Vancouver’s Original Christmas Market Ups the Merry & Bright with Unique Vendors, Interactive Holiday Experiences and a Fiery New Attraction

The German-Inspired Vancouver Christmas Market Opens Nov 13 with 90+ Vendor Huts, 360° Lighting Displays, New Market Activities & Photo Ops, and Festive Fun for Swifties & Football Fans

(Vancouver, BC) – November 7, 2024: It’s almost that time of year! As Vancouver prepares to host the Grey Cup, Jack Poole Plaza is transforming into a whimsical German wonderland with a decidedly different cup – one filled with steaming Glühwein. The city’s beloved Vancouver Christmas Market opens Wednesday, Nov 13 with a festive six-week schedule (until December 24) including live music and carollers, added trivia and karaoke nights, new food and drink, revamped lighting displays, upscale lounges, carousel rides from Aeroplan®, Letters to Santa – and even some facetime with the big guy himself.  

“Fifteen years ago, we founded the Vancouver Christmas Market to bring an authentic piece of our beloved German Christmas traditions to Vancouverites,” says Market Founder Malte Kluetz. “Since then, we’ve been honoured to see millions of family and friends walk through our gates and make us a part of their annual holiday traditions. Each year, our team works hard to transform our waterfront into a magical German town square, with artisan vendors, authentic European food and drink, twinkling light features, and brand new experiences to add to the Christmas photo albums.”

“We’re the city’s longest-running outdoor Christmas Market, which comes with the challenge of keeping the holiday spirit fresh and exciting – and this year, I think even St. Nick would agree that we’ve gone above and beyond!” 

A Market favourite, the Aeroplan Holiday Carousel is back and free to ride for guests young and young-at-heart. Aeroplan, Air Canada’s travel loyalty program, inspires members to earn everyday with their retail partners to reach their travel goals sooner and go-round the world. For those in the giving spirit, Aeroplan offers the opportunity to donate to the Air Canada Foundation through the nearby tap machines. 

Also returning are the iconic Christmas Pyramid & Flying Stage (Glühwein served from the bottom, live holiday music served up on top!)  

NEW EATS, TREATS & MARKET DELIGHTS 

It’s not a German Christmas Market without a festive drink or savoury snack in your hand, while you browse the alpine-style huts for local and international artisan gifts. This year, the Vancouver Christmas Market has added new vendor huts that showcase the best of BC and bring a taste of Europe to the city. 

New Feature Drink:

• Prepare to indulge… but don’t stand too close! The all-new Feuerzangenbowle (literally “fire tong punch”) is a traditional German drink in which a rum-soaked sugarloaf is set on fire and drips into Glühwein. You’ll be sure to enjoy it… less sure to pronounce it correctly. 

New Sips, Eats & Treats: 

• • Skewered meats and vegetables by Das Kebab Haus 
  • Sauteed mushrooms with garlic sauce by Das Champignon Haus

• Truffle-based delicacies including truffle oil, truffle salts, and truffle pasta sauce by The Truffle Hut 

• • Sustainable and locally-sourced seafood from the waters of British Columbia by GoodFish Seafood
  • Freshly-baked soft cookies by Connie’s Cookie Haus
  • Alfajores (Latin macarons) and French macarons by La Lula Sweets
  • Honey-based alcoholic beverage by Mead Haus
  • Handcrafted spirits by Tofino Distillery

• Craft premium wines by Quinta Ferreira Estate Winery

New Take-Away Artisan Shops:

• French linens for the home and kitchen by Linen Haus
• Hand-carved wooden home goods and accessories by Lumbo Woodshop
• Handmade needle-felted creations, from adorable animals to intricate decor by Elfin Atelier

Make the memories last! The 2024 collector Market Mug is now on sale online (with limited quantities of last year’s mug remaining at the Info Hut). Plus, pick up custom Vancouver Christmas Market posters from the Trip Poster Hut. 

NORTH POLE-WORTHY MARKET ATTRACTIONS

Looking for the perfect photo op or new ways to get all wrapped up in the magic of Christmas? This year’s Market is going bigger and brighter on lighting and decor:

• Walk through the 35 ft Walk-Through Christmas Tree adorned with almost 15,000 twinkling lights. Push the button inside the tree for 360° magical light effects!
• Delight in a bigger and brighter Lovers’ Lane, with countless lights dancing in mesmerizing themed patterns.
• Sip seasonal drinks at the Schnapslplatz, designed like a wintertime vineyard, with barrels, wagon wheels, and patio lights.
• Snap photos at the WinterDeck – an all-new themed photo op area with giant snowflakes, magical decor and stunning North Shore views.
• Enjoy complimentary rides on the Aeroplan Holiday Carousel to go-round the world and learn how to earn points everyday. 
• Sit back and relax at the Aeroplan lounge, near the Aeroplan Holiday Carousel, and grab some free swag (think umbrellas and the coveted festive Starbucks cups!)  
• Send Letters to Santa from Vancouver straight to the North Pole! Swing by the Air Canada 
• Foundation Hut. All you need to bring is your wishes – and we’ll make sure they find their way to the North Pole.

