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A number of holiday activities are taking place in Steveston Village this December.

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Winter in the Village returning in Steveston

By Richmond Sentinel

Published 10:31 PST, Tue November 22, 2022

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Every December, Steveston Village transforms into a winter wonderland with a variety of free or low-cost holiday activities.

The Winter in the Village digital passport is available through a free app, and provides access to a self-guided tour of local Christmas sights as well as special offers and discounts at some stores and restaurants. Each check-in at a designated location or redeemed offer will earn app users a chance to win weekly gift baskets filled with prizes from village businesses.

Dozens of Steveston businesses are installing twinkling, attention-grabbing festive displays to help elevate holiday spirits. From dangling paper snowflakes to whimsical Christmas décor to rustic Yuletide ornaments, visit them all and vote for your favourite at the Steveston Tram or the Steveston Post Office and Museum beginning on Dec. 1.

Along Fisherman’s Wharf, some boats will be decorated with holiday lights. People can vote for their favourite boat on the Tourism Richmond Facebook page beginning on Dec. 1. People are asked to view the holiday boats from the safety of the boardwalk, and not to walk along the piers in the dark.

The Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site is again hosting one of Metro Vancouver’s most popular Christmas tree displays. Each tree has been creatively decorated by local businesses and organizations. The cannery is a paid-entry attraction (adults $12.50; seniors $10.75; free for those under age 17), and with the entry fee people can also explore the cannery’s exhibits and gift shop. The Festival of Trees runs from Dec. 1 to 24. Voting can be done onsite or online.

There will be a Christmas craft fair at the Steveston Community Centre’s net shed on Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be about 120 vendor stands, and admission is by donation (cash only).

Another opportunity to find unique gifts is at the Christmas market at Steveston Hub (3551 Moncton St.) on Dec. 3 and 4. The venue will host 24 Richmond makers, and the market runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days.

On Dec. 4, there will be a full afternoon of free holiday activities in Steveston including the Christmas Classic Car Cruise (12:15 to 2:30 p.m.), where vintage vehicles trundle around the streets. At 1 p.m., Santa will arrive by boat at Fisherman’s Wharf, followed by a carriage parade around the village. There will also be free carriage rides for visitors that day and on Dec. 11 from 1 to 5 p.m.).

A dog parade on Dec. 11 will see people dressing up with their canine pals for a short walk. The event begins at 11 a.m. at Phoenix Pond bridge and ends at Starbucks on Bayview Street. There will be prizes for the best-dressed participants, and people can pose with their dogs for free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Later that day, from 2 to 4 p.m., the Musica Intima vocal ensemble will sing in a by-donation performance at Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site.