North Vancouver Christmas Festival Features Waterfront Ferris Wheel!

Image from Walt Stoneburner | Flickr.com

Been missing the weekly Shipyards Night Markets that were so popular this summer? The Christmas Festival at The Shipyards in North Vancouver will take you back to those long, warm nights with a fun winter festival featuring tons of free, family-friendly activities that will warm you up quickly!

For 2017, the Christmas Festival will be bigger than ever before – literally! New this year, there will be a large 65-foot Ferris wheel (a.k.a. the ‘Sky Wheel’) set up on the pier with the best views of the city, by far! In addition, an artisan market will be open during the festival for some unique shopping opportunities.

The festivities will take place on Saturday, December 2, 2017 from 4:00pm – 7:00pm. Though the Christmas Festival may officially end at 7:00pm, the Sky Wheel and artisan market will remain open until 10:00pm.

Located at the bottom of Lonsdale Avenue in North Vancouver, near Lonsdale Quay, the Christmas Festival is very easy to get to via the Seabus from Downtown Vancouver.

Image courtesy of City of North Vancouver

The Shipbuilders’ Square will be transformed into a winter wonderland with lots of fun, free family activities. Kids of all ages can enjoy lantern and ornament making, gingerbread decorating, and even a visit with Santa in his workshop! You can bring your camera or use your cell phone to take pictures with Santa.

There will also be free tea, coffee, and hot chocolate, as well as kettle corn and cotton candy for the first 500 people, a storytime tent, face painting, balloon creations and live music.

When you get tired of all the hands-on activities, sit back and enjoy some onstage entertainment including performances by The Beauty Shop Dolls, Windsor Senior Chamber Choir and Seymour Dance School. To kick off the event, the Mayor will officially light the City’s Christmas tree at 5:00pm.

Sky Wheel on the Pier

Want to see the city from a whole new perspective? You can check out the Sky Wheel on the Pier at the Christmas Festival or on Sunday, December 3rd from 10am to 8pm. It will remain open for both days, offering rides by donation (suggested: $2), with all proceeds going to local charities.

Note: the minimum age for the ride is two years old, and the minimum height is 36 inches. Children who are between 36 inches and 48 inches must be accompanied by an adult.

Artisan Winter Market

Along with the giant Ferris wheel, the Christmas Festival will also feature an artisan market at the Pipe Shop with lots of great things for sale. You can find jewellery, home decor, candies, baked goods, wood products, preserves, and other unique items. With all those options, you’re sure to find some great gifts for everyone on your Christmas list.