7 festive activities to do at Vancouver Christmas Market

Vancouver Christmas Market, one of the city’s finest festive events, is in full swing at Jack Poole Plaza for its 10th year of holiday fun. The authentic German market is open daily from 11:30 am to 9:30 until December 24, with activities for the whole family to enjoy.

To help you and your friends plan your Vancouver Christmas Market adventure, here is a checklist of seven festive activities to do this year.

@vanchristmas/Instagram

Epic eats and delicious drinks

While the Vancouver Christmas Market always has a wide array of sweet and savoury offerings, some are must-tries and cannot be missed once you pass through the magical gates to the event at Jack Poole Plaza. Treat yourself and friends to Glühwein (a hot-spiced mulled wine), German Bratwurst, Schweinshaxe, Waffles, Schnitzel, Perogies, Strudels, Lángos, Transylvanian Chimney Cakes, poffertjes and aebleskivers, a selection of German beer, wine and cider, Kaffee schnapps, and more throughout your day or evening out.

@vanchristmas/Instagram

Ride on the Christmas Carousel

The glittering jewel of the market is downtown Vancouver’s only Christmas Carousel. Whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart, go for a spin on your favourite horse as many times as you can. Rides are $3 each or $10 for an Unlimited Carousel Day Pass.

Vancouver Christmas Market (Luke Miller)

Shop For Everyone On Your Gift List

The German market features more than 80 huts of authentic German sweets, treats, and treasures to explore. From customized ornaments to German steins, handmade soaps to stylish clothing and accessories, there’s something for everyone on your gift list.

Vancouver Christmas Market / Lindsay Elliott

WunderBAR

WunderBAR is a holiday-themed bar at the annual market. Now back in its second year, WunderBAR gives attendees the opportunity to enjoy festive cocktails and holiday-inspired bites in a “twinkling winter oasis.” You can pre-reserve your one-hour time slot, and tickets include one Christmas cocktail or hot Jaegertee (alcohol-free drinks also available) in a glass you can take home. Patrons will also receive a charcuterie board or German dessert and an unlimited Fast Entry and Season Pass to Vancouver Christmas Market.

Entry to the holiday bar is $34.99 per person.

@vanchristmas/Instagram

Marvel at the Walk-In Christmas Tree

The stunning Walk-In Christmas Tree, with over 36,000 beautiful lights, is another must-see attraction at Vancouver Christmas Market. Adorned with new glowing gifts, the Walk-In Christmas Tree is a one-of-a-kind festive fairyland, and a perfect spot for that holiday family photo.

Walk-In Tree at Vancouver Christmas Market (Shawn Bukhari)

Live entertainment on the Flying Stage

Enjoy live entertainment daily on the Flying Stage. A variety of performers will entertain from the second storey of the Christmas Pyramid, with holiday classics sure to get the whole family singing along from 4:30 to 9:30 pm on weekdays, and 12 to 9:30 pm on weekends.

On December 1, bring the young ones for Kids Day at Vancouver Christmas Market in support of Children’s Wish Foundation! There will be delicious Kinderpunsch, free arts and crafts, family-friendly live entertainment, carousel rides by donation, a market-wide treasure hunt and more.

Christmas Pyramid at Vancouver Christmas Market / Photo by Lindsay Elliot

Warm your hearts at Lovers’ Lane and Love Lock Installation

Invite that special someone to stroll down through Lovers’ Lane, featuring 20,000 sparkling lights, mistletoe, and a “love lock” installation. Guests are invited to share in the enchanting experience by sealing a lock on Vancouver Chrismas Market’s new Love Lock Installation. Heart-shaped locks can be purchased from the info booth for just $2, or bring your own.

And for that special holiday date, check out Deluxe Date Nights on December 4 and December 11 at the Vancouver Christmas Market. Guests will enjoy 2-for-1 entry after 5 PM at the gate, 2-for-1 non-alcoholic hot drinks, and 2-for-1 carousel rides all evening long.

Vancouver Christmas Market / Facebook

Vancouver Christmas Market

When: Daily until December 24, 2019
Time: 11:30 am to 9:30 pm (Now until December 23), 11:30 am to 6 pm (December 24)
Where: Jack Poole Plaza – 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
Tickets: Online. Adult, $12.99; seniors, $10.99; youth $6.99 (online) / adult, $15; seniors, $13; youth, $9 (gate admission). There is also free admission for children six and under, $8 Early Bird Admission on weekdays before 2 pm (gate admission), and $10 admission all day every Tuesday (gate admission)

Daily Hive is a proud media sponsor of the 10th annual Vancouver Christmas Market