Experience the charm and wonder of an old-world market right here at home. Vancouver’s favourite Christmas tradition is back, and this year promises to be better than ever!
The Vancouver Christmas Market replicates the centuries-old German holiday tradition. Button up your coziest parka and allow yourself to be transported to the winding alleys of a European open-air market. The smell of mulled wine perfumes the air, festive tunes bounce between Market huts, and everywhere you look, there is something wonderful to discover.
Take a mini-European holiday – without ever leaving the city! Here’s everything you need to know about the Vancouver Christmas Market and what to expect this year.
History of the Market
For nearly 500 years, towns and cities around Germany have hosted Christkindlmarkts in December. Townsfolk and tourists alike gather in city squares to enjoy local delicacies, shop for gifts, and infuse the chilly winter days with a hearty dose of holiday cheer.
In 2010, Malte Kluetz decided to bring this authentic German Christmas market experience to Vancouver, and we’ve never looked back! Now, every year, locals flock to experience the dazzling light displays, shop for artisan gifts, enjoy treats both sweet and savoury, and listen to live music.
It’s only gotten better as the years go on! Over the past decade, the number of visitors has more than doubled. Rising to the occasion, the Vancouver Christmas Market has increased the number of food and merchant huts, on-site events, activities, and entertainment line-ups.
So, even if you attended last year, there’s so much more to see this time around.
What to Expect
This year, the Vancouver Christmas Market will take place from Thursday, November 16th, until Sunday, December 24th, at Jack Poole Plaza.
Shop for unique gifts from over 90 artisan vendors, take a group photo at the countless light displays and photo ops, or enjoy one of the many festive activities happening all season long.
Here’s a taste of what you can expect:
- Aeroplan Holiday Carousel:
This ride is free to enjoy with general admission. - Love Lock Installation and Lovers’ Lane:
An Insta-worthy, 40-foot-long tunnel with twinkling lights and mistletoe! - Kaufmannsgasse (Merchant Alley):
Over 90 different market huts with unique vendors and artisans. - Walk-In Christmas Tree:
A 30ft high tree decked to the nines with dazzling lights. - Christmas Pyramid and Flying Stage:
Here’s where you’ll find live entertainment every day of the market. - The Gourmetstrasse:
A street loaded with gourmet foods from around the world. - The Alpen Haus:
A 3,800-square-foot lounge and the Market’s main heated tent.
What’s New
Okay, sure, maybe you already know about the Vancouver Christmas Market staples. But there’s a ton of new stuff happening this year, such as…
- Pictures with St. Nikolaus
- Christmas Karaoke
- Christmas Trivia
- and so much more!
Getting There
The Vancouver Christmas Market will be open daily for 6 weeks from Thursday, November 16th, until Sunday, December 24th, at Jack Poole Plaza. Typical hours are from 11 AM to 9:30 PM, with the following exceptions:
- November 16 to 30: 4 PM to 9:30 PM
- December 1 to 21: 11 AM to 9:30 PM
- December 24: open 11 AM to 6:00 PM
While there will be street parking and public parking nearby, the Vancouver Christmas Market is also a few minutes walk from Waterfront Station. Take the Skytrain to avoid any hassle – and enjoy an extra serving of mulled wine!
Get your tickets to reserve your 30-minute arrival timeslot. This new system ensures you won’t have a long wait to get in, and once you’re there, you can stay all day!
Get your tickets online by following the link below!
VANCOUVER CHRISTMAS MARKET
When: Thursday, November 16 until Sunday, December 24
Where: Jack Poole Plaza, 1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver
Cost: General admission $19.99. Season pass $31.99
Alicia Lyons
Branded Content Writer
Alicia is a storyteller who chased the sun all the way to Calgary and decided to stay. When she’s not crafting killer content, she can be found stumbling along nature trails, curling under a fuzzy blanket with a good book, or finding any excuse to eat.
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