The annual Vancouver Christmas Market opened for its fifth year on Nov. 22, marking the start of the Christmas season.
The outdoor Christmas village is host to a wide range of mostly German vendors (but also Polish, Turkish and Canadian), who sell traditional delicacies, souvenirs and gifts.
Visitors hoping to cross a few items off their Christmas shopping list are able to peruse a selection of German-made gifts, including German Steingut beer steins, handmade wooden toys, glass ornaments and nutcrackers.
Although the creative Christmas gifts and festive atmosphere are reason enough to stop by the market, the biggest draw is the wide variety of traditional food and beverages.
Glühwein, a traditional spiced wine, which also comes in a non-alcoholic fruit version, is one of the more popular beverages for sale.
Attendees looking for authentic German food can enjoy schnitzel, landjäger and bratwurst sausages and pretzels, as well as German candy and strudels. Most of the food and beverages are made by vendors who are based in both Vancouver and Germany – including several from the city of Dresden – who use imported ingredients.
The family friendly event is open until Dec. 24. The market is also hosting live entertainment throughout December, a Christmas carousel and a meet and greet with Mr. Claus himself.
Daniella Javier
Not going to lie, I’d like to go to this market primarily for the food! I’ve never been to this Christmas market and would like to see what it’s like. However, a friend told me to come with enough money, because some items are expensive.