If the holiday spirit is coursing through your veins, The Shipyards has a host of festivities coming your way.
Throughout the month of December, the popular public space – along with the Pipe Shop and Polygon Gallery – will transform into a winter wonderland, rife with trinkets, beverages of good cheer and a very large, slippery surface.
On Saturday, Dec. 2, the City of North Vancouver kicks off its annual Spirit of the Season Festival. Santa and Mrs. Claus are expected to make a grand entrance, followed by a welcome ceremony and blessing from representatives from Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).
After a performance by the Eagle Song Dancers, Mayor Linda Buchanan will light the holiday tree. The event will feature live music, a winter market at the Pipe Shop and a meet-and-great with Anna and Elsa, for all the Frozen fans out there.
The Shipyards skate plaza opens Dec. 1, and will be open daily 1 to 8 p.m. until March.
The Pipe Shop will host weekend Christmas markets – with dates set for Dec. 2-3, 8-10 and 16-17 – with a family-friendly New Year’s Celebration on Dec. 31.
The Shipyards was designed to bring people together, says Mayor Buchanan.
“I encourage everyone to go for a skate, admire the twinkle lights, grab a warm drink, or sit by one of our public outdoor fire pits,” she said in a statement. “I’ve always believed this is the most wonderful time of the year, and I can’t think of a better place to celebrate than at our iconic waterfront.”
Meanwhile, the main floor at the Polygon Gallery has been decorated to feature its Holiday Shop, with curated gifts from independent makers, artists and local brands. The Polygon will also host a number of weekly activities, including a wreath-making workshop on Nov. 25, Tintype Vintage Dog Photography on Dec. 16 and a Bannock bake sale on Dec. 23, with proceeds going to the Urban Native Youth Association.
Guests are also encouraged to head upstairs, where the Polygon is displaying its winter exhibition, From Slander’s Brand. The exhibit showcases “monumental” works from artists Hannah Darabi, Rachel Khedoori and Ron Terada.
For a full schedule of events, visit The Polygon Gallery and The Shipyards websites.
