Richmond does Christmas best in Steveston, its old fishing village at the mouth of the Fraser River. For about six weeks, the village fills with lights, holiday murals, festive drinks and a free tram ride, and Santa turns up at the cannery. Next door, Ladner Village in Delta has one of the region’s most charming small-town tree lightings.
Steveston (Richmond)
- Winter in the Village, November 19 to December 31: lights, holiday selfie murals, Steveston Sips festive drinks at local merchants and a calendar of events.
- Winter Tram, December 1 to 31, Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Free.
- Santa at the Cannery, Sunday, November 29: free admission to the Gulf of Georgia Cannery and free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 2:00 to 4:00 PM (ticket required).
- Christmas at the Cannery: the Cannery’s events page lists Festive Family Photo Vignettes from November 21 to December 31, in place of the Festival of Trees.
- Steveston Santa Claus Parade: an evening parade through the village. The 2026 date hasn’t been announced; last year’s was December 13.
Elsewhere in Richmond
- Switch On at McArthurGlen, a 52-foot tree lighting at the outlet mall near YVR. 2026 date to come.
- Richmond Olympic Oval has public skating. See our ice skating guide.
- Christmas tree farms: Richmond has a cut-your-own farm on Steveston Highway.
- Not running: Foffy’s Christmas Harvest Art Market was a 2024 to 2025 event.
Delta (Ladner and Tsawwassen)
- Ladner Tree Lighting Festival, Thursday, November 26, 6:00 to 7:30 PM, in historic Ladner Village. Santa arrives at 7:00 PM to light the tree.
- Traditional Christmas with the VSO plays South Delta Baptist Church on Wednesday, December 9. See Christmas concerts.
A Steveston Christmas Day Out
Ride the free Winter Tram in the morning, walk the village murals and boardwalk, have fish and chips by the water, then stay for the lights. On November 29, add Santa at the Cannery.
Getting There
Steveston is about 30 minutes by car from downtown Vancouver, or take the Canada Line to Richmond-Brighouse and connect by bus. TransLink’s trip planner has the best route. Ladner is about 20 minutes south through the Massey Tunnel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Steveston Winter Tram free?
Yes, from December 1 to 31, Tuesday to Sunday.
When is the Steveston Santa Claus Parade in 2026?
Not announced yet. In 2025 it was on Saturday, December 13, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.
When is the Ladner tree lighting?
Thursday, November 26, 2026.
Christmas in Other Areas
- City of Vancouver
- North Shore
- Burnaby and New Westminster
- Surrey and White Rock
- Tri-Cities
- Langley and the Fraser Valley
- Squamish and Whistler
Part of: Vancouver Christmas Guide 2026
