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Watch this giant tree light up at North Vancouver's jolly Christmas Festival

The Shipyards will be transformed into a winter wonderland later this month for the City of North Vancouver’s annual Christmas Festival.

The Shipyards will be transformed into a winter wonderland later this month for the City of North Vancouver’s annual Christmas Festival.

The festive celebration kicks of Nov. 30 at 3 p.m., marking the start of the holiday season and offering a chance to enjoy the magic of the waterfront area.

 The Shipyards will be transformed into a winter wonderland later this month for the City of North Vancouver’s annual Christmas Festival. Photo: @gwenfarley / InstagramThe Shipyards will be transformed into a winter wonderland later this month for the City of North Vancouver’s annual Christmas Festival. Photo: @gwenfarley / Instagram

As per tradition, Metro Vancouverites are invited to watch Mayor Linda Buchanan light the city’s official Christmas tree at the foot of Lonsdale at 6:50 p.m.

Festive cheer will flow throughout the evening with live entertainment from Lynnmour Elementary School children’s choir, the CapU Jazz Holiday trio and a Nutcracker dance performance by Seymour Dance School.

There's plenty to look forward to at the family friendly event, including browsing through the winter artisan market at the Pipe Shop, visiting Santa's workshop and taking a photo with the jolly elf himself, as well as holiday craft making stations and pony rides for the kids.  Find the full list of activities below.

Visitors can also indulge in free popcorn, cotton candy, coffee, tea and hot chocolate as they enjoy the event.

 The Shipyards will be transformed into a winter wonderland later this month for the City of North Vancouver’s annual Christmas Festival. Photo: @suvendraaa /InstagramThe Shipyards will be transformed into a winter wonderland later this month for the City of North Vancouver’s annual Christmas Festival. Photo: @suvendraaa /Instagram

What to look forward to:

  • Photos with Santa. Look for Santa’s workshop behind the stage and bring your camera to take your own photo.
  • Craft fair in the Pipe Shop
  • Goodies and snacks: free popcorn, cotton candy, coffee, tea and hot chocolate
  • Pony rides for the kids
  • Old fashioned lantern making
  • Ginger bread cookie decorating
  • Balloon creations, face painting and story time
  • Mascots "Salty the Seagull" and "Ollie the Otter"

Entertainment schedule:

  • 3:20 p.m.: Lynnmour Elementary School children’s choir
  • 4 p.m.: Children’s entertainer Sue Breton on stage
  • 5:15 p.m.: CapU Jazz Holiday trio on stage
  • 6:00 p.m.: Nutcracker dance performance by Seymour Dance School
  • 6:50 p.m.: Mayor Buchanan lights the giant Christmas Tree

Donations are welcome with all proceeds going to the Harvest Project.

Shipyards Christmas Festival

When: Sat., Nov. 30, 2019 from 3-7 p.m.

Where: The Shipyards - 15 Wallace Mews, North Vancouver

Cost: Free