What is a Season Pass/Family Pass?
Enjoy the magic of the Market all season long with our popular Season Passes – available while supplies last! What are the perks? Unlimited visits throughout the season, no need to book time slots, and access to a dedicated fast entry lane, just for you. Single Season Passes are available for adults, youth, and seniors.
Looking for family fun? Our Family Pass bundles 2 Adults and 2 Youth, offering the same great benefits as the Season Pass.
Please Note: All passes are non-transferable and require a government-issued ID. Kids 6 and under are free.
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Why does Vancouver Christmas Market Charge an Admission Fee?
We appreciate your curiosity! Unlike German Christmas markets that may receive public funding, our event operates independently. The admission fee is essential to cover various operational costs, ensuring a magical experience for all our guests. From venue rentals to labor, decorations, and supporting local vendors, your contribution helps us create a festive atmosphere that everyone can enjoy. We're committed to providing a joyful and memorable experience, and your support through the admission fee is a vital part of making it all happen! Additionally, keep an eye out for our discounts, offering up to 50% off on tickets & Season Passes and take advantage of our Festive Fives - $5 Tickets for select time-slots!
When does the Vancouver Christmas Market Open in 2024?
Our 2024 Christmas Market will run every day from November 13 through December 24. View Dates/Times.
Where is the Market located?
You can find the Market right in the heart of downtown at the Olympic Cauldron, located at Jack Poole Plaza: 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC, V6C 3L5.
For more details, visit Hours + Location.
How Do Time Slots Work?
We use time slot bookings to improve the guest experience and manage the Market's capacity effectively. During the online ticket purchase process, you'll be asked to pick a 30-minute time slot from the available dates and times. It's important to arrive on the chosen date within your selected time slot to ensure a smooth entry to the Market. However, once inside, you're free to stay as long as you like!
Please keep in mind that entrance to the Market depends on our event's capacity. If you happen to miss your chosen time slot by a few minutes, don't worry—you can join the line for the next available time slot.
Do I Need to Book a Timeslot for My Child Under 6?
Children 6 and under are allowed into the Market for free! When booking your tickets, make sure to book a Child's ticket for the same time slot as your own ticket. The ticket will be booked and added to your cart free of charge.
Can I Upgrade My Regular Ticket to a Season Pass?
You can upgrade your UNUSED tickets by returning your previous purchase for store credit and then buying a Season Pass. Follow the steps below or visit this article!
If you have a Showpass account:
1. Log in to your Showpass account.
2. Go to 'My Orders.'
3. Click 'Order Options' under your Ticket.
4. Return your ticket.
5. Purchase a Season Pass.
If you checked out as a guest:
1. Open your order confirmation email.
2. Click the 'Connect Purchase' button.
3. Log in or create an account with the same email used for your purchase.
4. Go to 'My Orders'.
5. Exchange for a new ticket type.
Please Note:
- You can exchange tickets up to 2 hours before your reserved time slot.
- Exchange credits expire after 1 hour and must be used promptly.
- You can only exchange for tickets of equal or greater value.
- Complimentary, transferred, or free tickets are not eligible for exchange, and there are no refunds.
Upgrade at the Market: You also have the option to upgrade during your visit. Just head to the Info Booth, and they can assist you with upgrading to a Season Pass.
Can I Change the Name on My Season Pass?
Season Pass tickets must match the name and valid Government ID of the ticket holder. If you would like to change the name, get in contact here.
Please Note: We can only change the name on Season Passes that have not been used yet.
I Bought a General Admission Ticket for Someone, but the Ticket Is in My Name. Do I Need to Change It to Their Name?
The name on General Admission tickets does not need to match the name of the ticket holder. You don't have to show your photo ID at the entrance. This means you can buy a ticket for your friend under your name and they will be able to enter the market. The name only needs to match on a Season Pass.
Can I Change My Time Slot After I’ve Booked My Tickets?
Your ticket can be exchanged for another available date/time. Please note there is a service fee for each exchange and prices may vary depending on ticket selection.
Follow the steps below, read this article OR watch this video!
Please Note:
- You must exchange your entire order, you cannot select certain tickets in your order to exchange, and you cannot initiate two exchanges at the same time.
- You will have 1 hour to use the temporary exchange credits. If not used within the hour then the exchange credits expire, and fallback to your original purchase.
- You can only use exchange credits for orders of equal or greater value.
- If you have a complimentary, transferred or free ticket you cannot initiate a ticket exchange.
- You can only exchange your tickets until the time your time slot starts.
- There are no refunds.
Can I Buy Tickets at the Gate?
