©WestcoastGermanNews
When the Vancouver Christmas Market made its debut in 2010, taking over the outdoor plaza of the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, few could have imagined how this modest gathering of wooden stalls would transform into Vancouver’s most cherished holiday tradition.
What began as a quaint German Market has blossomed into a magnificent 65,000 square-foot Christmas village at Jack Poole Plaza, now employing over 1,000 seasonal staff to bring authentic “Weihnachtsmarkt” magic to life.
“This is not our Christmas Market, this is Vancouver’s Christmas Market!” declares President Denise Wegener, capturing the spirit that has made this annual gathering so special to the community.
As the Market celebrates its 15th anniversary season (November 13 to December 24, 2025), visitors will discover fifteen fabulous new experiences that make this milestone year truly unforgettable:
Fifteen New Festive Finds for 2025:
- German Traditions in Prost Song and Bell Ringing – Join the communal toast with “1, 2, 3 G’suffa,” just like Oktoberfest!
- New Eats, Treats and Drinks – Including a Christmas Market themed personal beer brand from Beere Brewing Company Ltd.
- Snow Showers and Light Show at the Pyramid – Marvel at this magical display at least once daily
- Tree Lighting Ceremonies – The Market’s first-ever celebration to kick off the season
- Hot Aperol Spritz – A first-time offering to warm your winter evenings!
- Krampus – If you weren’t good this year, you’ll meet your match in this traditional character
- Weekday Happy Hours – Enjoy special pricing on food and drinks during afternoon hours
- Wishing Well – Supporting Vancouver Firefighters Charities with your holiday wishes
- Santa’s Workshop – Featuring Breakfast with Santa, Letters to Santa, Kids Storytime and Selfies with Santa
- Seniors’ Wednesdays – Complete with 2-for-1 tickets, carollers and bingo
- West Coast Prost! – The Market’s own Pale Ale collaboration with Beere Brewing Co.
- Jolly Workshops – Get creative with Paint & Sip, Cookie Decorating and Christmas Crochet
- Music Bingo – Test your musical knowledge on select days
- Special Guests – Meet the Grinch, Elsa, Olaf and the Polar Bear throughout the season
- Speed Dating with CitySwoon, Love Locks and Kissing Under the Mistletoe – With at least one proposal happening every year, take your true love down Lovers Lane and shower them with gifts!
The transformation from that original Queen Elizabeth Theatre plaza to today’s alpine village is remarkable. What began with Malte Kluetz’s vision of preserving centuries-old German Weihnachtsmarkt traditions has evolved while maintaining its authentic heart—the roasting Haxen, the Bratwurst sizzling on grills, vendors ringing giant handbells with each Glühwein order.
At the media preview on Friday, November 14th, journalists including Westcoast German News were treated to a taste-test tour after 3:30 pm. I can personally assure you, the food was absolutely delicious and transported you straight to the German-speaking parts of Europe—authentic, hearty, and brimming with holiday flavour.
After fifteen years, the Vancouver Christmas Market has proven that authentic cultural traditions can not only survive but thrive, creating lasting memories under twinkling lights.
Tickets available at vancouverchristmasmarket.com. Kids 6 and under always free!
New Pricing Combos & Presale Ticket Deals
- New General Admission Deals | From just $6.99 (includes tax, prices go up Nov 12)
- Season Passes | Skip the entrance lines and enjoy return visits to the Market. Prices go up Nov 13!
- New Early Season Pass (visit Nov 13-30) | now $15.99
- Full Season Pass | now $32.99
- Family Season Pass | now $84.99
- Kids 6 and under are always free!
- New Seniors Days (Wednesdays excl. Dec 24) | 2 for 1 tickets, bingo, carollers & special live shows
- New Happy Hour Eats | Perfect for sampling: smaller portions for deeply reduced prices
- 4–6 pm Mon to Fri until Dec 5 | 11:30am – 1:30pm Mon to Fri until Dec 6-18
- Group Rates & Private Bookings | Get 20% off each $19.99 ticket for group bookings of 15 or more from Mon–Fri until Dec 11, or contact the Market to book a private group space!
2025 Market Hours
| NOV 13 – DEC 5 Mon – Fri 4 pm – 9:30 pm Sat & Sun 11:30 am – 9:30 pm | DEC 6 – DEC 19 Sun–Thurs 11:30 am – 9:30 pm Fri & Sat 11:30 am – 10:00 pm | DEC 20 – DEC 24 Dec 20 – 23 10 am – 10 pm Dec 24 10 am – 6 pm |
Getting Here: The Vancouver Christmas Market is a short walk from Waterfront Station and several bus routes. Street parking and several public parkades are available nearby.
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