Saturday, December 3, 2022 from 3pm – 7pm
Experience the magic of the holidays on Saturday, December 3rd from 3pm to 7pm by attending The Spirit of the Season Festival at The Shipyards. Come spread cheer and enjoy live music, ice skating and entertainment under dazzling holiday lights.
Festive activities for everyone
Spirit of The Season Festival will kick off with Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving atop a fire truck, followed by an Indigenous welcome ceremony and blessing at 3pm from Squamish Nation and Tsleil-Waututh Nation. After a performance from the Eagle Song Dancers, Mayor Buchanan will light the 30ft holiday tree between 4-4:30pm. The event will continue with fun activities including:
- Free hot chocolate and a variety of food trucks
- Holiday artisan market at The Pipe Shop | 12pm-6pm
- Musical performances by the local groups including Ridgeway School Band, Carson Graham Vocal Jazz Choir and the Casey Thomas-Burns Christmas Quartet Jazz Group
- Ice skating performances by Le Patin Libre
- Contemporary dance routines by Perform Arts and Method of Modern Movement
- Roaming holiday characters, including Disney’s Anna and Elsa | 4:30pm-5:30pm
- Skating at the Skate Plaza
- Holiday stilt walkers
Activities presented by local community organizations
The Spirit of the Season Festival would not be possible without the help and contributions of community organizations, including The Museum of North Vancouver (MONOVA), North Vancouver City Library, Family Services North Shore, North Shore Neighbourhood House, The Shipyards District - Lower Lonsdale Business Improvement Area and the Rotary Club of Lions Gate. Activities include:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the entertainment schedule?
| Time |
Location |
Details |
| 2:00pm - 3:00pm |
Skate Plaza |
Le Patin Libre Ice Skating Performance |
| 2:45pm |
Shipbuilders' Square
|
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on the City Fire Truck |
| 3:00pm - 3:35pm |
Shipbuilders' Stage |
Indigenous Welcome Ceremony and Blessing |
| 3:40pm - 3:55pm |
Shipbuilders' Stage |
Eagle Song Dancers performance |
| 4:00pm - 4:30pm |
Shipbuilders' Stage to the Foot of Lonsdale |
Mayor Linda Buchanan Speech and Holiday Tree Lighting |
| 4:30pm - 5:30pm |
Shipbuilders' Square |
Disney's Anna and Elsa Roaming |
| 4:35pm - 5:00pm |
Shipbuilders' Stage |
Ridgeway School Band performance |
| 5:20pm - 5:35pm |
Shipbuilders' Stage |
Perform Arts dance performance |
| 5:40pm - 5:55pm |
Shipbuilders' Stage |
Method of Modern Movement dance performance |
| 6:00pm - 6:30pm |
Skate Plaza |
Le Patin Libre Feature Ice Skating Show |
| 6:30pm - 6:55pm |
Shipbuilders' Stage |
Carson Graham Vocal Jazz Choir |
| 7:00pm - 7:30pm |
Skate Plaza |
Le Patin Libre Ice Skating Performance |
| 7:30pm - 8:15pm |
Skate Plaza |
Casey Thomas-Burns Christmas Quartet Jazz Group |
When is the lighting of the Christmas tree?
The tree lighting with Mayor Buchanan will take place at the Foot of Lonsdale Plaza between 4pm and 4:30pm, steps away from Shipbuilders Square and The Shipyards Stage.
Do I need tickets to get into the festival?
The festival offers free admission for everyone!
How do I get to the festival?
Visitors are encouraged to walk, take transit and bike to The Shipyards. The area is pedestrian-friendly with connecting trails and safe spaces to walk with friends and family. Bike parking is located throughout the area, and access is easy by transit, with the SeaBus arriving right at The Shipyards and bus connections nearby. 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. There are also pay parking lots within a few blocks but is limited vehicle parking available, please view our
map of parkades or check out
alternative travel options.
Will there be food and drinks available?
There will be a variety of food trucks to choose from, along with many dining options available at The Shipyards. Check out
The Shipyards District website for more information on restaurants and cafes that are in the area.
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.