Steveston’s Winter in the Village: The Insider’s Guide

It’s that most wonderful time of the year and Steveston Village will once again be transforming into the region’s favourite festive destination! Running from November 20 to December 31, the 2025 Winter in the Village season includes a full menu of holiday happenings––complete with a sparkling array of free or low-cost activities for everyone.

A one-stop-shop for budget-friendly Christmastime fun, the scenic heritage village on Richmond’s southwestern shoreline is the perfect place to bring your friends and family to experience the spirit of the season. Ready to dive in? Read on for our exclusive insider’s guide to this year’s Winter in the Village.

STEVESTON SIPS

Need a warming respite? Back for its third year in 2025––and running for the duration of this year’s Winter in the Village––you can sample a special selection of delicious holiday drinks at handpicked bars, cafes and restaurants throughout the village. From cocktails to coffees to non-alcoholic offerings, each is designed to be the perfect restorative accompaniment to any wintery day out.

And it’s not just about drinks. You’ll also find a dedicated array of appetizers and desserts available to accompany your Yuletide libations. Thirsty for more info? Visit the Steveston Sips page for the latest information on this year’s participating establishments and their exclusive seasonal offerings.

HOLIDAY DISPLAYS & ILLUMINATIONS

Head to the Steveston Tram pavilion on November 30 for this year’s Holiday Tree Lighting Event. The hot chocolate and live music starts at 4:00pm, while Mayor Brodie will be there to switch on the village’s official tree at 4:45pm. Don’t forget to shoot lots of photos!

There are also lots of other illuminations to photograph around the village this season. Look out for some fun selfie stations, unique window displays in local stores and the shimmering light installations at Town Square Park, located next to the Steveston Museum & Post Office on Moncton Street.

You can also add an extra layer of excitement by participating in the 2025 Spot Solomon the Seasonal Seal Scavenger Hunt as well as voting for your favourite village window displays. And please use the hashtags #WinterintheVillageand #RichmondMomentsto share your photos on social––we’d love to see your most Christmassy Steveston snaps!

SANTA IN STEVESTON & MORE

On November 30 and December 7 (12:00pm to 4:00pm), you’ll find by-donation Horse-drawn carriage rides in the village. But make sure you’re definitely here for December 7––it’s an absolute must for festive fans of all ages.

The fun starts with the much-loved Christmas Classic Car Cruise & Display, featuring a 15-minute parade followed by a chance to peruse the parked-up vintage vehicles. Then, at 1:00pm, Santa will arrive by boat at Fisherman’s Wharf! After he disembarks, you can follow the red-robed wonder to the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site. Cannery admission is free on this day, and Santa will be holding court here for cost-free photos (2:00pm to 4:00pm).

WINTER TRAM

From December 1 to 31, bring the family to Steveston Tram and you’ll find it transformed into the warm and welcoming (and admission-free) Winter Tram attraction––one of the region’s favourite heritage-forward holiday happenings.

The tram will be fully decorated for the season, but you’ll also find some brilliant Lego models of local landmarks, a tram conductor dress-up area for kids and a festive scavenger hunt that takes you in and around the tram. There will also be drop-in readings of holiday classic The Polar Express on December 6 and December 14 (2:00pm, 2:40pm and 3:20pm)––arrive early for these.

HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING & MORE

Make sure you’re at the Steveston Tram pavilion on November 30 for 2025’s Holiday Tree Lighting Event, complete with a sparkling official switch-on at 4:45pm by Mayor Brodie. Come to the Tram after 4:00pm to enjoy some entertainment, before lighting the big tree! And now that it’s dark, this is also the perfect time to explore the village’s additional illuminations. You’ll discover a glittering array of light displays and installations dotted around Steveston, as well as three seasonal selfie stations just waiting for your camera lens. Use the hashtags #WinterintheVillage and #RichmondMoments to share your photos on social.

FESTIVAL OF TREES & MORE

Speaking of sparkling holiday displays, don’t miss the annual Steveston Festival of Trees at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site. Running from November 29 to January 4, you’ll find a winter wonderland of indoor trees, each uniquely decorated by local organizations and businesses. Don’t forget to vote for your favourite!

This year, the Cannery is also scheduling some additional holiday happenings. On December 6 (1:00pm to 3:30pm), there’s a family-friendly Filipino Christmas Celebration, complete with craft activities and a dance performance. And on December 7, the Cannery is hosting a special admission-free day with holiday activities including cost-free Photos with Santa (2:00pm to 4:00pm). It’s part of a series of December 7 holiday events in the village––see below for more details.

JINGLE BELL HIGH TEA AT LONDON FARM

And if you’re looking for even more decadent treats, book as far ahead as possible for the seasonal holiday teas at London Farm. This year, the heritage attraction is serving special festive afternoon teas and high teas in its cozy, antique-lined dining room. The 2025 dates are December 6, 7, 13 and 14 (11:00am, 12:30pm, 2:00pm and 3:30pm).

Expect delicious homemade baking, lovely house-blend tea and the chance to check out the home’s museum-like rooms and visit its little gift shop (hot tip: their jars of own-made preserves make excellent stocking stuffers). Book via londonhf@telus.net with your requested date, number of guests, seating time and phone number.

SONGS IN THE SNOW

A delightful way to dive into the spirit of the season, head to Town Square Park on December 6 and 13 (3:30pm to 6:30pm) for Songs in the Snow. This charming outdoor event, hosted by the Steveston Historical Society, has become a must-do seasonal treat for many. Bring all the family for an hour or three of live music, holiday sing-alongs, kid-friendly crafts and some warm and welcoming refreshments of the hot chocolate variety.

SEASONAL SHOPPING

Steveston is famous for its brilliant selection of independent shops and boutiques––perfect for leisurely browsing at any time of year. But during Winter in the Village, many of these stores create imaginative and inviting holiday window displays. And if you really want to enjoy your Christmas shopping, gather your friends for November 20’s Girls Night Out (6:00pm to 9:00pm). You’ll find a party-like atmosphere plus special deals at shops and restaurants.

Still have some gift shopping to do? Add November 22’s Steveston Christmas Craft Fair to your calendar. This beloved Steveston Community Centre event hosts more than 100 local, handpicked artisan vendors all under one roof.

HOLIDAY DOG PARADE

Finally, fans of both Christmas AND pooches won’t want to miss the Holiday Dog Parade on December 14, where both you and your canine pal are encouraged to dress-up in full festive finery. Meet at 11:00am at Phoenix Pond Bridge and you can join the walkies over to the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site. At the Cannery, you and your pooch can pose for some special photos with Santa (11:15am to 1:00pm). Adding to the festivities, there will also be prizes for the best-dressed participants!

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Check out the 2025 Winter in the Village events calendar for all the latest details. Keep in mind that parking is available in Steveston but there are also extensive transit bus services available––visit the TransLink website for trip-planning resources. And if it’s one of those scenically sunny winter days, consider biking it: Steveston is well connected to several cycling routes and trails.

Last Updated on November 12, 2025 by Tourism Richmond