Shipyards Skate Plaza opens November 27, and the Spirit of the Season festival lights the tree on November 28
The City of North Vancouver opens the Shipyards Skate Plaza on November 27, 2026, holds its Spirit of the Season festival on November 28 from 4 pm to 9 pm, and runs the Shipyards Christmas Market to December 24.
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The City of North Vancouver set out its winter season at the Shipyards in a notice on November 5, 2026. The Skate Plaza opens on Friday, November 27, the Spirit of the Season festival is on Saturday, November 28, and the outdoor Christmas Market runs from November 27 to December 24.
The Skate Plaza
The Shipyards Skate Plaza, which the City calls the region's largest outdoor ice rink, opens for the season on November 27 and stays open daily until early spring 2027. Skating, helmets and skate aids are free. Skate rentals cost $8 for adults and $5.50 for kids, and people who bring their own skates use the rink for free. The City posts the hours and special events at cnv.org/SkatePlaza.
Spirit of the Season, November 28
The festival runs from 4 pm to 9 pm across the Shipyards area. The City lists these times:
- Public skating at the Skate Plaza: 12 pm to 8 pm
- Performances at the Foot of Lonsdale: 4 pm to 9 pm
- Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by City fire truck at Carrie Cates Court: 5 pm
- Opening ceremony and tree lighting at the Foot of Lonsdale: 5 pm to 6 pm
The opening ceremony starts at 5:15 pm with remarks from the mayor and council, and the giant holiday tree is lit at about 5:45 pm. The festival also has live music, markets and other activities.
The Christmas Market
The outdoor Shipyards Christmas Market, which the City describes as European-inspired, is open daily from November 27 to December 24, with free admission. On the festival day it is open from 11 am to 10 pm. Shops and restaurants at the Shipyards stay open through the winter.
The City lists more seasonal events at cnv.org/TheShipyards and cnv.org/Events. More City of North Vancouver news is on the news page.
Questions this story answers
When does the Shipyards Skate Plaza open in 2026?
The City of North Vancouver says the Shipyards Skate Plaza opens for the season on Friday, November 27, 2026, and stays open daily until early spring 2027. The City calls it the region's largest outdoor ice rink, and posts its hours at cnv.org/SkatePlaza.
How much does skating cost at the Shipyards Skate Plaza?
The City of North Vancouver says skating, helmets and skate aids are free at the Shipyards Skate Plaza. Skate rentals cost $8 for adults and $5.50 for kids, and people who bring their own skates use the rink for free, the City said on November 5, 2026.
When is the Spirit of the Season festival in North Vancouver?
The City of North Vancouver holds the Spirit of the Season festival on Saturday, November 28, 2026, from 4 pm to 9 pm across the Shipyards area. Performances start at 4 pm at the Foot of Lonsdale and the opening ceremony starts at 5:15 pm with remarks from the mayor and council.
What time is the Shipyards holiday tree lighting?
The City of North Vancouver says the giant holiday tree at the Shipyards is lit at about 5:45 pm on Saturday, November 28, 2026, after the opening ceremony that starts at 5:15 pm at the Foot of Lonsdale. The festival continues until 9 pm.
When does Santa arrive at the Spirit of the Season festival?
The City of North Vancouver says Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by City fire truck at Carrie Cates Court at 5 pm on Saturday, November 28, 2026, during the Spirit of the Season festival at the Shipyards.
When is the Shipyards Christmas Market open?
The City of North Vancouver says the outdoor Shipyards Christmas Market is open daily from Friday, November 27, to Thursday, December 24, 2026, with free admission. On the festival day, November 28, the market is open from 11 am to 10 pm.
Is skating open during the Spirit of the Season festival?
Yes. The City of North Vancouver says public skating at the Shipyards Skate Plaza runs from 12 pm to 8 pm on Saturday, November 28, 2026, the day of the Spirit of the Season festival, which runs from 4 pm to 9 pm.
Where can I find more City of North Vancouver winter events?
The City of North Vancouver lists Shipyards events, shopping and dining at cnv.org/TheShipyards and all City events at cnv.org/Events. The Spirit of the Season festival details are at cnv.org/SpiritOfTheSeason, the City said in its November 5, 2026 notice.
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