleries, vote for their favourites, and enjoy a festive lineup of music, workshops, and family events throughout December.

💡 Tip: Due to the Cannery’s location over water, indoor temperatures can be cooler — dress warmly to stay comfortable during your visit.

🚗 Visitor Information

• Accessibility: The Cannery is wheelchair accessible.

• Parking: Free public parking available nearby in Steveston Village.

• Transit: Conveniently accessible via bus routes from Richmond–Brighouse Station.

• Voting Period: November 29 – December 31, 2025.

🎁 Plan Your Visit

Bring your family and friends to experience the magic of the holidays in historic Steveston Village. From sparkling trees and cultural performances to Santa visits and community spirit, the Steveston Festival of Trees 2025 is the perfect way to celebrate the season.

🌐 Official Website: gulfofgeorgiacannery.org/events/festival-of-trees-2025

🔗 Discover more holiday festivals and Christmas light displays across Metro Vancouver at Vancouver Christmas.