It’s that time of year again, you know, the time of year where we have to wake up extra early to defrost our cars. There’s an upside to those frozen windows though, it’s the first sign that Christmas is making its way back to us. The music, the movies, the decorations; all without a doubt will warm even the scroogiest of souls. Christmas season brings so much joy to families and friends to celebrate togetherness. We all have our different traditions that are practiced over the season, and one tradition that needs to make its way into your holiday season is the Vancouver Christmas Market.
The Vancouver Christmas Market is coming back for its 9th year. Held at the Jack Poole Plaza from November 21st- December 24th, this year blessing us with extended hours from 11:30am- 9:30pm. The Christmas Market is a great place to celebrate with the whole family, with a wide range of activities and foods to try for all age groups. This year the market is bringing back its German inspired feel with both beloved familiar sights and new delights for us to enjoy.
“You don’t need a silver fork to eat good food” – Paul Prudhomme (same goes for drinks!)
Come with an empty stomach and an open mind, try new things and immerse yourself into the Vancouver Christmas Market by visiting the various food vendors. This year Vancouver is tailoring its event to excite a wider range of Christmas activity goers by introducing gluten free and vegan items!
Returning favourites: Glühwein (a hot-spiced mulled wine), German Bratwurst, Gulasch, Spätzle, Schnitzel, Strudels, Transylvanian Chimney Cakes, a selection of German beer and German style wine.
New and Exciting: organic vegan and vegetarian fare from the Organic Villa Vegan Haus, charcuterie from the Charcuterie Haus, sweet and savoury macarons prepared by Bon Macaron Patisserie, syrup-filled pancakes made by Mr. Hot Cakes, warm roasted chestnuts from JJ’s Fresh Roasted Chestnuts, and gluten free hard apple cider made by Howling Moon Craft Cider.
Bring your Christmas spirit and your camera!
Returning Favourites: The famous Walk-In Christmas Tree, glittering with 36,000 twinkling lights, the Christmas Carousel and the Christmas Pyramid’s ‘Flying Stage’ perched 10 feet high above the market offering a lively line-up of daily festive entertainment
New and Exciting: a cozy heated Alpine Lounge where we can relax and enjoy hot beverages and delicious food in a warm holiday environment, the Winterdeck featuring a charming entrance arch, a giant lit up picture frame, and stunning views of the North Shore, Lovers’ Lane a 30-foot long tunnel adorned with 10,000 twinkling lights and mistletoe, alongside a Love Lock Installation ‘Vancouver Christmas Market Love Lock’, and Santa in a 12-foot long sleigh floating underneath the Olympic Cauldron.
For the Kids!
Returning Favourites: The Santa Photo Hut and the cookie decorating for kids at the Gingerbread Haus.
New and Exciting: Kinder Kraft Igloo, featuring a market-wide Christmas scavenger hunt, as well as free arts and crafts.
The Vancouver Christmas Market reserves some of their operating days to present Christmas themed events, here is the full list:
Children’s Wish Weeks | November 23 to December 7: The Vancouver Christmas Market is supporting the Children’s Wish Foundation; their goal is $10,000. All donations no matter the size are welcomed to help make wishes a reality.
Free Carousel Fridays | November 23, November 30 & December 7: Carousel rides by donation.
Shopping Day | November 25: Christmas one day deals will be happening at the vendors so get your shopping done early!
Foodie Tuesdays | November 27 & December 4: $4 and under at various food vendors, get the chance to try all the delicious food!
Club Christmas | November 29, December 6, December 13 & December 20. Every Thursday: DJ, karaoke and drinks! Get some friends together and visit Club Christmas!
Kids Day | December 1: Youth (13 and under) will be able to enter the market and enjoy rides on the Christmas Carousel by providing a donation to Children’s Wish Foundation.
Deluxe Date Night | December 5: 2-for-1 Entry at the gate as well as ‘deals for duos’ including 2-for-1 carousel rides, pretzels, ciders, and other paired discounts at select vendors. Grab someone special and get into the Christmas spirit together!
Canucks Defenseman Erik Gudbranson Visits the Market | December 7: Calling all Vancouver Canucks fans! In support of Children’s Wish Weeks, November 23 – December 7, Canucks defenseman Erik Gudbranson will be on site at the Market to help make a child’s wish come true. Visitors who donate to Children’s Wish Foundation will have the chance to go head-to-head with Erik as they try to score against him.
It goes without saying that the Vancouver Christmas Market is definitely worth making the trip for. Their extended hours make it easy for any one of us to make the time for some Christmas activities. Grab your loved ones and force them to get into the Christmas spirit with you, they’ll thank you later!
Address:
Jack Poole Plaza – Home of the Olympic Cauldron (Vancouver Convention Centre West) 1055 Canada Place Vancouver, BC V6C 3G3
Prices:
Online Admissions: Adult $10, Seniors $9, Youth $5
(Add $5 for a Fast Pass and Season Pass)
Gate Admissions: Adult $12, Seniors $11, Youth $5 (Children under 6 are Free)