Santa’s Christmas Ships 2025 – Official Schedule

Bring the whole family and experience the magic of the lighted Christmas Ships on the water!

A Christmas tradition is the annual Santa’s Christmas Ships which takes place over a number of December evenings in different parts of Metro Vancouver.

Santa’s Christmas Ships sail through the waters of Port Moody, Belcarra, Deep Cove, and part of North Vancouver. The boats are decorated with Christmas lights and make evening appearances in different waterfront neighbourhoods.

Special Kick-Off Event – Open to Everyone!

As of November 2025, it is hoped that boats will be visible on the following evenings. Unless stated otherwise, cruises typically take place between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm. All dates are subject to change due to weather conditions.

• Saturday, November 29th, 2025: This event is open to the public at Rocky Point Park in Port Moody for Holiday Cheer at the Pier. Santa appears in the park for photos starting around 5:00 pm. The Ships are expected at approximately 6:00 pm.
• Friday, December 5th, 2025: Christmas Ships cruise by Cates Park, Dollarton and Belcarra Bay.
• Saturday, December 6, 2025: This event is open to the public for the Christmas Ships Party, featuring a bonfire and live music at Panorama Park in Deep Cove.
• Friday, December 12th, 2025: Ships cruise by Woodlands and Brighton Beach (water-access communities only).
• Saturday, December 13th, 2025: The Christmas fleet cruises by the water access communities of Belcarra and Dollarton.
• Friday, December 19th, 2025: The route is yet to be announced. Visit Santa’s Christmas Ships Facebook page for the latest updates.
• Saturday, December 20th, 2025: The final cruise passes by Bedwell Bay and Farrer Cove, which has water access only.

For Waterfront Residents & Viewers, The skippers LOVE when you light up your docks and seawalls – it helps them navigate safely and come in closer for a better show! Flash your house lights, make some noise, wave, cheer – they can see and hear you! And answer back with big horn blasts and holiday cheer from the fleet!

Also they are looking forward to welcoming new Skippers to the Santa’s Christmas Ships 2025.
If you or someone you know wants to enter a boat in the Greatest Christmas Celebration on Water, private message them on FB, and they will get you set up for this season. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Ds6csUzDU/

There are also a few boat parties happening this winter. Vancouver Boat Parties, for example, hosts two New Year’s Eve parties on December 31st. One is the New Year’s Eve Boat Cruise on the Burrard Queen and the other is Hip Hop X Latin NYE Boat Party on the Magic Spirit Yacht. Vancouver Boat Parties also has its annual Christmas on the Waves boat cruise on December 13th.

This builds on an important recommendation that the BCMTOA made as part of its submission to the federal government on the Port Modernization Review process.

Bill C-52 is an important step in coordination with Bill C-33 to improve Canada’s supply chain and protect the marine economy.

Follow progress; Bill C-52: Enhancing Transparency and Accountability in the Transportation System Act

BC MARINE TERMINAL OPERATORS ASSOCIATION

The voice of marine terminals in British Columbia

Our History

Established in November 1963, the BC Marine Terminal Operators Association has been actively engaged with all stakeholders to ensure that Canada’s Pacific Gateway delivers sustainable, competitive terminal capacity to meet Canada’s growing international trade in exports and imports.

Our Objectives

Connect port communities to the national economy and to the world.
Invest in our communities and protect the industrial shoreline.
Advocate for responsible growth, balanced investment, and forward-thinking policy.
Provide considered and sound advice to governments and port authorities.

Our Mandate

Our mandate is to improve the economic and environmental viability of B.C’s marine terminals, invest in and promote the value of the port industry to local communities, the province and the nation.

Today we are sharing the Business Council of British Columbia released statement against the recent rise in subtle and overt acts of racism including attacks against British Columbians.

“The breadth of signatories and organizations support in the fight against racism is greatly appreciated. I am sending you our news release, a PDF of the statement, and a link to the statement on BCBC’s website and would kindly ask that you amplify this powerful statement through your social media channels.

https://bcbc.com/media/statement-b-c-business-and-community-leaders-take-a-stand-against-racism-we-say-no-to-hate-it-must-stop-now

Our collective stance against the growing incidences and overt racism in British Columbia and on the values that makes Canada a guiding light in the world should be applauded and celebrated as a strength. Your continued active participation will help end the hateful messages we see dividing us that divide us.”

by Greg D’Avignon

President and CEO

www.bcbc.com

Ms. Jones will work on behalf of the BCMTOA Board of Directors and members as the voice of marine terminals operating at British Columbia Ports and Canada’s Pacific Gateway. She will act as a key collaborator and liaison to many marine transportation sector industry associations and stakeholders including the B.C. Maritime Employers Association; the B.C. Chamber of Shipping; the Greater Vancouver Gateway Council. Furthermore, Ms. Jones will lead the association’s advocacy and public affairs work with relevant municipal, provincial, and federal government agencies and port authorities.

Ms. Jones has extensive background working with member-based organizations in senior public affairs roles and has experience in organizational governance and strategic planning. She has worked with national organizations and governments at a municipal, provincial and federal level.

“We are very pleased to welcome Stephanie to the BCMTOA team,” said Brad Eshleman, Board Chair BCMTOA. “We feel fortunate to find such an experienced candidate who will enhance our industry’s voice, ensure we seize the opportunities and address the challenges that lie ahead.”

Ms. Jones joins the BCMTOA from the Ambleside Dundarave Business Improvement Association (ADBIA), where she has served as Executive Director since 2016. She previously held a number of senior positions with Restaurants Canada where she developed and led communications and government relations strategy within the province of Ontario, and represented the industry nationally on food supply. Ms. Jones holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce and a Master’s in Business Administration from McMaster University.

BCMTOA would also like to take this opportunity to thank Bob Wilds, the outgoing Executive Director

BC Marine Terminals Operators Association would also like to thank Bob Wilds, the outgoing Executive Director for his tireless service and dedication to our organization. Mr. Wilds will act as a resource to Ms. Jones as she transitions into the role.

“Bob has spent the better part of his working career serving the marine industry. He is incredibly deserving of our respect and gratitude. It has been an honour to work with Bob over the years and we wish him all the very best going forward. ~ said Brad Eshleman, Board Chair BCMTOA.

About Us

Established in 1963, the BCMTOA’s mandate is to ensure the economic and environmental viability of B.C.’s marine terminals, and to invest in and promote the value of the port industry to local communities, the province and the nation. The association is the voice for the majority of direct employers operating port terminals on B.C.’s west coast.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Stephanie Jones, President BCMTOA Tel: 604-379-5339
Email: info@bcmarineterminals.com

Brad Eshleman, Board Chair BCMTOA Tel: 604-904-2806
Email: beshleman@westeve.com