The beloved Vancouver Christmas Market has returned with more than 90 unique vendors, live music and events, new food and drink, and magical lighting displays – and even some face time with the big guy himself.
The festive fun continues at Jack Poole Plaza through Dec. 24.
“Fifteen years ago, we founded the Vancouver Christmas Market to bring an authentic piece of our beloved German Christmas traditions to Vancouverites,” says Market Founder Malte Kluetz.
“Each year, our team works hard to transform our waterfront into a magical German town square, with artisan vendors, authentic European food and drink, twinkling light features, and brand new experiences to add to the Christmas photo albums," Kluetz says. “We’re the city’s longest-running outdoor Christmas Market, which comes with the challenge of keeping the holiday spirit fresh and exciting – and this year, I think even St. Nick would agree that we’ve gone above and beyond!”
The Aeroplan Holiday Carousel is back and free to ride for guests young and young-at-heart, and for those in the giving spirit, Aeroplan offers the opportunity to donate to the Air Canada Foundation through nearby tap machines. Also returning are the iconic Christmas Pyramid & Flying Stage – Glühwein served from the bottom live holiday music served up on top!)
It’s not a German Christmas Market without a festive drink or savoury snack in your hand while you browse the alpine-style huts for local and international artisan gifts. This year, new vendor huts showcase the best of B.C. and bring a taste of Europe to the city.
Among the all-new treats this year is the Feuerzangenbowle (literally “fire tong punch”), a traditional German drink in which a rum-soaked sugarloaf is set on fire and drips into Glühwein.
Other new eats and treats include skewered meats and vegetables by Das Kebab Haus, sustainable, locally sourced seafood from GoodFish Seafood, truffle-based delicacies by The Truffle Hut, honey-based alcoholic beverages by Mead Haus and much more. And don't forget to pick up your 2024 collector Market Mug, on sale online.
Whether you're looking for the perfect photo op or new ways to get all wrapped up in the magic of Christmas, this year’s market is going bigger and brighter on lighting and decor:
- A 35-foot Walk-Through Christmas Tree adorned with almost 15,000 twinkling lights. Push the button inside the tree for 360-degree magical light effects!
- Delight in a bigger and brighter Lovers’ Lane, with countless lights dancing in mesmerizing themed patterns.
- Sip seasonal drinks at the Schnapslplatz, designed like a wintertime vineyard, with barrels, wagon wheels, and patio lights.
- Snap photos at the WinterDeck – an all-new themed photo area with giant snowflakes, magical decor and stunning North Shore views.
- Stop by the Air Canada Foundation Hut to send Letters to Santa from Vancouver straight to the North Pole.
Entertainment and special events
This season, the Vancouver Christmas Market offers more activities than ever before! In addition to nightly live entertainment, the daily event calendar is packed with activities for all ages – most free with admission.
A Taylor-Made Market Treat: To the Lovers celebrating their Christmas Era, join the cheer with a Swiftie-themed Karaoke and Trivia Nights. Taylor fans can also scoop up a Swiftie Flex Pass for unlimited visits during the concert weekend (Dec 4 to 10). Don’t forget to show off your friendship bracelets!
Festive Workshops (limited quantities): Grab the gang and join the Manites Flower Haus for wreath-building workshops. Workshop tickets include a season pass to the market, and all the plaid ribbon, fresh greenery and hands-on-instruction you need to make some Hallmark-worthy decor.
Christmas Karaoke: More Mariah all market long… Christmas Karaoke is back on added evenings throughout the season! Belt out favourite snowy classics from ‘Let It Snow’... to ‘Let It Go.’
Trivia Nights: Back by popular demand, with added nights! Grab your friends and family, and make the ultimate trivia team.
Photos with St. Nick: Check in with the Man in Red himself! Find Santa strolling the Market, or skip the mall lineups and snap the perfect holiday card photo with him at the Alpen Haus.
Live music and holiday entertainers: Enjoy a variety of local talent performing weekdays from 5 p.m. and weekends from 12:30 p.m. from the Flying Stage on the second storey of the Christmas Pyramid.
Enter to WIN your tickets!
Over the next four weeks, three winners will be selected every Wednesday to win three tickets each – check it out here.
See what makes Vancouver’s longest-running outdoor market – and only German Christmas Market – a holiday mainstay for locals and visitors alike. Willkommen! Plan your visit and purchase tickets at vancouverchristmasmarket.com