The fourth annual Vancouver Christmas Market opens this Friday. The authentic German Christmas market houses more than fifty traditional wooden booths, with vendors selling delicious food items, drinks, treats, and unique Christmas gifts, decorations and handcrafted goods. Along with seasonal music, authentic folk groups, and carousel rides, the Vancouver Christmas Market offers a special cultural oasis in the heart of downtown Vancouver.

German Christmas markets, or Christkindlmarkts, are a 700-year-old tradition in Germany. Though seasonal markets were held year round, Christmas markets were noted for their joyousness, good food, and beverages during the holiday season. They were a festive meeting place for locals to meet and buy and sell homemade Christmas ornaments, decorations, and gifts. Each Christmas market was distinct to their town, as local wares, food, and drink displayed regional characteristics.

The Vancouver Christmas Market hopes to bring some of that old-world tradition and charm to Vancouver by transforming Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza into a festive wonderland. The outdoor market is sure to get you into the holiday spirit with its traditional wooden booths, twinkling lights, and Christmas carousel. It’s the ideal place to do some Christmas shopping, sample some delicious food, and partake in some family fun.

The market is open daily from this Friday, November 22, through to Christmas Eve, from 11am to 9pm. Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for youth 7-12, and free for children under six. Adults can get in for $3 on Mondays to Friday between 11am-4pm. For the price of any paid admission, visitors will also receive a free season’s pass, enabling them to return and enter the market at any point throughout the season at no additional cost. Entry tickets are available at the main entrance. Carousel ride tickets are an additional $3, or $10 for a book of five.

For more information, please visit the Vancouver Christmas Market website.

Vancouver Christmas Market
When: November 22 – December 24 @ 11am-9pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza
Admission: $3-$6, free for children under six.