A big Christmas market is coming to North Vancouver

For those who mark Christmas early – or very early – on their calendars, there’s a reason for off-season celebrations on the North Shore, as this year there’s a new, free Christmas market taking place at the Shipyards in North Vancouver.

Scheduled to open on November 29 and open daily through Christmas Eve, the market promises a unique holiday experience in one of North Vancouver's most beautiful public spaces.

Christmas markets with stalls selling mulled wine and festive treats should always be on the list of Christmas traditions, says the operator of the new festival in North Vancouver, adding that admission should not cost a cent, not even half a cent.

“I am European and come from the Netherlands. I grew up with free markets that you could visit several times during the season,” said John van Rij, founder of Parfait Productions.

“I emailed the City of North Vancouver, where I live, opposing the charging of entry fees to markets, comparing it to the price of admission to a mall. I also pointed out that in Paris, a city with a similar population to the Lower Mainland, there are eight Christmas markets, while in Vancouver we only have one.”

The city responded in December, expressing interest in van Rij's idea of ​​a free European-style Christmas market in 2024.

That vision has now become a reality, thanks to a partnership between Parfait Productions, the City of North Vancouver and local vendors and entertainers who will occupy 75 chalet-style booths in the Shipyards.

“We would love for the community to participate in our event,” said van Rij. “We hope that school choirs, bands, individual musicians and other artists will participate, as well as local traders and businesses who want to sell their goods at the markets.”

The Shipyards Christmas Market's goal of community involvement also resonated with local business leaders, including Patrick Stafford-Smith, CEO of the North Vancouver Chamber.

“Opening a Christmas market at the Shipyards in North Vancouver is a great initiative that promises excitement and provides an additional economic boost to our local community. By attracting new visitors to the area, we are providing our local businesses with a unique opportunity to showcase their offerings and attract new customers,” he said.

Anyone interested in registering as a vendor, entertainer or volunteer can visit the Shipyards Christmas Market's recently launched website.

Fatemeh Falah is an intern at the North Shore News. She can be contacted at [email protected].