Saturday, Nov. 28th, 2026 from 4 to 9 p.m.
Explore a world of dazzling lights, winter activities and local entertainment at the Spirit of the Season Festival on November 28th, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 9 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 at the foot of Lonsdale.
The festival kicks off at 4 p.m. with a series of performances. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at 5 p.m. aboard a City fire truck, making their way to the new stage at the foot of Lonsdale.
Following the ceremonies, Mayor Buchanan will lead the crowd from the stage to the holiday tree for the lighting ceremony, taking place between 5:45 and 6 p.m.
Festive Activities for Everyone
Tree Lighting Ceremony
Watch the City’s giant holiday tree light up the sky between 5:45 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 28, 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.
Live Music & Performances
Holiday Markets & Shopping
Shop for unique gifts from local stores at The Shipyards and visit the free outdoor European-style Shipyards Christmas Market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the lighting of the holiday tree?
The festival will kick off with a series of live performances, followed by the official tree lighting ceremony. At 5 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive by City fire truck at this year’s new stage at the foot of Lonsdale Avenue. Mayor Buchanan will then light the holiday tree between 5:45 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
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.