Categories: Things To Do

A free European-inspired Christmas market is coming to North Vancouver’s waterfront

Photo via @shipyardschristmasmarket / Instagram

Get ready to raise your cups of holiday cheer! The free-to-enter Shipyards Christmas Market is back this month, bringing dozens of European-inspired wooden stalls to the Shipyards area.

“Over 100 makers rotate throughout the season, so the lane is never quite the same twice,” says the organizers on the market website.

Market-goers will be able to weave their way through twinkling holiday lights, aisles and aisles of festive treats and artisanal gifts, and roaming entertainment. North Vancouver’s giant Christmas tree will tower over the festivities, with the sounds of live music and carolling in the air.

In terms of food, you can feast on seasonal classics like bratwursts, mulled wine in a limited-edition mug from the Glühwein Cauldron, and piping hot cocoa.

Once you’ve had your fill, you can hit the ice at the Shipyards Skate Plaza.

Those who want to skip the lines and enjoy all the food the market has to offer can opt for the guided Foodie Tour ($90 per person), which gets you samples from 10 of the market’s most popular stalls, all while sipping on a warm Glühwein.

Each tour is capped at 12 guests to keep the experience relaxed and personal, as guests will hear the stories behind the market and the vendors at each stop.

When does the Shipyards Christmas Market return?

The beloved market is back from Nov. 27 to Dec. 24, 2026, and will operate at the following times:

11 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday between Nov. 27 and Dec. 17
11 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Friday to Sunday between Nov. 27 and Dec. 17
11 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Dec. 18 to 23
11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 24

What is the best time to come to the market?

According to the website, 4 p.m. onwards is the liveliest time of day on weekdays and weekends. But if you prefer a quieter, slower visit, weekday afternoons before 4 p.m. have your name all over them.

Mark your calendars, Christmas lovers!