Celebrating its 9th anniversary, the Vancouver Christmas Market returns to Jack Poole Plaza. Surrounding the Olympic Cauldron the Vancouver holiday tradition runs November 21 – December 24, 2018. This year, the yuletide celebration amplifies and expands its festive offerings with more than 80 huts stuffed with sweets, treats, trinkets and much more alongside an expanded lineup of activities and live entertainment.
“Every season, families, couples, and friends make their annual pilgrimage to feast upon festive delights, warm themselves with mulled wine, shop for unique treasures, and share the Christmas cheer,” says Malte Kluetz, Founder and President of the Vancouver Christmas Market. “This year, we are thrilled to present even more engaging holiday experiences for visitors of all ages to create lasting memories with their loved ones. Whether gathering to indulge in traditional German delicacies, shopping together for that one-of-a-kind gift, or meeting with friends to take in a wide range of special events including Children’s Wish Weeks with an exclusive visit and on-site activity with Vancouver Canucks defenseman Erik Gudbranson, Deluxe Date Night, Kids Day, Club Christmas Thursdays, or Carousel Fridays, we look forward to welcoming new and returning guests to celebrate this joyous time of year!”
As always, the market vendors offer a great shopping experience, and the traditional German-style food and drink, especially Glühwein to keep you warm on a winter’s night. The bigger and bolder Christmas Market will offer visitors an abundance of new local vendors, as well as new attractions and events. Some of the highlights include the new Winterdeck located beside the Alpine Lounge, featuring a charming entrance arch, a giant lit up picture frame, and stunning views of the North Shore. Couples will want to stroll down Lovers’ Lane – an Instagram-worthy 30-foot long tunnel adorned with 10,000 twinkling lights and mistletoe. A Love Lock Installation will be placed near the tunnel to which lovers can attach a ‘Vancouver Christmas Market Love Lock’, serving as a touching symbol of love and partnership over the holiday season. Families will enjoy a multitude of holiday activities including the market’s new Kinder Kraft Igloo, featuring a market-wide Christmas scavenger hunt for children, plus free arts and crafts.
The Vancouver Christmas Market will also offer expanded holiday activities for 2018 visitors of all ages.
New events and highlights at the 9th annual Vancouver Christmas Market include:
Children’s Wish Weeks : November 23 to December 7
The Vancouver Christmas Market is honoured to work with and support its charitable partner the Children’s Wish Foundation.
Free Carousel Fridays : November 23 & 30 + December 7
Enjoy carousel rides on the Christmas Carousel offered by donation to Children’s Wish.
Shopping Day : November 25
Get your Christmas shopping done early at the Vancouver Christmas Market! This special day will feature one-day-only deals at gift vendors throughout the market.
Foodie Tuesdays : November 27 & December 4
A chance to try more for less featuring bites and beverages from select vendors that are $4 and under.
Club Christmas : November 29, December 6, 13 & 20
Every Thursday, join us for some after-work drinks, and enjoy our new, later market hours as you bust-a-move with Vancouver’s coolest DJs at the Christmas Pyramid or belt out a tune at karaoke in the Alpine Lounge.
Kids Day : December 1
Join Holly & Jolly, the Market’s Gingerbread mascots, for a day of family fun! Youth (13 and under) will be able to enter the market and enjoy rides on the Christmas Carousel by providing a donation to Children’s Wish Foundation.
Deluxe Date Night : December 5
Romance is always in the air at the Vancouver Christmas Market, but we’re hanging a little extra mistletoe for this special night of love! Enjoy 2-for-1 Entry at the gate as well as ‘deals for duos’ including 2-for-1 carousel rides, pretzels, ciders, and other paired discounts at select vendors.
Canucks Defenseman Erik Gudbranson Visits the Market : December 7
In support of Children’s Wish Weeks, Canucks defenseman Erik Gudbranson will visit the Market to help make a child’s wish come true. Visitors who make a donation to Children’s Wish Foundation will have the chance to go head-to-head with Erik as they try to score against him.
Tickets for Vancouver Christmas Market are on sale now:
Adult $12, Seniors $11, Youth Age 7-12 $5, Children Age 0-6, FREE.