Winter in the Village is underway! Grab your merriest mask and head to Steveston Village to celebrate the season and check out festive holiday fun from December 1 to 31, 2020.
*Please note that non-essential travel to Richmond is not recommended right now, however there are some virtual events you can join from the comfort of your own home*
This year will be a little different with a combination of in person and virtual events. For those who cannot make it to Steveston, there are some festive activities you can enjoy from home. Activities include, Songs in the Snow and a Gingerbread House Decorating Contest.
Songs in the Snow
Get your free or by donation tickets now and you will be sent the Zoom link the day of the event.
Performance run December 5, 12, and 19, from 4-6pm. Keep your video on or off, listen to the music, and enjoy a craft and hot drinks provided by the Steveston Historical Society courtesy of their generous sponsors.
Ticket included FREE hot drink mixes, cookies, and craft kit. This will be available for pickup prior to the event for registered ticket holders. (Request as an add-on to your tickets). Shipping is available at cost for those unable to pick up their packages in person.
Click the link here to get you tickets from Eventbrite.
Light up the Village:
Take a self-guided Light Up the Village tour, click the link for an interactive map. Enjoy holiday lights on some of Steveston most treasured heritage buildings including, Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site, Steveston Museum, and Steveston Tram.
Festival of the Trees
The Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site will be hosting its sparkling Festival of Trees, where you can explore a forest of holiday trees. Merchants and community groups are displaying their creative talents, for a friendly competition to earn your votes.
Running from December 1 to 24, open daily from 10am to 5pm; closed early at 2pm on December 24th, for Christmas Eve.
Online voting for your favorite tree is available on the Cannery’s Facebook page.
Holiday Window Display Contest
Annual Steveston Merchants Association Holiday Window Display Contest!
Open from November 27 through to December 31.
More than 30 businesses in Steveston have set up attention-grabbing window displays that are sure to put every visitor in the mood for some Fa-la-las during their Winter in the Village visit.
Competing for the coveted title of “Best Holiday Window Display” in Steveston, chosen by YOU! Check out these creative displays and place your votes by December 31, 2020. Best window wins $1,000 plus a full-page ad in Steveston Insider Magazine!
There is an interactive map of those participating, to help plan your visit.
Support the small Business
In addition to winter in the village there are tons of cool shops to explore, support these great businesses on your next visit. Here are a few of my favorites, but there are MANY MORE!
Retail
Scout & Co. is a one-stop shop for arts and crafts lovers. Here you will discover the handmade work of dozens of West Coast creatives, ranging from felt art and artisan soaps to slogan T-shirts and cute, hand-sewn baby clothes.
Splash Toy Shop, there’s nothing there that hasn’t been carefully selected with kids in mind. That means shelves bulging with , Playmobil, Bruder trucks, and Brio wooden train sets. In addition to a brilliant array of educational toys Adults are also well served, with plenty of puzzles to choose from.
Sevetson Village Maternity has baby and moms needs covered! They carry stylish clothing and the perfect products for today’s pregnant woman and her baby to be. Specializing in maternity and baby’s first needs. They have lines that start at birth and some that will fit your early teen. The store owners (Beth and Ben) are super helpful and friendly and have helped me pick out more natives then I choose to admit.
A Monkey Tree is one of the most diverse of Steveston’s gift and décor stores. Everything from cute earrings and folk-art paintings to gourmet salts and humorous gift cards. You’ll also find a great array of housewares and kitchen items.
Food & Drink
Village Books & Coffee House has new and used books , with themes covering everything from cooking to kids, and a coffee bar to make the browsing even more inviting. We visit regularly to update our bedtime library.
Photo credit: Village Books & Coffee House
Britannia Brewery serves delicious beers alongside a diverse and tasty food menu. Located across from Fisherman’s Wharf this nautical themed brewery is bright, and welcoming. P.s try the truffle and parmesan popcorn, you wont be disappointed.
Outpost Mini Donut is a small shop, upon entering the ambiance conveys an unmistakable sense of comfort and coziness. You can buy the mini donuts in a half dozen, baker’s dozen or a box of 20. My favorites are the maple, Boston cream, and lemon (dollop of tart and sweet lemon curd with more drizzling of lemon icing).
Sinfully the Best is double the chocolate pleasurer, there are two stores to check out here: the main one is at the corner of Chatham Street and No. 1 Road; while the Sinfully Too location is just steps from Fisherman’s Wharf on Bayview Street. You’ll find a tempting selection of treats at both stores, including individual bonbons plus a wide array of molded chocolates.
Voted Metro Vancouver’s best
With its small-town quaint feel, close knit community, and thriving small business association, it is no surprise that Steveston was voted Metro Vancouver’s best neighborhood by CBC readers.
Like you, I am passionate about exploring, but now is the time for us to stay local and support local businesses with just your immediate household or bubble. Let’s each do our part now, so we can explore BC again, soon. We’re all in this together.
