Spirit of the Season Festival 2025 – Tree Lighting & Holiday Celebration at The Shipyards
Kick off the holidays at Spirit of the Season Festival 2025, North Vancouver’s signature Christmas celebration! Taking place on Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, this free family-friendly event transforms The Shipyards into a winter wonderland filled with lights, live entertainment, outdoor skating, and holiday shopping.
📍 Location: The Shipyards, North Vancouver, BC
📅 Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025
🕓 Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
💲 Admission: Free
🌐 More Info: cnv.org/spirit-of-the-season
🎄 Event Overview
The Spirit of the Season Festival invites everyone to celebrate community, culture, and the joy of the holidays at North Vancouver’s vibrant waterfront. Enjoy an evening of music, dance, skating, and festive markets as the city’s Christmas tree lights up the night.
The celebration begins as Santa and Mrs. Claus make their grand entrance atop a City of North Vancouver fire truck, followed by a welcome ceremony from the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations and a performance by the Eagle Song Dancers.
From there, Mayor Linda Buchanan will lead the Tree Lighting Ceremony at the foot of Lonsdale between 4:15 PM and 4:45 PM, marking the official start of the city’s holiday season.
✨ Festive Highlights
🌟 Tree Lighting Ceremony
Watch as North Vancouver’s giant Christmas tree illuminates the sky in a dazzling display of colour and cheer. The ceremony, led by Mayor Buchanan, takes place between 4:15 PM and 4:45 PM at the foot of Lonsdale Plaza, just steps from Shipbuilders’ Stage.
🎅 Santa & Photo Opportunities
Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus after their arrival and capture festive photos in the glowing light-up frame — the perfect memory to start your holiday season!
⛸ Outdoor Skating at The Shipyards
Glide under twinkling lights on Metro Vancouver’s largest outdoor skating rink. Bring your own skates or rent them on-site and enjoy a classic Canadian winter experience with family and friends.
🎶 Live Music & Performances
Enjoy an exciting lineup of local talent performing throughout the evening on Shipbuilders’ Stage.
Performers include:
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Ballet Bloch
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Casey Thomas-Burns Jazz Quintet
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Method of Modern Movement
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North Shore Academy of Dance
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Perform Art Studios
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Ridgeway School Band
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ShowStoppers
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VOC Gospel Choir
🛍 Holiday Shopping & Markets
Shop for unique, handmade gifts at two festive holiday markets:
🎁 Vancouver Etsy Co. Holiday Pop-Up at the Pipe Shop Building
🎁 Shipyards Christmas Market – a new European-style outdoor market featuring artisan goods, treats, and seasonal decor.
🚶 Getting There
Visitors are encouraged to walk, take transit, or bike to The Shipyards. The festival is located next to Lonsdale Quayand the SeaBus terminal, making it easily accessible by public transit.
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🚴 Bike Parking: Racks are available along Wallace Mews, Victory Ship Way, and near Tap & Barrel and Polygon Gallery.
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🚗 Parking: Limited paid parking is available nearby — arrive early or consider alternative transportation options.
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♿ Accessibility: All event spaces are accessible, including washrooms and elevators from nearby parkades. Wheelchairs and strollers are welcome on the skating rink.
❤️ Plan Your Visit
Bundle up, bring your holiday spirit, and enjoy a magical evening of lights, laughter, and local cheer at the Spirit of the Season Festival 2025. With its tree lighting, live music, skating, and markets, this annual celebration is a must-attend kickoff to the holiday season on the North Shore.
🌐 Official Website: cnv.org/spirit-of-the-season
🔗 Discover more Christmas events and festivals across Metro Vancouver at Vancouver Christmas.
