Shipyards Christmas Market
Visitors can wander through aisles of wooden stalls offering unique artisanal gifts, festive decorations, and authentic European cuisine such as bratwursts, mulled wine, and craft beer. The event features ice skating on the rink, community entertainment across two stages, and the City's Christmas tree. Guests can also visit Santa at his chalet and participate in a festive hot chocolate tasting trail.
What to Expect
Free-admission waterfront Christmas market with over 140 artisan and food vendors.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Lower Lonsdale
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Parfait Productions Inc.
Food & Drink
Vendors offer European cuisine including bratwursts, plus mulled wine, spiced apple cider, beer, hot cocoa, and other seasonal treats.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, holiday shoppers, and festive-food fans
Vibe
Festive and lively
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free admission.
- Hours: Sunday to Thursday – 11:00 to 21:00; Friday to Saturday – 11:00 to 22:00; December 21, 22 and 23 – 11:00 to 22:00; December 24 – 11:00 to 20:00.
- Parking: The page recommends public transportation and says the market is next to a bus station.
- Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible across all site areas and washrooms, with free earplugs, sensory headsets, and neurodiverse welcome packs available at the info booth.
- Pets: Pets are allowed.
Tips & Advice
- Visit on a weekday, especially in the morning or early afternoon, since weekdays tend to be less bustling than weekends.
- Sign up for the daily newsletter to get each day's entertainment and Santa schedule by email on market days.
- Take the SeaBus from downtown, a 12-minute ride that connects with the Canada Line, SkyTrain and West Coast Express, since public transit is recommended over driving.
- Pick up a Hot Chocolate Passport at the Information Booth in front of Tap & Barrel, then collect vendor stamps for a chance to win a prize.
- Wear a Santa hat or ugly Christmas sweater, since festive attire is encouraged, and bundle up for time at the outdoor stalls and ice rink.
Special Events & Promotions
- New for 2026: a stronger vendor mix and new moments of discovery throughout the Shipyards District.
- Hot Chocolate Passport: collect a stamp from each hot chocolate vendor for a chance to win a prize.
- Sensory-friendly kit at the info booth: free ear plugs for adults, child-sized headsets to borrow and a festive welcome pack.
- Some nearby hotels, including the Seaside Hotel, the Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier and the Lonsdale Quay Hotel, offer Christmas Market packages.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we meet Santa?
Yes. Santa is at the market every day, either in his chalet or walking around the site. Meeting him and taking family photos is free. The daily newsletter has Santa's schedule.
What is the Hot Chocolate Passport?
Pick one up at the Information Booth. Collect a stamp from each hot chocolate vendor for a chance to win a prize.
Is there support for neurodiverse guests?
Yes. The info booth has free ear plugs for adults and child-sized headsets you can borrow. It also has a festive-themed welcome pack with items to help neurodiverse guests enjoy the market comfortably.
Where are the washrooms?
Public washrooms are at the ice rink and Lonsdale Quay. The Pipe Shop also has washrooms when a public event is on there.
How can performers take part?
Artists of all kinds and ages can apply to perform on the market's two stages. That includes solo acts, bands, choirs, dance groups, comedians and hip-hop artists, as long as the act is family-friendly and Christmas-themed.
More Christmas Events Near North Vancouver
More Christmas Events near North Vancouver
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.