North Vancouver's Shipyards district is getting festive again, with the Shipyards Christmas Market running from November 27 to December 24, 2026, at 125 Victory Ship Way — and entry won't cost you a cent.

The setup is modelled on Europe's classic holiday markets: more than 100 local makers and vendors rotate through wooden stalls across the season, so the lineup shifts week to week. Expect strings of holiday lights, artisanal gifts, roaming performers, live music and carolling, all under North Vancouver's giant Christmas tree.

Food is a big part of the draw. Think bratwursts, hot cocoa and mulled wine served from the Glühwein Cauldron in a limited-edition souvenir mug. If queuing isn't your thing, there's a guided Foodie Tour at $90 per person, capped at 12 guests, which includes tastings from 10 of the market's most popular stalls plus a warm Glühwein along the way — and some background on the vendors and the market itself from the guide.

Hours vary through the run: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and until 10 p.m. Friday to Sunday between November 27 and December 17; then 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily from December 18 to 23, with an earlier 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. finish on Christmas Eve.

Timing matters if you want a particular vibe. After 4 p.m. is when things get busiest and most lively, while weekday afternoons before 4 p.m. are the quiet window for browsing at your own pace.

Once you've eaten your way through the stalls, the Shipyards Skate Plaza is right there for an ice-skating session — a handy pairing that makes the whole waterfront easy to fill an evening with.

For travellers, this slots neatly into a Vancouver winter itinerary. The market sits on the north shore of Burrard Inlet, a short SeaBus ride from downtown Vancouver, and combines easily with the North Shore's other draws like the Capilano area and the mountain views across the water. Free entry means it works as a low-commitment evening activity, or you can spend big on the food tour and call it dinner. Visit early in December if you want the full run of stalls with lighter crowds, or closer to Christmas Eve for maximum festive chaos — just note the earlier closing time on the final day.