Okay! Let’s get into the festive spirit and kick off the holiday season with a visit to the Vancouver Christmas Market! I was invited out to the special media preview night earlier this week. So, let me share a few highlights with you in video form. Fröhliche Weihnachten!

The German-inspired outdoor Christmas festival is celebrating its 10th year in our city. Remember when it used to be in the plaza outside Queen Elizabeth Theatre? This year, it returns to Jack Poole Plaza with the Olympic Cauldron, next to Canada Place. Expect daily entertainment, a Kinder Kraft Igloo for the kids, and traditional Glühwein for the adults.

The Vancouver Christmas Market boasts “more than 80 huts of authentic German sweets, treats, and treasures.” To put that into a bit of perspective, they only had about 20 or 25 huts in their first year. It has certainly grown!

Enjoy a wide variety of German (and non-German) treats, like the Dutch mini pancakes and the piping hot Swiss raclette cheese. Get in a fancy cocktail at the Wunderbar or some authentic Bavarian beer at the appropriately named Bavarian Beer Haus. Prost! Of course, there’s also the Christmas Carousel: rides are $3 each or $10 for a day pass.

Be sure to take in a little bit of shopping, as the Vancouver Christmas Market is, well, obviously a market as well. They’ve got some great Christmas ornaments, hilarious ugly sweaters, and some really fancy German beer steins. It’s a great holiday shopping opportunity.

Have you been to the Vancouver Christmas Market? What’s your favorite part?

Vancouver Christmas Market Information

  • Location: Jack Poole Plaza, 1055 Canada Place (Olympic Cauldron)
  • Dates: November 20 to December 24, 2019
  • Hours: Open daily 11:30 am to 9:30 pm (except December 24, when it closes at 6 pm)
  • Tickets online (includes season pass):
    • $12.99 adults (18-64), $16.98 adults with Fast Pass
    • $10.99 seniors (65+), $14.98 seniors with Fast Pass
    • $6.99 youths (7-12), $10.98 youths with Fast Pass
    • Children 6 and under are free
  • Tickets at the gate ($1 upgrade to season pass):
    • $15 adults (18-64), $20 with Fast Pass (includes season pass)
    • $13 seniors (65+), $18 with Fast Pass (includes season pass)
    • $9 youths (7-12), $14 with Fast Pass (includes season pass)
    • Children 6 and under are free
  • Special deals:
    • $8 early bird admission on weekdays before 2 pm
    • $10 Tuesdays all day
    • 2-for-1 Deluxe Date Nights (Nov 27, Dec 4, Dec 11)
    • Kids Day (Dec 1) – Youth admission and carousel rides by donation

For more information, including a full list of vendors and activities, visit vancouverchristmasmarket.com. And be sure to check out my guide to Metro Vancouver Christmas festivals for other holiday events happening in and around our city this year.