Shipyards Christmas Market is coming back/ Local news
Title : Shipyards Christmas Market is coming back, now with beloved Bavarian-style pork
Source : northshore news
Author: Hilary Angus
Date : November 23, 2025
Page : An online article
Summary
This article is about the Shipyards Christmas Market returning to North Vancouver’s Lower Lonsdale neighbourhood from November 28 to December 24, 2025. The market is coming back bigger and brighter after last year’s success, which drew about 250,000 visitors.The market was started by John van Rij and Erin Chamberlain to copy the style of European Christmas markets, which are free to enter. Van Rij said, “It’s not like we’re fanatics on Christmas, but every time we visited the European markets we questioned why a free, accessible market wasn’t possible at home in North Vancouver.”
This year, there will be over 140 vendors, up from 90 last year, offering holiday gifts, food, and artisanal items. One highlight is Haxen Haus, a family-run business famous for Bavarian-style crispy pork knuckles. Co-founder Donna Evren said, “You want to celebrate with your family. You want to be able to go out and do something nice together, and we just felt that that was not possible for everybody at the Vancouver Christmas Market anymore.”
The market will also have more lights, music, and entertainment, including live performances, based on feedback from last year. There will be a tree-lighting festival on November 29, run by the city, and normal market activities will continue afterward.
Who: John van Rij, Erin Chamberlain, Haxen Haus, North Vancouver community, vendors
What: The Shipyards Christmas Market with vendors, food, entertainment, and lights
Where: Lower Lonsdale, North Vancouver, Canada
When: November 28 – December 24, 2025 (tree lighting on Nov. 29)
Why: To create a free, accessible Christmas market inspired by Europe for everyone to enjoy
My thoughts:
I think this market is amazing, especially because it’s free and open to everyone. Many Christmas events are very expensive now, so it’s great that families, seniors, and people with small budgets can still enjoy the holiday spirit.
I visited the market myself, and it was so beautiful. The lights, music, and decorations made everything feel magical. I also loved all the vendors and the special food like the Bavarian-style pork knuckles from Haxen Haus. Small, family-run businesses like that make the market feel personal and cozy. The organizers really listened to feedback from last year and made improvements with more lights, music, and fun activities. It felt like a real community celebration, and I would definitely go again. I think anyone visiting will leave feeling happy and full of holiday spirit. I really suggest visiting shipyard for Christmas because not only you are having fun with your family and friends but also you are experiencing an incredible thing in such a beautiful spirit.
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