Winter in the Village Recap: January 2024

Every December, Steveston embraces the festive season like no other. Not only is the village bedecked with beautiful lights, banners, selfie stations and holiday displays, there’s also an incredible program of events happening throughout the month. This all comes together to make Winter in the Village a unique and special festive experience!

2023 saw the largest ever Winter in the Village program, with new events and familiar favourites being enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

Tourism Richmond initiatives included installing Winter In The Village branded signage and street banners, providing sponsorship to new and expanding events, promotion in digital and print formats, and professional photography to support promotion in future years. It was also the first year of Steveston Sips, with 15 locations around Steveston serving special edition festively themed drinks.

Here are some of the many amazing highlight events of Winter in the Village 2023!

 Steveston Girls Night Out

Steveston Girls Night Out is an annual winter event which invites women to come out to Steveston to shop and socialize with their friends. Local retailers offer special deals on this fun night and 2023 saw the village at its bustling and vibrant best!

Santa Arriving in Steveston and Classic Car Parade

In early December, Santa made his entrance by arriving in Steveston by boat at Fisherman’s Wharf. Newly added in 2023, was Photos with Santa located at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site (NHS), along with free entrance into the Cannery.

Steveston Festival of Trees

The Steveston Festival of Trees allowed visitors and locals to explore a forest of festive trees decorated by local merchants and organizations. Presented by the Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS, visitors were encouraged to vote for their favourite tree in-person or by submitting their vote on the Cannery’s social channels.

Holiday Dog Parade and Dog Photos with Santa

Presented by Steveston Merchants Association, Pathfinders Dog Ranch, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site and Tourism Richmond.

Visitors and locals were invited to dress up their dogs and parade along Imperial Landing on December 10^th.  The parade ended at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery, where owners and their dogs took pictures with Mr.  and Mrs. Claus outside.

Steveston Sips

New for 2023, 15 participating locations around Steveston developed specially curated festive drinks exclusively available throughout December. With everything from Salted Caramel Mocha’s to ‘CranMerry’ Lemontini cocktails, the participating locations did not disappoint with their creations!

Winter in the Village is made possible by the partnerships of the incredible businesses in Steveston, and we’re proud to have participated with them to make 2023 the biggest Winter In The Village to date.

For an insider guide about Winter in the Village, check out this blog post.

Look out for details of the 2024 Winter In The Village later this year!