Christmas on Vancouver’s North Shore brings a special kind of magic to the holiday season, where coastal landscapes, forested canyons, and creative communities transform into festive destinations. From twinkling waterfront markets to intimate gallery gift exhibitions and illuminated forest trails, North Vancouver’s Christmas markets and seasonal events offer something for every holiday tradition. Whether you’re searching for handcrafted gifts from local artisans, planning a romantic evening under the lights, or creating family memories at festive markets, these North Shore celebrations capture the warmth and wonder of the season.
Shipyards Christmas Market
The Shipyards Christmas Market is North Vancouver’s premier holiday destination, bringing festive energy to the historic Lower Lonsdale waterfront. This seasonal market transforms the Shipyards District into a winter wonderland with artisan vendors, holiday food and drink stations, live entertainment, and seasonal décor that sparkles against the harbor backdrop. Browse handmade gifts, locally crafted products, and seasonal treasures while sipping mulled wine or hot chocolate. The outdoor skating rink and twinkling lights throughout the district create a lively, family-friendly atmosphere that perfectly captures the Christmas spirit.
Highlights:
- Waterfront location with harbor and mountain views
- Artisan vendors featuring handmade gifts and local products
- Holiday food and beverage stations, including mulled wine and hot chocolate
- Outdoor skating rink and festive light displays
- Live entertainment and seasonal performances
- Easy access to Lower Lonsdale’s shops, restaurants, and breweries
Why Visit: The Shipyards Christmas Market offers the full holiday market experience with North Shore character—waterfront views, local artisans, festive atmosphere, and plenty of room to explore. It’s the ideal destination for anyone seeking traditional Christmas market vibes with a West Coast setting.
Perfect for: Families, couples, groups of friends, holiday shoppers, first-time visitors to North Vancouver
Address: Shipyards District, 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver, BC
Polygon Gallery Holiday Shop
Located along the Lower Lonsdale waterfront, The Polygon Gallery provides a refined cultural experience during the Christmas season. Beyond its contemporary art exhibitions, the gallery’s holiday shop offers carefully curated gifts for art and design enthusiasts—art books, design pieces, limited edition prints, and creative items that go beyond typical holiday fare. The gallery’s striking waterfront architecture makes it a destination in itself, and its proximity to the Shipyards District allows visitors to easily combine gallery browsing with festive market activities, winter walks along the seawall, or dining at nearby restaurants.
Highlights:
- Contemporary art exhibitions alongside holiday shopping
- Curated selection of art books, design objects, and prints
- Architecturally significant waterfront building
- Located steps from Shipyards Christmas Market
- Thoughtful gifts for design and photography lovers
- Free gallery admission
Why Visit: The Polygon Gallery offers a quieter, more contemplative Christmas shopping experience focused on art and design. It’s perfect for finding meaningful gifts for creative individuals while enjoying world-class contemporary art in a stunning waterfront setting.
Perfect for: Art lovers, design enthusiasts, culture seekers, those shopping for creative professionals
Address: 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver, BC
Seymour Art Gallery Winter Gift Exhibition
During the holiday season, Seymour Art Gallery in Deep Cove transforms into an intimate Christmas destination rooted in local creativity and craftsmanship. The gallery’s seasonal exhibitions and holiday gift showcases feature works by BC artists across multiple mediums—ceramics, jewelry, textiles, prints, paintings, and small sculptural works. This is the place for thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gifts that directly support the local arts community. Paired with Deep Cove’s peaceful winter atmosphere, mountain views, and village charm, a visit to Seymour Art Gallery feels calm, reflective, and authentically festive.
Highlights:
- Seasonal exhibitions featuring BC artists
- Wide range of handcrafted items: ceramics, jewelry, textiles, prints, artwork
- Intimate gallery setting in scenic Deep Cove
- Supports local artists and craftspeople directly
- Village location perfect for combining with waterfront walks or coffee shops
- Free admission
Why Visit: Seymour Art Gallery offers a gentler alternative to busy holiday markets, with carefully curated art and craft pieces that make meaningful gifts. The Deep Cove setting adds natural beauty and tranquility to the Christmas shopping experience.
Perfect for: Art collectors, thoughtful gift-givers, those seeking unique handmade items, visitors wanting a quieter holiday experience
Address: 4360 Gallant Avenue, Deep Cove, North Vancouver, BC
Ferry Building Gallery Great Gifts Exhibition
The annual Great Gifts Exhibition at Ferry Building Gallery has become a beloved West Vancouver holiday tradition, focused entirely on local art and handcrafted gifts. This seasonal showcase features small-scale works by regional artists perfect for Christmas gifting—ceramics, glass art, jewelry, textiles, paintings, and mixed media pieces that reflect the creativity of the BC arts community. Set just steps from the Dundarave seawall with views across the water, the gallery provides an easy and enjoyable cultural stop that blends meaningful holiday shopping with West Vancouver’s refined waterfront atmosphere.
Highlights:
- Annual exhibition dedicated to gift-sized artwork
- Features ceramics, glass, jewelry, textiles, and mixed media
- Works by established and emerging BC artists
- Waterfront location near Dundarave Village
- Walking distance to seawall, cafes, and restaurants
- Free admission
Why Visit: The Great Gifts Exhibition solves the challenge of finding unique, locally made presents with artistic merit. It’s Christmas shopping with purpose—supporting regional artists while discovering beautiful, handcrafted pieces you won’t find elsewhere.
Perfect for: Art collectors, supporters of local artists, those seeking distinctive gifts, West Vancouver residents and visitors
Address: 1414 Argyle Avenue, West Vancouver, BC
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Canyon Lights transforms Capilano Suspension Bridge Park into one of BC’s most spectacular winter experiences. Thousands of lights illuminate the iconic suspension bridge, treetop walkways, cliff walks, and forest paths, creating magical contrasts against ancient rainforest trees and dramatic canyon landscapes. Live musical performances, festive décor, and seasonal treats add to the atmosphere. While not a traditional shopping market, Canyon Lights offers an unforgettable Christmas experience that showcases the North Shore’s natural beauty in an entirely new way—making it essential for both first-time visitors and locals seeking holiday magic.
Highlights:
- Thousands of lights throughout the rainforest canyon
- Illuminated suspension bridge, treetop walkways, and cliff walks
- Live music and seasonal entertainment
- Holiday treats and hot beverages
- Ancient rainforest setting
- One of BC’s most iconic Christmas attractions
Why Visit: Canyon Lights offers something no traditional market can—a breathtaking fusion of natural wonder and holiday magic. Walking across the illuminated suspension bridge high above the canyon is an unforgettable experience that defines Christmas on the North Shore.
Perfect for: Families, couples, photographers, nature lovers, tourists, anyone seeking a spectacular holiday experience
Address: 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver, BC
From bustling waterfront markets and curated gallery gift shops to illuminated forest canyons, Christmas markets in North Vancouver showcase the region’s unique blend of creativity, community, and coastal beauty. Whether you’re discovering local artisans at the Shipyards, finding art-inspired gifts in Deep Cove, or experiencing the magic of Canyon Lights, the North Shore’s holiday celebrations offer warmth, wonder, and authentic West Coast Christmas spirit.
For more North Shore holiday inspiration, explore Vancouver’s North Shore Tourism’s seasonal guide.
