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

It’s that most wonderful time of the year––and Steveston Village is once again transforming into a twinkling holiday wonderland. More sparkling than ever this time around, the 2024 Winter in the Village season runs from November 21 to December 31––and it’s promising a full festive menu of free or low-cost activities for all the family.

A one-stop-shop for budget-friendly Christmastime fun and entertainment, 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 days out during the holidays? Read on for our exclusive insider’s guide to this year’s Winter in the Village.

Holiday lights adorn Fisherman’s Wharf in Steveston Village. PHOTO CREDIT: Tourism Richmond.

STEVESTON SIPS

Back for its second year in 2024 (and running from December 1 to December 31), check out a special selection of festive drinks guaranteed to warm you up for winter at participating locations throughout the village. Learn more here.

SANTA IN STEVESTON & MORE

Horse-drawn carriage rides around the village will also be available (suggested donation $10 per person; proceeds to the Richmond Food Bank). You can also focus your camera on a different mode of transport at the Christmas Classic Car Cruise & Display (11:45am to 1:30pm), which showcases a great array of vintage vehicles. But these aren’t the only reasons to visit Steveston on December 1: read on for a brand new festive event that’s taking place this year.

Holiday lights adorn a large tree outside the Gulf of Georgia Cannery in Richmond, BC. PHOTO CREDIT: City of Richmond

WINTER TRAM

Throughout December, bring your youngsters to Steveston Tram and you’ll find the pavilion transformed for the holidays into the warm and welcoming (and admission-free) Winter Tram attraction. They’ll love the delightful decorations, Lego models of local landmarks, festive scavenger hunt and tram conductor dress-up station. There will also be drop-in readings of holiday classic The Polar Express––with the readings taking place on board the bright red Tramcar 1220! Readings are on December 7 and December 15 (2pm, 2:40pm and 3:20pm), and we recommend arriving early.

Visit the Steveston Tram to see some spectacular decor and models. PHOTO CREDIT: Tourism Richmond

HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING & MORE

Make sure you’re at the Steveston Tram pavilion on December 1 for 2024’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

Ready for more sparkle? 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 $13.25; seniors $11.25; youth 17 and under free) and, during your visit, be sure to explore its museum-like exhibits and excellent gift shop. The Festival of Trees runs from November 30 to January 5.

Vote for your favourite tree. PHOTO CREDIT: Tourism Richmond.

JINGLE BELL HIGH TEA AT LONDON FARM

This much-loved heritage farmhouse in the London Landing area is hosting a real holiday treat this year: a festive-themed high tea in a cozy, antique-lined dining room. 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). Tea sittings are offered on December 7, 8, 14 and 15 (11am, 12:30pm and 2pm each day). Book as far ahead as possible via tearoommanager@londonfarm.ca.

Don’t miss out on delicious homemade treats. PHOTO CREDIT: Steveston Heritage Sites.

SONGS IN THE SNOW: A VINTAGE CHRISTMAS

This utterly charming outdoor event features festive songs and holiday sing-alongs for all the family. The by-donation performances take place at Town Square Park, located next to the Steveston Museum and Post Office on Moncton Street. Presented by the Steveston Historical Society and Richmond Arts Coalition, 2024’s performances are planned for two successive Saturdays on December 7 (3:30pm to 6:30pm) and December 14 (3:30pm to 6:30pm).

Sing your heart during the holiday sing-alongs. PHOTO CREDIT: Steveston Heritage Sites.

Santa’s Arrival by Boat

Beeline to Steveston on December 8 for another full serving of budget-friendly holiday activities. The fun includes Santa’s unique and photo-worthy arrival by boat at Fisherman’s Wharf (1pm). There’s also admission-free entry to the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site (10am to 5pm), where Santa will be holding court between 2pm and 4pm. And there are horse-drawn carriage rides again around the village from noon to 4pm (by donation; $10 per person recommended).

Santa arriving by boat. PHOTO CREDIT: *Steveston Merchants Association*.

WINTER CELEBRATION AT STEVESTON COMMUNITY CENTRE

On December 15, bring all your friends and family to the village’s popular community centre for a special, free-entry afternoon (noon to 4pm) that’s filled to the brim with festive cheer. From holiday games and entertainment to seasonal crafts and tasty treats, it’s the perfect way to tap into some cheery Yuletide fun––and for some extra fun, don’t miss the festive photo booth while you’re here!

HOLIDAY DOG PARADE

Fans of both Christmas AND pooches won’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind December 15 parade where both you and your canine pal are encouraged to dress-up in full festive finery. Meet at 11am 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 (from 11:30am to 1pm). Adding to the festivities, there will also be prizes for the best-dressed participants.

Let Santa help you show off your dog’s festive outfit. PHOTO CREDIT: Steveston Merchants Association.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Check out the 2024 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 December 2, 2024 by Tourism Richmond