Winter in the Village Recap: January 2025

Every December, Steveston transforms into a festive wonderland. The Village is adorned with twinkling lights, vibrant banners, selfie stations, and enchanting holiday displays. In addition to the beautiful decorations, there is an exciting lineup of events throughout the month. All of this combines to create a truly unique and special Winter in the Village experience.

In 2024, Winter in the Village included both new and familiar programming to be enjoyed by locals and visitors.

Tourism Richmond continued to install Winter in the Village (WIV) branded signage and street banners throughout the village. It was also the second year of Steveston Sips, with 12 participating locations serving special edition festively themed drinks.

Programming

Christmas Tree Lighting

New for 2024, a 27ft illuminated tree was installed in front of the Steveston Tram, adjacent to Moncton Crossing. The tree provides a focal point for Steveston’s festive illuminations and was located in a visible, high traffic area that is the most common route for people to access the village. Mayor Malcolm Brodie turned on the lights at a ceremony attended by over 200 people on 1^st December that included  music, stilt walkers, donuts and hot chocolate.

Santa Arriving in Steveston and Horse and Carriage Rides

Organized by the Steveston Merchants Association, the Arrival of Santa by Boat and the Horse and Carriage Rides returned to the village for 2024. These two staple events of Winter in the Village brought residents and visitors together to revel in festive spirit on weekends throughout December.

Steveston Festival of Trees

The Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site hosted the annual Steveston Festival of Trees from November 30 – January 15, showcasing stunning festive trees creatively decorated by Richmond merchants and organizations. Visitors enjoyed exploring the displays and voting for their favorites online or in person.

Holiday Display Contest and Spot Solomon the Seasonal Seal Scavenger Hunt

The Holiday Display Contest ran from December 1 to 31, featuring 20 Steveston businesses competing for the best festive display. A judging panel selected their favourites, and a winner was announced at the month’s end.

New for 2024 was the Kid’s Choice vote, inviting children and families to pick their favourite display while enjoying a festive scavenger hunt. This activity encouraged families to find Solomon the Seasonal Seal at participating Steveston businesses and count the correct number of seals for a chance to win a prize. This activity invited families to search for Solomon the Seasonal Seal at participating Steveston businesses and count the correct number of seals for a chance to win a prize. 

Holiday Dog Parade and Dog Photos with Santa

Hundreds of festively dressed dogs and their owners congregated in the village to parade to the Gulf of Georgia Cannery, where Santa was waiting for a photo opportunity. A partnership between the Steveston Merchants Association, Pathfinders Pet Care and Dog Ranch, Bosley’s Pet Store and Farmina, the event saw a record number of participants.

Steveston Sips

Tourism Richmond hosted the second annual Steveston Sips promotion, with 12 Steveston locations offering unique festive drinks from December 1 to 31. From Holiday Nogs to Spiced Chai Martinis, businesses went above and beyond with their creative beverages.

Thank you to Steveston businesses and local partners for making Winter in the Village a success each year.

Look out for details of the 2025 Winter in the Village later this year!