SPECIAL NIGHTS & EVENTS

This season, the Vancouver Christmas Market offers more activities than ever before! Besides nightly live entertainment, the daily event calendar is packed with activities for all ages – most free with admission. 

Grand Opening & Grey Cup Celebrations: This season, the Vancouver Christmas Market opens its gates Wednesday, November 13 – just in time for the adjacent Grey Cup Festival celebrations at the Vancouver Convention Centre and BC Place. German  Glühwein meets Canadian Football with the special Grey Cup Festival Flex Pass, which gives revellers unlimited access to the Vancouver Christmas Market while they enjoy the Grey Cup Festival from November 13 to 17. 

A Taylor-Made Market Treat: To the Lovers celebrating their Christmas Era, join the cheer with a Swiftie-themed Karaoke and Trivia Nights. Taylor fans can also scoop up a Swiftie Flex Pass for unlimited visits during the concert weekend (Dec 4-10). Don’t forget to show off your friendship bracelets!

Festive Workshops (Limited Quantities): Grab the gang and join the Manites Flower Haus for wreath building workshops. Workshop tickets include a Season Pass to the Market, and all the plaid ribbon, fresh greenery and hands-on-instruction you need to make some Hallmark-worthy decor. 

Christmas Karaoke: More Mariah all Market long… Christmas Karaoke is back on added evenings throughout the season! Belt out favourite snowy classics from ‘Let It Snow’… to ‘Let It Go’. 

Trivia Nights: Back by popular demand, with added nights! Grab your friends and family, and make the ultimate trivia team. Pair your festive facts with a side of Glühwein and Bratwurst (or even a Chimney Cake to get the sugar rushing.) 

Photos with St. Nick: Check in with the Man in Red himself! Find Santa strolling the Market, or skip the mall lineups and snap the perfect holiday card photo with him at the Alpen Haus.

The Lantern Parade: In classic European tradition, this kid-friendly procession will wind its way down the Market alleys (November 24 at 5 pm). Guests are invited to bring their own lanterns or pick up a special Lantern Parade Ticket Combo, which includes a charming lantern and a ticket to the Market.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Featuring live music and holiday entertainers, the Vancouver Christmas Market showcases a variety of local talent performing weekdays from 5 pm and weekends from 12:30 pm onwards from the Flying Stage on the second storey of the Christmas Pyramid. Guests can delight in renditions of classic Christmas songs, plus festive tunes from locally-loved performers and rising stars on the music scene. 

Join the Christmas cheer for the 14th year! See what makes Vancouver’s longest-running outdoor market – and only German Christmas Market – a holiday mainstay for locals and visitors alike. Willkommen! 

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Media Inquiries:

For interviews with Malte Kluetz (Founder), Denise Wegener (President) or local guest vendors, as well as photography and videography requests, please contact:

Shivani Lalan, Kipling Media

Phone: +1-647-8634397

Email: pr@kiplingmedia.com  

​ 

High-resolution photos can be downloaded from our online media kit. 

  EVENT DETAILS  . 

The Vancouver Christmas Market

vancouverchristmasmarket.com

Location:​ Jack Poole Plaza (at the Olympic Cauldron), 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC

 Dates:​ November 13 – December 24, 2024

 2024 Market Hours:

Tickets & Timeslots: The Vancouver Christmas Market offers an online reservation system where guests select a date and book a 30-minute arrival timeslot (but can stay for as long as they like). Tickets can be purchased (and timeslots reserved) online at vancouverchristmasmarket.com/tickets or in person at the ticket office.

Getting Here: The Vancouver Christmas Market is a short walk from Waterfront Station (Canada Line and Expo Line SkyTrains, and Seabus) and several bus routes.Street parking and several public parkades are available nearby. Note: Access to Thurlow Street and Burrard Street will be blocked during the Grey Cup Festival (November 13 – 17). Designated Uber drop off zones will be available nearby.

Connect with the Vancouver Christmas Market:

Website: ​vancouverchristmasmarket.com

Facebook: @VancouverChristmasMarket

Instagram: @vanchristmas

Twitter: @vanchristmas

TikTok: @vanchristmas

  BACKGROUND  . 

