It’s that most wonderful time of the year––and Steveston Village will once again be transformed into a sparkling wonderland. Newly expanded for 2023, this year’s Winter in the Village season runs from November 23 to December 31, offering a stocking-full of free or low-cost Christmas activities for all the family.

Your one-stop-shop for holiday fun, the region’s favourite shoreline heritage destination is the perfect place to tap into the spirit of the season. Ready to plan lots of great Yuletide days out? Read on for our exclusive insider’s guide to this year’s Winter in the Village.

Holiday lights adorn a large tree outside the Gulf of Georgia Cannery in Richmond, BC | Photo Credit: City of Richmond

STEVESTON SIPS

A brand new holiday happening for 2023, check out a special selection of festive drinks guaranteed to warm you up for winter at participating locations throughout the village. And every time you snap an image or two of your delicious holiday beverage discoveries and post them to social media, you’ll be entered for a chance to win a unique $150 gift basket! Learn more here.

HOLIDAY DISPLAY

This year, dozens of Steveston businesses are installing twinkling festive displays to help elevate your holiday spirits. From dangling paper snowflakes to whimsical Christmas décor to rustic Yuletide ornaments, give yourself plenty of time to visit them all between December 1 and 31. You’ll also find three charming selfie stations set up around the village––feel free to snap some photos and post to social media using the hashtag #WinterintheVillage.

Steveston businesses will have festive decorations up | Photo Credit: City of Richmond

FESTIVAL OF TREES

Steveston’s Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site is once again hosting a forest of shimmering trees, each creatively decorated by local businesses and organizations (vote for your favourite via the Cannery’s social media channels). Keep in mind that the Cannery is a paid-entry attraction (adults $12.50; seniors $10.75; under-17s free) and be sure to explore its museum-like exhibits and excellent gift shop while you’re here. The Festival of Trees runs from December 1 to January 7.

The glittering, walk-through light ornament is a great spot for selfies | Photo Credit: Tourism Richmond

WINTER TRAM

Bring your youngsters to the Steveston Tram for a magical reading of holiday classic The Polar Express––with the reading taking place on board the beautifully restored, bright red Tramcar 1220! This drop-in experience runs on December 2 and December 10 (at 2pm, 2:40pm and 3:20pm). And from December 1 to 31, the free-entry pavilion will also be transformed into Winter Tram, complete with delightful decorations, Lego models of local landmarks, a holiday scavenger hunt and a tram conductor dress-up station.

Visit the Steveston Tram to see some spectacular decor and models. | Photo Credit: Tourism Richmond

SONGS IN THE SNOW: A VINTAGE CHRISTMAS

This charming outdoor event features festive songs and holiday sing-alongs. Admission is by-donation and performances take place at Town Square Park, located alongside the Steveston Post Office and Museum on Moncton Street. Presented by the Steveston Historical Society, performances are planned for successive Saturdays on December 2 (4pm to 6pm), December 9 (4pm to 6pm), and December 16 (4pm to 6pm).

Sing your heart during the holiday sing-alongs. | Photo Credit: Steveston Heritage Sites

SANTA, MRS CLAUS & THE ELVES IN THE VILLAGE

Visit Steveston on December 9 (between 1pm and 3pm) and keep your eyes and ears open for a cast of wandering guest stars. Santa, Mrs Claus and their cheeky elves will be roaming around the village and spreading their holly jolly good vibes to everyone they meet. It’s the perfect opportunity for a festive selfie or two as you check out the local stores and restaurants.

STEVESTON CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR

Kick-off your Christmas shopping with this beloved annual event at the Steveston Community Centre’s Net Shed. Expect a full-on holiday atmosphere (warming refreshments included) as you explore more than 100 carefully chosen vendor stands. You’ll soon have all your gift-buying done––which means you’ll also have time to find something extra special for yourself. Admission is by donation (cash only) and the event runs from 10am to 4pm on November 25.

Explore hand-crafted goods from local vendors. | Photo Credit: Steveston Community Centre

STEVESTON HUB CHRISTMAS MARKET

With its plethora of browse-worthy independent boutiques, Steveston is always a great place to find unique gifts. But time your village visit for December 9 or 10 and you can add Steveston Hub to your pressie-shopping expedition. Located at 3551 Moncton Street, this second floor venue will be hosting a great array of Richmond and Steveston makers, each offering brilliant ideas for everyone on your gift list. The market runs from 11am to 5pm on both days.

SANTA IN THE VILLAGE & MORE

Head to Steveston on December 3 for a full afternoon of free holiday activities. The fun includes the Christmas Classic Car Cruise (11:45am to 1:30pm), which starts with vintage vehicles trundling around the streets, and––drum roll please––the 1pm arrival of Santa himself by boat at Fisherman’s Wharf, followed by his carriage parade around the village. There will also be free entry to the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site and by-donation carriage rides in the village. Can’t make it on December 3? By-donation rides are also available on December 10 (noon to 4pm).

Santa arriving at Steveston’s Fisherman’s Wharf by boat. | Photo Credit: Tourism Richmond

HOLIDAY DOG PARADE

Fans of both Christmas AND dogs won’t want to miss this December 10 parade where both you and your canine pal are encouraged to dress-up in festive finery. Meet at 10:30 am at Phoenix Pond bridge to join the walkies over to the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site, where you and your pooch can pose for photos with Santa (from 11am to 1pm). There will be prizes for the best-dressed participants.

Stylish dogs spotted along the Steveston boardwalk. | Photo Credit: Valerie Leung

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Join the Jolly Old Elf himself at this free (donations welcome) pancake breakfast at Steveston United Church. Your kids will love meeting Santa and they’ll also have fun at the craft table. Games and festive music will add to the Christmastime excitement and there will also be an opportunity for photos with everyone’s favourite red-suited wonder. This event is on December 23 and runs between 9am and 1pm.

SANTA CLAUS PARADE

A local favourite that’s also the perfect family-friendly Christmas Eve activity, find a spot on the village streets and watch a sparkling parade that features a magical appearance by Santa himself. Hosted by Richmond Fire-Rescue, you’ll also see some cool fire trucks in all their shiny red finery. Wrap up warmly: this event is on December 24 and runs from 6pm to 8pm.

STEVESTON FOLK GUILD: SANGRE MORENA SHOW

Join Vancouver duo Sangre Morena for a winter-warming evening of music from Mexico, Latin America and Spain, featuring fiery Flamenco guitar and highly expressive vocals. Add the evocative venue––the Chinese Bunkhouse at the Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site––and you’re guaranteed a uniquely entertaining night out. The show is on December 14th (from 7:30pm) and tickets cost $12 on the door (seating is limited so be sure to arrive early).

Latin American duo Sangre Morena, with Elsa on vocals and José on Flamenco guitar. | Photo Credit: Steveston Heritage Sites.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Check out this year’s Winter in the Village events calendar for all the latest details. 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 March 26, 2024 by Tourism Richmond