Saturday, Nov. 29th, 2025 from 4 to 8 p.m.
Explore a world of dazzling lights, winter activities and local entertainment at Spirit of the Season Festival on November 29th, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Shipyards. Those in search of festive fun will find seasonal decor, outdoor ice skating, holiday shopping, and an evening of live music and dance performances on Shipbuilders’ Stage.
The festival will kick off with Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving atop a City fire truck, followed by welcoming ceremonies from Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations and a performance by the Eagle Song Dancers starting at 4 p.m. Mayor Buchanan will then lead us from Shipbuilders' Stage to the foot of Lonsdale and light the holiday tree between 4:20 p.m. and 4:45 p.m.
Festive Activities for Everyone
Tree Lighting Ceremony
Watch the City’s giant holiday tree light up the sky between 4:20 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29, led by Mayor Linda Buchanan at the foot of Lonsdale.
Experience the Magic
Snap a photo with Santa & Mrs. Claus at Cates Deck or in our glowing light-up frame, glide on the region's largest outdoor skating rink, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the entertainment schedule?
Activities Schedule
Shipbuilders' Square Stage Schedule
| Time |
Location |
Details |
| 3:45 p.m. |
Shipbuilders' Square
|
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by City Fire Truck |
| 4:00 p.m. - 4:05 p.m. |
Shipbuilders' Stage |
səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nation Welcome & Song with Dennis Thomas-Whonoak & Family
|
| 4:05 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. |
Shipbuilders' Stage |
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) Welcome & Performance by the Eagle Song Dancers |
| 4:15 p.m. - 4:20 p.m. |
Shipbuilders' Stage |
Mayor Linda Buchanan & Council Welcome |
| 4:20 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. |
Shipbuilders' Stage to the Foot of Lonsdale |
Tree Lighting Ceremony |
| 4:45 p.m. - 5:05 p.m. |
Shipbuilders' Stage |
Ridgeway School Band Performance |
| 5:20 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. |
Shipbuilders' Stage
|
Method of Modern Movement Dance Performance
|
| 5:30 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. |
Shipbuilders' Stage |
Perform Art Studios Dance Performance |
| 6:00 p.m. - 6:10 p.m. |
Shipbuilders' Stage |
ShowStoppers Singing Performance |
| 6:10 p.m. - 6:20 p.m. |
Shipbuilders' Stage |
North Shore Academy of Dancing Performance |
6:40 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
|
Shipbuilders' Stage |
Casey Thomas-Burns Jazz Quintet |
| 7:05 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. |
Shipbuilders' Stage |
Ballet Bloch Nutcracker Performance |
7:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
|
Shipbuilders' Stage
|
VOC Sweet Soul Gospel Choir |
When is the lighting of the holiday tree?
The tree lighting with Mayor Buchanan will take place at the foot of Lonsdale Plaza between 4:20pm and 4:45pm, steps away from Shipbuilders' Stage.
Do I need tickets to get into the festival?
The festival offers free admission for everyone!
How do I get to the festival?
Skytrain & Seabus: Waterfront SkyTrain station is located just across the Burrard Inlet from The Shipyards, with the Seabus running approximately every 15 minutes to the Lonsdale Quay transit hub. From there The Shipyards is less than a 5 minute walk away.
Bus: The Shipyards is right beside the Lonsdale Quay Bus Loop, less than a 5 minute walk away.
Cycling: Route options include the Spirit Trail and major street bike lanes. Bike parking is located throughout the area. There will be no bike valet for this event. Bike racks are located along Wallace Mews west of the rink, on Victory Ship Way near Reckless Bikes and next to Tap & Barrel, and next to Polygon Gallery.
Walking: The area is pedestrian-friendly with connecting trails and safe spaces to walk with friends and family.
Driving: Parking near The Shipyards includes on-street and off-street options. Most on-street parking in Lower Lonsdale is pay parking, with free, time-limited parking spaces available outside the commercial core. View the map, review the rates, and plan your trip at cnv.org/Curb. For a map of off-street public pay lots, visit cnv.org/PayParking. For SPARC permit holders, free accessible parking is available in designated accessible on-street parking spaces, and any on-street space with signage that says ‘except with permit’ (includes pay parking except with permit and time-limited except with permit). For more information, visit cnv.org/AccessibleParking.
Is the area accessible?
The event spaces and public realm are all accessible, including the public washrooms. There are elevators from the parking lots for accessibility needs. Wheelchairs and strollers are welcome on the skating rink.