About The Vancouver Christmas Market: 

vancouverchristmasmarket.com

Since 2010, the Vancouver Christmas Market has delighted locals and guests with authentic German-inspired festivities. Combining colourful décor, artisan gifts, sweet and savoury food and drink, and live music, the yuletide celebration creates the ideal atmosphere to mix and mingle with friends and family, enjoy a quick lunch or after-work drinks, and indulge in a variety of special events, old world confections, and seasonal entertainment.

About Aeroplan:

aircanada.com/aeroplan

Aeroplan, Air Canada’s travel loyalty program, inspires members to reach their travel goals sooner and go-round the world with everyday earning partners Starbucks, Uber/UberEats and Parkland Canada’s Journie Rewards program available at Canadian fuel and convenience brands, including Chevron, Fas Gas, and ON the RUN. 

About the Air Canada Foundation:​

aircanada.com/foundation 

Make every tap count by spreading a little Christmas cheer with a donation to the Air Canada Foundation. 

Supporting children through its pillars of Health, Protection, and Dreams, the Foundation strengthens healthcare access, supports the ecosystem of childhood, and uplifts children facing adversity through transformative experiences. Join the movement of giving this holiday season by tapping to donate to the Air Canada Foundation at the machines located nearby the Aeroplan Holiday Carousel.  

Media Backgrounder

OCTOBER 2024

HISTORY of GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKETS

For nearly 500 years, towns and cities around Germany have hosted Christkindlmarkts (the German word for Christmas Market) in December. Each market is unique, featuring local artisans and festive regional refreshments. Residents enjoy each other’s company, sample local delicacies, shop for gifts, and break up the chilly winter days with some holiday cheer.

A Christkindlmarkt often surrounds a massive Christmas tree, includes a carousel, and features vendor huts or cabins offering traditional foods, handcrafted gifts, and warm beverages. These markets are a special and central place to meet with family and loved ones while supporting local craftspeople throughout the holiday season. 

CANADA’S OWN CHRISTKINDLMARKT

The magical atmosphere of a traditional German Christmas Market came to life in the Pacific Northwest thanks to our Market’s German owner, Malte Kluetz. Malte envisioned the same cozy, convivial Christmas atmosphere that takes over German town squares popping up to delight guests right here in Vancouver. And so it all began… 

In 2010, Malte Kluetz brought the authentic German Christmas Market experience to North America, launching the Vancouver Christmas Market. The event was initially held at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza in downtown Vancouver, welcoming more than 100,000 guests into a “European town square” of food, drink and artisan huts. Vendors from the early years of the Market continue to return each year. 

THE VANCOUVER CHRISTMAS MARKET TODAY

As the event grew in popularity, the Vancouver Christmas Market looked to find a new location to meet the demand. In 2016, the Market moved to Jack Poole Plaza at 1055 Canada Place and expanded to feature more than 90 artisan vendors. This is the 14th year the Market has returned to Vancouver, with a pause in 2020 due to COVID-19. The Vancouver Christmas Market values long-term relationships and proudly celebrates the 11th anniversary of some vendors this year.

Photographer credits for both images: Kipling Media

CAPTURING THE OLD WORLD CHARM

Each year, Vancouver Christmas Market vendors offer artisanal German goods — from handcrafted wooden ornaments to original German gifts — with many travelling from Germany to bring an authentic feel to our local Market. And we haven’t stopped there! While many German markets will sell small ornamental German pyramids as decorations, we’ve made the centrepiece of our event a larger-than-life Christmas Pyramid where guests can gather and sip on a hot drink.  

Much like the Christmas Markets throughout history, foodies can sample Glühwein (mulled wine), a selection of German and Austrian beers, spirits and various sweet and savoury delights at the Vancouver Christmas Market. Like its German counterparts, the Vancouver Christmas Market is lined with wooden huts serving up various European comfort foods, including savoury eats such as Sauteed Mushrooms, Kebabs, German Sausages, Raclette, Schnitzel, Gulasch, Spätzle, Knedla and many more. To satisfy your sweet tooth, try classic desserts like Strudels, Alfajores (Latin macarons) and French macarons, Churros, and more!  

Combining colourful décor, sparkling lights, authentic gifts, enticing food and drink, and family entertainment, this historical celebration creates the perfect atmosphere to mix and mingle with friends and family, have a quick lunch or after-work drink, find a festive photo opportunity, and take in a wide variety of holiday entertainment!

