Vancouver Christmas Market returns with new attractions

The Christmas season in downtown Vancouver has officially kicked off with the return of a beloved local holiday tradition — the Vancouver Christmas Market.

Now on its 12th year, organizers of the German-inspired market say visitors can expect new vendors among its 90 stalls.

Vendors are offering a wide range of Christmas trinkets, gourmet food, authentic German drinks, and festive sweets.

“That the event is well-embraced in Vancouver is a really big deal, especially for the European and German vendors who had to cancel Christmas markets abroad because of the pandemic,” Denise Wegener, president of the Vancouver Christmas Market, said.

She says the market expects to see a quarter of a million people attend over the next six weeks.

The Vancouver Christmas Market has returned for another season, with food, shopping, and entertainment available. (CityNews Image)

Richard Fung owns Pancake and Waffle Haus, which is making its debut at the annual fair. He says he follows his grandma’s recipe, which she learned after visiting Holland.

“She’s made it since I was a kid and I really liked it, so might as well share it with everybody,” Fung told CityNews.

“Who doesn’t like pancakes, right?”

For a warm and savoury snack, there’s William Kaminski’s Das Smoked Meat Haus with its freshly made Montreal smoked meat sandwiches.

“This is our beef brisket. It’s cured and then it’s smoked for about 12 hours that’s nicely seasoned. We steam it here, fresh on the spot,” Kaminski said.

Should it get extra chilly, there’s a fully heated tent at the market for refuge.

Meanwhile, for those of you looking for something other than food, the market offers a carousel ride that’s perfect for the young and young-at-heart.

The Vancouver Christmas Market is open until Dec. 24, 2022. (CityNews Image)

Visitors can also tick off of their Christmas shopping list at the Vancouver Christmas Market.

Hand-made vegan hats from vendor Toque, for instance, will make a unique present.

“All our hats are hand-made in Nova Scotia. We have a lot of things for babies, right up to 99,” Cimone Schelle, co-owner, Toque, said.

The Vancouver Christmas Market will be open till December 24, at Jack Poole Plaza.