Christmas Ideas and Events in North Vancouver, BC, 2026

North Vancouver at Christmas is built around the waterfront at The Shipyards, plus two big light displays on the North Shore. The Shipyards Christmas Market is free to enter and runs to Christmas Eve, and Canyon Lights and the Peak of Christmas run from late November into the new year.

Christmas markets

Shipyards Christmas Market

The Shipyards Christmas Market runs November 27 to December 24, 2026, at 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver, a short walk from the Lonsdale Quay SeaBus terminal. Entry is free. Hours: November 27 to December 17, Sunday to Thursday 11 am to 9 pm, Friday and Saturday 11 am to 10 pm; December 18 to 23, 11 am to 10 pm; December 24, 11 am to 8 pm. The market has more than 90 wooden chalets and more than 120 vendors, with artisan gifts, European food and drinks, live music and carollers, a skating rink, and a Santa chalet. The city's Christmas tree stands in the area. Santa photos: weekdays 4:30 to 8 pm, weekends 12 to 3 pm and 5 to 8 pm; skating 12 to 8 pm; free admission, free skating, free Santa photos.

Light displays and tours

Canyon Lights

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park runs November 20, 2026, to January 10, 2027. One roundup lists January 3, 2027, as the end date, so confirm the end date on Capilano's official site before you go. The park is lit for the season, with illuminated walks and light displays in the forest. Canyon Lights is included with paid park admission, so check park admission before you go.

Peak of Christmas, Grouse Mountain

The Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain runs November 20 to December 24, 2026, with Santa's Workshop, a Light Walk around Blue Grouse Lake, and a mountaintop skating pond, included with Mountain Admission or passes. Check Grouse Mountain for ticket and timing details, as no single price is given here.

Holiday Hi-Light Festival, Park and Tilford

The Holiday Hi-Light Festival at Park and Tilford is a long-running North Vancouver light display. No 2026 dates are confirmed, so no dates are given here. Check the festival listing before you go.

Tree lightings

Spirit of the Season Festival, The Shipyards

The Spirit of the Season Festival is North Vancouver's tree lighting festival at The Shipyards, with live performances, skating, and holiday markets. The City of North Vancouver had not confirmed the 2026 date, so no 2026 date or tree lighting time is given here. Check the City of North Vancouver page for the 2026 announcement.

Santa photos and parades

Santa photos are offered at the Shipyards Christmas Market, in the Santa chalet, weekdays 4:30 to 8 pm, weekends 12 to 3 pm and 5 to 8 pm, free. No North Vancouver Christmas parade with a confirmed 2026 date is listed.

Shows and other events

Skating at the Shipyards Skate Plaza runs alongside the market. The plaza is free to skate on.

The later sections cover shows, Santa photos, and practical notes for getting around, so this is a good place to pause and plan the rest of an evening out.

Practical notes

The Shipyards is easy to reach by SeaBus from downtown Vancouver, which avoids waterfront parking pressure. Canyon Lights and Grouse Mountain are both evening visits, so dress warm and allow time for the trip up the mountain or across the bridge park in the dark.