To learn more about the Vancouver Christmas Market, please visit us online at www.vancouverchristmasmarket.com 

High-resolution photos can be downloaded from our website in our media room: vancouverchristmasmarket.com/news-and-media/

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For further information, please contact:

media@vancouverchristmasmarket.com

General Admission Tickets are available online from October 2 at up to 80% Off Day-Of Pricing

(Vancouver, BC) – October 2, 2024: While you’re sipping your Pumpkin Spiced Lattes, we’re busy brewing your Glühwein… Vancouver’s longest-standing holiday event, the Vancouver Christmas Market (vancouverchristmasmarket.com), is returning to its waterfront home at Jack Poole Plaza (downtown at the Olympic Cauldron) from November 13 to December 24 – and ‘First Batch’ tickets are fresh out of the oven! 

Vancouver’s longest-running Christmas Market invites families and friends to indulge in the holiday tradition of a wintry German town square, with wooden artisan huts, magical light displays, and European food and drink vendors – all surrounding a new 35 ft. walk-through Christmas tree and the signature walk-up Glühwein bar at the Pyramid. The city’s trademark holiday event will also see the return of the Aeroplan Christmas Carousel (free to ride!) and a full calendar of popular entertainment and events, including Christmas Karaoke, Holiday Trivia, a Kids’ Lantern Parade, photos with St. Nikolaus, Date Nights, and plenty of new festive additions. 

To kick off the pre-season celebrations, the Vancouver Christmas Market is offering reduced-rate online tickets, with First Batch Promos from October 2 to 21. Starting today, all ticket types are on sale at vancouverchristmasmarket.com/tickets, with some fun new promotions on offer this year:

• General Admission | Until October 21, get $7 OFF the Day Of price 
• Season Passes | Skip the lines and enjoy the Market all season long! Get a Single Season Pass ($30.99) or make the Market your family’s winter hangout with Family Season Passes at just $75. 
• Grey Cup Festival Flex Pass (this year only!) | Enjoy the magic of the Christmas Market and the excitement of the 2024 Grey Cup Festival, happening right at their doorstep (outside the neighbouring Vancouver Convention Centre)! This Flex Pass grants you unlimited access to the Market from November 13-17, with no time slot restrictions so that you can enjoy Christmas festivities alongside the Grey Cup Festival. For just $25, experience the festive lights, gifts, and treats of the Market alongside thrilling football action, two ziplines, immersive experiences, and top-notch entertainment. 
• Festive Fives (new this year!) | Score $5 tickets for select dates and timeslots. 
• Group Rates & Private Bookings | Office Christmas party or team event? Get 20% off full-priced tickets for group bookings of 15 or more from Monday to Friday until Dec 13, or contact the Market to book a private group space!

The 14th year of the beloved European-inspired Market will feature 90+ wooden huts with new and returning foods, spirits and artisan gift vendors with roots both locally in BC and overseas in Europe. The Market is bringing enhanced lighting displays, fresh photo ops, and the season’s brand-new entertainment and event schedule to add to the Old-World Christmas Charm. 

This year’s Market will again offer an online reservation system. Upon purchasing online tickets, guests are prompted to select a date and a half-hour arrival time slot. Once they enter the Market, visitors are invited to stay and enjoy the wonders of this European Christmas village as long as they like. 

The holiday festivities continue south of the border this year as well, with a German-inspired sister Market coming back for its second year. The Seattle Christmas Market returns after a successful 2023 season for around 5 weeks of Christmas cheer from November 21 to December 24. 

Pre-sale tickets are available for purchase online at vancouverchristmasmarket.com/tickets

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 MEDIA INQUIRIES  . 

Shivani Lalan
Email: pr@kiplingmedia.com

 High-resolution photos are available for download at vancouverchristmasmarket.com/news-media

EVENT DETAILS  . 

The Vancouver Christmas Market
vancouverchristmasmarket.com

Location:​ Jack Poole Plaza (at the Olympic Cauldron), 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC

Dates:​ November 13 – December 24, 2024

2024 Market Hours:

Online reservations are available every 30 minutes for arrivals

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. Note: Access to Thurlow Street and Burrard Street will be blocked during the Grey Cup Festival (November 13 – 17).  

Connect with the Vancouver Christmas Market:

Website: ​vancouverchristmasmarket.com

Facebook: @VancouverChristmasMarket

Instagram: @vanchristmas

Twitter: @vanchristmas

TikTok: @vanchristmas

About The Vancouver Christmas Market: 

vancouverchristmasmarket.com

Since 2010, the Vancouver Christmas Market has delighted locals and guests with authentic German-inspired festivities. Combining colourful décor, artisan gifts, sweet and savoury food and drink, and live music, the yuletide celebration creates the ideal atmosphere to mix and mingle with friends and family, enjoy a quick lunch or after-work drinks, and indulge in a variety of special events, old world confections, and seasonal entertainment.