The City of North Vancouver will open the region’s largest outdoor ice rink, The Shipyards Skate Plaza, on Friday, Nov. 28, followed by the annual Spirit of the Season festival on Saturday, Nov. 29.
The Skate Plaza will operate daily from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., beginning Nov. 28. Opening day celebrations run from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and include live music by DJ Emnesia, along with appearances by Anna and Elsa from Disney’s Frozen. Skating, helmets and skate aids are free. Skate rentals cost $8 for adults and $5.50 for children, and guests bringing their own skates may access the rink at no cost.
Helmets are mandatory for children 12 and under; no supervision is provided, and food or drinks are not permitted on the ice. Skate rentals close at 7:30 p.m. each night.
Meanwhile, The Spirit of the Season festival will take place Saturday, Nov. 29, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive by City firetruck at 3:45 p.m., followed by a welcome from the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations and a performance by the Eagle Song Dancers on Shipbuilders’ Stage. Mayor Linda Buchanan and Council will lead the tree lighting ceremony at the foot of Lonsdale from 4:20 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Throughout the evening, visitors can skate, shop the holiday markets and attend live entertainment, including musical and dance performances. The Shipyards Christmas Market will also return, featuring seasonal vendors, food and artisan products.
The City encourages visitors to walk, cycle or take transit due to anticipated traffic in Lower Lonsdale. On-street and off-street parking options are available, with most on-street parking in the commercial zone paid and free time-limited parking outside the core.
