Visit the Shipyards Christmas Market (Neurodivergent-Friendly!)
Looking for the perfect Vancouver Christmas activity? The Shipyards Christmas Market on the North Shore is the perfect way to embrace the holiday spirit. It has plenty to do for all ages, and the best part (in my opinion!) is their new festive-themed welcome pack for neurodiverse guests.
Around the holiday season, while I make wreaths and decorate for Christmas using nature, Kiddo and I also like our outdoor activities. Now in its second year, The Shipyards Christmas Market is quickly becoming one of the best holiday activities to do in Vancouver.
As anyone who lives in Vancouver knows, Christmas markets can be really, really busy, and that can be a barrier for families with neurodivergent or sensory processing tendencies.
Kiddo and I went during the day, and I highly recommend making your own daytime visit.
As part of my work with Garden Therapy, I’ve been working with Vancouver’s North Shore Tourism Association to visit the beautiful hidden gardens, art tours, and farmers’ markets. Kiddo and I have also been a part of the innovative Neurodivergent Sensory-Friendly Backpack Loan program. We did an inaugural tour with the backpack, travelling to Grouse Mountain and around Vancouver’s North Shore.
Now, they have a mini program available at The Shipyards Christmas Market, where you can take out a festive sensory-friendly backpack at the info booth.
The Shipyards Christmas Market is totally FREE, with tons of food, live music, holiday decorations, beautiful views, and vendors to do some Christmas shopping.
Here’s everything you need to know about The Shipyards Christmas Market.
Accessibility for Neurodivergent Families
Vancouver’s North Shore Tourism Association has put so much into working with businesses and attractions around the North Shore to promote neurodivergent tourism options and their sensory-friendly backpack loan program. It makes travelling around the North Shore accessible and friendly to families with different needs.
Neurospicy families visiting The Shipyards Christmas Market can pick up a holiday version of the sensory-friendly backpack at the Guest Services info booth. Inside, it has a set of noise-cancelling headphones, which can be super helpful as the market can get busy and overwhelming for some. The backpack is also a great size to carry around.
If you need more sensory support, you can go to the Museum of North Vancouver (MONOVA), a block away from the Shipyards. It has the full backpack with lots of sensory toys in it, plus other helpful items like a rain poncho and an info sheet with tips for divergent-friendly tourism options in North Vancouver.
Anyone who wants to borrow a backpack can. You don’t have to be a neurospicy family to want less sensory input. The fact that the market is open early every day is such a gift. It’s quickly become one of my new favourite things to do for the holidays.
When to Go to The Shipyards Christmas Market
The market is open from 11:00 AM until late every day (9 or 10 PM, depending on what day you go). Most folks go after sunset to enjoy the lights and beautiful views at night. It’s certainly magical, but the lines can be long, and there are definitely crowds. For families who want to see all the attractions, avoid lines, and enjoy the skating rink with plenty of space, I highly recommend a daytime visit.
Kiddo and I went and toured the market shortly after they opened, and it was just as beautiful and festive. The lights and views were stunning during the day, and we got to experience so much more.
Pro tip: If you go during the day, you may miss some of the sparkly lights, but the views of the ocean and Vancouver are still beautiful. And the market itself is so festive at all times!
The sun sets so early this time of year, so by mid-afternoon, I could already see how busy it was getting.
What to Expect at The Shipyards Christmas Market
While we went during the day, there was Christmas music playing everywhere alongside plenty of cool decorations. It felt so vibrant and cheery. There’s even ice skating and the chance to visit Santa’s chalet and get a photo with the big man himself.
Seasonal Treats
Kiddo and I enjoyed tasting all the different foods. Of course, we had to get some ooey gooey cookies with delicious hot cocoa full of mini marshmallows. And some tasty churros dipped in holiday sprinkles.
There were plenty of stands with famous European Christmas market fare, like mulled wine, bratwurst, pork hock, pierogi, spätzle (German egg noodles), Portuguese tart, and poffertjes (mini Dutch pancakes).
I highly suggest coming with an empty stomach! Share with friends and family, so you can try as many items as possible. And enjoy the gorgeous views while you eat!
Artisan Vendors
There are 140 vendors this year, so you’ll spend plenty of time just stopping by and browsing through the booths. So many of the vendors are locals, so it’s a really great spot to get some Christmas shopping done and support local businesses.
I saw plenty of handmade items, including soaps, canvas bags, jewelry, homeware, and way more. There were a couple of booths that catered to kids, and you bet Kiddo was there buying things.
The Shipyards Christmas Market is truly a special place and one of the newest traditions for our family, thanks to Vancouver’ North Shore Tourism Association. You bet we’ll be back again next year. Happy holidays!
More Ways to Explore Vancouver
A city girl who learned to garden and it changed everything. Author, artist, Master Gardener. Better living through plants.
