Winter is back at The Shipyards! With activities for all ages, guests are invited to celebrate the season, share holiday traditions and take in the magic of the City’s waterfront. This year, get ready for more holiday markets, winter events, outdoor ice skating and the beloved Spirit of the Season Festival!
Winter Returns to The Shipyards
The Shipyards, a popular year-round destination in Lower Lonsdale, offers everything from shopping and dining to skating and holiday events throughout the winter season.
The Shipyards Skate Plaza Opens Friday, November 28
The Shipyards Skate Plaza, the region’s largest outdoor ice rink, will be open daily from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. starting Friday, November 28. Skating, helmets and skate aids are free, and skate rentals are available at a cost of $8 for adults or $5.50 for kids. Those who bring their own skates can enjoy the rink for free!
Located on the waterfront at The Shipyards, the Skate Plaza will be open all winter long, from November 28, 2025 until March 2026. Guests are invited to enjoy special programming at the Skate Plaza, including:
- The Skate Plaza Opening: November 28 from 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- NYE Public Skate with DJ Tunes: December 31 from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
The Spirit of the Season Festival is Back on Saturday, November 29
Holiday wonder and cheer will return to The Shipyards with the Spirit of the Season Festival on November 29 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Families and friends are invited back to enjoy the traditional tree lighting, ice skating, live music, dance performances, holiday markets and festive activities.
After Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive atop a City firetruck, the festivities officially begin at 4:00 p.m. with a special welcome from the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, along with a performance by the Eagle Song Dancers on Shipbuilders’ Stage. From 4:20 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., Mayor Buchanan will guide attendees to the foot of Lonsdale for the ceremonial tree lighting!
Throughout the Spirit of the Season Festival, guests can enjoy:
- The Skate Plaza Public Skate: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Cates Deck: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- The Shipyards Christmas Market: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- Vancouver Etsy Co. Holiday Pop Up in the Pipe Shop: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Holiday Markets and Events to Enjoy
From November until the end of the year, The Shipyards will feature a variety of specialty shopping and programming for residents and visitors to enjoy, including:
More Wonder, More Cheer, More Winter Events!
To stay in the loop on all things Winter at The Shipyards and learn more about the events taking place throughout the season, visit cnv.org/TheShipyards, cnv.org/SpiritoftheSeason, cnv.org/SkatePlaza and cnv.org/Events.
