Vancouver’s original German Christmas Village, the Vancouver Christmas Market, celebrates its 15th anniversary season, returning to its harbourfront home at Jack Poole Plaza through Dec. 24.
Hold onto your Brezels and Glühwein! The Market’s 2025 event calendar is now online, brimming with fresh European traditions, festive entertainment across two stages, brand new food and drink vendors, yuletide games and theme nights, and special ways to give back to the community. Plus, a new shop-by-best-price ticket structure offers many timeslots starting at just $6.99 for adult admission.
“Celebrating 15 years of the Vancouver Christmas Market fills us with immense pride and gratitude. Inspired by the centuries-old German Weihnachtsmärkte, in 2010 we set out to bring that same experience of warmth, wonder, and togetherness to the heart of Vancouver,” says Denise Wegener, market president.
“What began as a quaint German Market beside the Queen Elizabeth Theatre has grown into a 65,000 square-foot German Christmas Village outside the Convention Centre, with alpine-style artisan huts lining twinkling market alleys, aromas of roasting Haxen and mulled cider wafting through the squares, and over 1,000 seasonal staff (plus 10 full-time staff working year-round) to bring the authentic German Market experience to life.
Here’s a look at what’s happening at one of the Lower Mainland’s favourite holiday events:
- Happy Hour – Savour more, spend less with happy hour dishes at 20 participating food and non-alcoholic drink vendors. Check it out weekdays through Dec. 4 from 4 to 6 p.m. and weekdays Dec. 8 to 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Wishing Wall in support of Vancouver Firefighters Charities – Make a donation and share a wish on the wall, located near the free Christmas Carousel, in support of initiatives aiding vulnerable children and seniors, and programs like the Burn Fund. Firefighters will be on site Dec. 5 to 8 with the famous Vancouver Fire Rescue Services Band.
- Snow Showers & Light Show – Enjoy a magical white Christmas at the Pyramid, daily 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.
Since 2010, Vancouver’s longest-running outdoor holiday market has transported families and friends to a wintry German town square, with wooden artisan huts, magical light displays, a whimsical carousel, and European food and drink vendors, all surrounding a 35-foot walk-through Christmas tree and the signature Christmas Pyramid, with the Glühwein Bar on the bottom and live music on top.
Alongside familiar favourites, the market welcomes a few welcome newcomers this year. On the food front, look for:
- Das Brezel Haus, featuring authentic German-style pretzels
- Continental Brat Haus, authentic artisan sausages and deli, crafted by master German sausage makers
- Choco-On-A-Stick, chocolate-dipped fruit skewers and holiday delights
- Haxen & Hen, authentic German pork shank and juicy grilled chicken
- Hot Aperol Spritz at the Apfel Haus – trending in Europe, new in Vancouver!
- Beere x Vancouver Christmas Market, custom-brewed in North Van, the “West Coast Prost!” Pale Ale
Perfect for gifts or just to enjoy as you browse, you’ll also find a variety of prepackaged artisan eats and treats, from Choco Haus’s artisanal handmade chocolate to fabulous edible butter candles.
Also new among the artisans are alpaca wool clothing and toys, handcrafted in Peru and Ecuador, stainless and gold jewellery, rooted in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, and art-inspired jigsaw puzzles and gifts.
A full calendar of popular entertainment and events includes live music at the Flying Stage and carousel-side gazebo, Christmas trivia, karaoke and all-new bingo, and festive workshops, including crochet, cookie decorating, Paint & Sip. Look for senior, student and date nights, a Lantern Parade and speed dating, special visitors like the Grinch, Elsa and Olaf, and lots of opportunities with Santa.
“Over the years, the Vancouver Christmas Market has grown into so much more than a festive destination – it has become a cherished tradition for Vancouverites, a place where memories are made, cultures are shared, and the magic of the season truly comes alive,” Wegener says. “This is not our Christmas Market, this is Vancouver’s Christmas Market! We can’t wait to celebrate the next 15 years and build new joyful traditions together.”
Through the online reservation system, you can select a date and a half-hour entry time slot, but can stay and enjoy the wonders of the Christmas village as long as you like.
- Through Dec. 5: Monday to Friday from 4 to 9:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Dec. 6 to 19: Monday to Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Dec. 20 to 23: Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Dec. 24: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets start at $6.99 and kids six and younger get in free – get your tickets today at vancouverchristmasmarket.com/tickets!
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