North Vancouver starts its Christmas season on the waterfront. Spirit of the Season is the City of North Vancouver’s free festival at The Shipyards: Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on a fire truck, the Mayor lights the tree at the foot of Lonsdale, local dancers and choirs take the stage, and families skate and shop until the evening’s done.
The 2026 date hasn’t been confirmed yet. Here’s how the 2025 festival ran, so you know what to look for.
Spirit of the Season Festival: Quick Facts
| What it is | A free community festival with a tree lighting, live entertainment, skating and holiday markets |
| Where | The Shipyards, North Vancouver waterfront, at the foot of Lonsdale Avenue |
| 2026 date | Not confirmed yet |
| 2025 festival | Saturday, November 29, 2025, 4:00 to 8:00 PM |
| Admission | Free (2025) |
| Presented by | City of North Vancouver |
| Official page | cnv.org |
When Is Spirit of the Season in 2026?
Not confirmed. The 2025 festival was on Saturday, November 29, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. Watch the City of North Vancouver’s website for the 2026 date.
How the 2025 Festival Ran
Santa’s Arrival and the Tree Lighting
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived on a City of North Vancouver fire truck. The Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations gave a welcome, the Eagle Song Dancers performed, and then Mayor Linda Buchanan lit the tree at the foot of Lonsdale, near Shipbuilders’ Stage, between 4:15 and 4:45 PM. If the lighting is your main reason to go, be there for the start.
On Stage
Local performers filled Shipbuilders’ Stage through the evening: Ballet Bloch, the Casey Thomas-Burns Jazz Quintet, Method of Modern Movement, North Shore Academy of Dance, Perform Art Studios, the Ridgeway School Band, ShowStoppers and the VOC Gospel Choir.
Santa Photos and Skating
Families could meet Santa and Mrs. Claus after their arrival and take photos in a light-up frame. The rink at The Shipyards, described in 2025 as the largest outdoor rink in Metro Vancouver, was open with skates to rent.
Holiday Markets
A Vancouver Etsy Co. holiday pop-up ran in the Pipe Shop building, and the Shipyards Christmas Market, new in 2025, filled the waterfront with European-style chalets. The market returns in 2026 from November 27 to December 24, with free admission and free Santa photos.
Performers, markets and times may change for 2026.
Getting There
The Shipyards is beside Lonsdale Quay and the SeaBus terminal, 12 minutes from Waterfront Station. In 2025 the city encouraged walking, transit or cycling: bike racks were along Wallace Mews, Victory Ship Way and near Tap & Barrel and the Polygon Gallery, and car parking nearby was limited and paid. All event spaces were described as accessible, including washrooms and elevators from nearby parkades, and wheelchairs and strollers were welcome on the rink.
More Christmas on the North Shore
- Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, from November 20.
- The Peak of Christmas on Grouse Mountain, from November 20.
- The Dundarave Festival of Lights in West Vancouver, from November 28.
- Santa’s Christmas Ships, which have been watched from Deep Cove and Cates Park.
Every tree lighting in the region is in our Christmas tree lighting calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Spirit of the Season in 2026?
Not confirmed yet. The 2025 festival was Saturday, November 29, 4:00 to 8:00 PM.
Where is it?
The Shipyards, at the foot of Lonsdale Avenue on the North Vancouver waterfront.
Is it free?
The 2025 festival was free. Confirm for 2026.
What time was the tree lighting in 2025?
Between 4:15 and 4:45 PM, led by Mayor Linda Buchanan.
Is there skating?
Yes, at the Shipyards rink, with rentals on site in 2025.
Who organizes it?
The City of North Vancouver.
Part of: Vancouver Christmas Guide 2026 › Christmas Tree Lighting Events 2026
