PRINCE RUPERT, B.C. – The holiday season officially launches in Prince Rupert with the Winterfest 2025 celebration, hosted by the Prince Rupert Special Events Society. The community is invited to enjoy three days of festive events, markets, and illumination spanning Friday, December 5, through Sunday, December 7, 2025.
Friday, December 5: Lighting Up the Town
The festival begins with activities blending community competition and tradition:
- Tree Decorating Competition: Head to Rupert Square Mall to see the Elementary and Pre-schools’ decorated Christmas trees (10am–2pm, FREE).
- Jingle Boat Express: Enjoy this seasonal favourite from the Port Interpretive Centre (12pm–4pm, By Donation).
- Trigon Trolley Tours: Hop on a free trolley ride from the Civic Centre to view the lights (5:30pm).
- Bon Fire & Crab Tree Lighting: Gather at Rushbrook to light up the Crab Trap Tree, enjoy music, and snacks (6pm–8pm, FREE).
- Evening Theatre: The CHSS play, Almost Maine, begins at the Lester Center (7:30pm, Tickets $20).
Saturday, December 6: The Festival Hub and Fireworks
Saturday offers the busiest schedule, centered around the Courthouse and Cow Bay:
- Pancake Breakfast with Santa: Start the day at the First United Church (8am–11am, Breakfast $6 or $8, Photos with Santa By Donation).
- Interactive Community Night (Courthouse, 6pm–8pm, FREE): This block of events includes Selfies with Santa, an Interactive Booths showcase, and a Snowball Fight.
- Illumination and Maritime Tradition: Watch the Festival of Lights at the Courthouse (6:00pm) and enjoy the 44th Annual Sailpast at Cow Bay (6:15pm–7:45pm).
- Container Market: Support local vendors at Cow Bay (6:00pm–9:00pm, FREE).
- Fireworks: The evening culminates with the spectacular fireworks display over Cow Bay (8:15pm, FREE).
Sunday, December 7: Crafts, Fitness, and Skating
The final day blends fitness and family fun:
- HoHoHoliday 5km: This fun run and fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation starts at Cowpuccinos (10am).
- Winterfest Craft Fair: Find unique gifts and holiday shopping at the Highliner (10am–5pm, FREE).
- Gingerbread Wars: Register for this fun, competitive event at the ILWU 505 Union Hall (3pm).
- Public Disco Skate: Enjoy a free public skate party, complete with hot chocolate and skate rentals, at the Civic Center (4pm–5:15pm, FREE).
Thank You to Major Sponsors
Prince Rupert Winterfest 2025 is made possible through the generous support of community partners and sponsors, including: The City of Prince Rupert, AltaGas, Port Edward Harbour Authority, Trigon, Prince Rupert Port Authority, Pembina, Northern Savings, DP World, and CityWest.
