Vancouverscape, a Vancouver based blog covering travel, tech, and lifestyle

For nearly 500 years, towns and cities around Germany have hosted Christkindlmarkts (German for Christmas Market) in December.

Each market is unique, featuring both local artisans and festive regional refreshments. Residents enjoy one other’s company, sample local delicacies, and shop for gifts, with plenty of Glühwein to warm up those chilly winter days.

[Vancouver Christmas Market; photo by Maya Pankalla]

With a massive Christmas tree as its centrepiece, a Christkindlmarkt includes a carousel, with rows of vendor huts or cabins offering traditional foods, handcrafted gifts, and warm beverages. Thanks to Vancouver Christmas Market’s German owner, Malte Kluetz, Vancouver’s own version popped up in 2010, as Kluetz transformed its original setting, the Queen E Theatre Plaza, into a cozy “European town square”.

Since then, the annual Vancouver Christmas Market has moved to Jack Poole Plaza, with a pause in 2020 due to the pandemic.

This year, it returns for its 14th edition, starting on November 13, continuing through December 24. Sip, savour, and celebrate a German tradition in downtown Vancouver!

Visit Vancouver Christmas Market online for opening times and to book tickets. Single entry admission starts at just $15.99 when booked online. Please note that the Market is open rain or shine.