Yes, you can absolutely purchase tickets at the gate! However, we highly recommend securing your tickets in advance for various advantages. By doing so, you can:
1. Guarantee your desired timeslot.
2. Benefit from discounted admission rates and avoid 'Day Of' rates.
3. Avoid waiting in the Box Office line.
Especially on weekends, certain timeslots may reach full capacity. Therefore, it's advisable to check availability before you start your trip to the Market. Please be aware that if a timeslot is marked as 'Sold Out', it means tickets won't be available at the gate either.
Can I Book for a Group, and Are There Discount Rates Available?
Yes, we offer group rates for parties of 15 or more people! Enjoy exciting add-ons such as $5 and $10 Market tokens, beverage tokens, a variety of branded VCM merchandise, and traditional mugs. For a cozy indoor space, consider booking our Alpen Haus. It’s the perfect setting for a comfortable and memorable group experience.
Add 15+ Tickets to your cart and the discount will automatically apply!
View More Here!
Will There Be Entertainment?
Yes, you can enjoy daily entertainment on our Flying Stage on our Christmas Pyramid.
View our Entertainment Schedule for this year's line-up!
Are there Vegetarian or Vegan Options at the Market?
Absolutely! We recommend having a look at our Vendors Page and using our filter option to see which vendors offer vegetarian and vegan options at the Market this year.
I Bought Tickets Online but Didn’t Receive Them…
If you've purchased tickets online and haven't received them, here are the steps to follow:
1. Check your email's spam folder for an email from 'Showpass.' Sometimes, the tickets might end up there.
2. If you still can't locate your tickets, please submit a request through our contact form. Please ensure that you provide the name, email address, and phone number you used to purchase your tickets.
How Can I Pay at the Market?
We encourage our guests to go cashless for convenience. While our Box Office accepts cash, credit, and debit, our vendors may offer various payment methods.
Please Note: There are no ATM machines available at the Market. The nearest ATMs are located inside the Waterfront Centre, across from Canada Place, or at the TD Branch at 1177 W Hastings Street.
Can I Bring Alcoholic Beverages into the Market?
Outside alcoholic beverages are not allowed in the Market. However, you can enjoy a variety of festive drinks inside, including Glühwein, Spiked Apple Cider, our new Feuerzangenbowle, and traditional Bavarian beers!
Please note: Two forms of ID are required for alcohol purchases—one must be a government-issued photo ID, and the second can be something like a credit card. Pre-packaged alcoholic beverages are also available for purchase, but consumption is not permitted within the Market.
What are the Market’s Peak Hours?
Peak hours at the Market are weekday evenings from 5 pm onwards, and all day Friday to Sunday. Please note that the Market is at its busiest the final week before Christmas.
For a more quieter and line-free experience, we suggest visiting earlier in the Season and early time-slots.
Can I Leave and Re-enter the Market?
Yes, you can exit & re-enter the Market! Be sure to get a re-entry stamp from security at the gate near the waterside Cactus Club exit.
Please Note: Re-entry is only permitted through this gate and is valid only for same-day re-entry.
Does the Christmas Carousel have Any Restrictions?
Children must be
- Two years or older and
- Taller than 36 inches (or 91 centimetres)
to ride the Carousel. However, the Christmas Carousel is certainly not only for the young ones. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the ride.
Can I Bring My Pet into the Market?
Service animals are welcome within the premises. However, in compliance with food and service licensing regulations, dogs of any size and other pets are not permitted in the Market area.
We do, however, have a pet accessories vendor at the Market – so you can treat your best friend to a little gift when you get home. View here!
Is there a Place to Park My Stroller?
Yes, free stroller parking is available at the Market.
Please note that no attendant will monitor the stroller parking.
Is there Seating or a Resting Area Available?
There are multiple benches throughout the Market. Visitors are also welcome to find seating in the heated Alpen Haus and the Winterdeck area.
The Alpen Haus is a heated area with chairs and tables to sit, socialize, and enjoy the great food offered by our vendors.
Is the Market Wheelchair Accessible?
Yes! Jack Poole Plaza is considered a fully accessible venue and the Vancouver Christmas Market implements additional measures to make it even more accessible.
Wheelchair accessible toilets are available on site. Please visit our Accessibility Guide for more details.
I’m a Caregiver. Do I Have to Pay Admission?
To enhance accessibility and ensure that everyone can enjoy our Market, we offer a caregiver-friendly policy.
When you pre-purchase your ticket, your designated caregiver does not need to pre-purchase a ticket separately. Caregivers can simply present their validation (registered caregiver card or Access 2 card, etc.) at the gate for complimentary entry.
I Lost Something at the Market. Who Should I Talk To?
We’re sorry you’ve lost something! Contact us here or at the Info Hut on site at the Market.
