15 Things To Eat, Drink and Do While At The Vancouver Christmas Market

It’s that time of year again, the Vancouver Christmas Market is back in town. Each year it has me dreaming of going to Germany to see the markets there. Maybe one day that will happen, but for now, I love that this market is nearby! Visiting the Vancouver Christmas Market has become a tradition for my family and me. Today I am sharing some of the things you can see and eat while there. 

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THINGS TO DO AT THE MARKET

1. CHRISTMAS CAROUSEL If you are going to the Vancouver Christmas Market with kids they will spot the carousel immediately upon entering the market. This is the only carousel right in downtown Vancouver, and it’s only around for the holiday season. Kids do need to be at least 2 years old to ride and each ride is $3 or you can get a $10 unlimited day-pass. There is also Free Carousel Fridays on November 30th and December 7th during Children’s Wish Week. 

2. WALK IN CHRISTMAS TREE There are multiple, Instagram worthy photo spots this year. The walk-in Christmas tree that made its first appearance last year is a favourite. It has over 36,000 twinkling lights, which you will want to see at night time. The tree adds some extra sparkle to the market. Be sure to capture a photo while there and look for all the other great photo places throughout the market. 

3. KINDER KRAFT IGLOO 4Cats Art Studio is back at the market this year providing fun, free arts and crafts activities for all for the kids that come to the Vancouver Christmas Market. Your kids can take a break from wandering around the market it or get out of the elements to stay dry for a bit since the market is in “Raincouver”. I love that they have this craft space located inside an igloo. It is the cutest thing, plus there are some friendly penguins located just outside. 

4. LOVE-LOCK INSTALLATION My husband and I have been going to the Vancouver Christmas Market for years, often we try to have one date-night out to the market. This year the market is bringing some love to it by having a love-lock installation and lovers lane. Steal a kiss as you pass under the mistletoe. For $3 you can purchase a heart-shaped lock that you can place on the Love-Lock Installation or if you’d like bring your own lock to put on it. 

5. WINTERDECK This viewing deck is located by the Alpine Lounge. It’s the perfect viewing area to take in the beautiful scenery. Grab your favourite food and drink, might we suggest something from our list below, and head to the Winterdeck. The North Shore is spectacular on a sunny winters day. Plus, there’s another photo opp tucked away here. 

6. SHOPPING What would a Christmas market be without shopping? There is plenty of this to be done at the Vancouver Christmas Market. I always leave with a new Christmas ornament to add to my tree. There is something for everyone with all the different vendors throughout the market. 

THINGS TO EAT AND DRINK WHILE AT THE MARKET

Finding food and drinks to enjoy at the Vancouver Christmas Market has become a huge highlight of the market for us. We go on a bit of a “foodie mission” if you will. We love trying different things, but we also have our classic must-have items on our list. 

1. CHIMNEY CAKES If we had to pick one treat to have every time at the market it, it’s a chimney cake. It’s a spiral of sweet, flaky dough that has a hint of lemon to it. After roasting on a spit the chimney cake gets covered in sugar. While some may like it with Nutella on the inside, we prefer to keep it plain and simple. You’ll love this treat that’s crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. 

2. BERLINER KRAPFEN What is a berliner krapfen? It’s a strawberry jam filled donut that you shouldn’t skip over when at the Vancouver Christmas market. Forget the donuts you get at Timmy’s, these are what you want to get! There is a lot of jam inside of these donut treats, be warned before handing it over to your kids to enjoy. Made that mistake once, learn from my mistakes. 

3. HOT CAKES This was a new one for me. I’d never had a hot cake before, but this hit the spot for craving something sweet to eat. Think stuffed pancakes! I cannot recommend the ones filled with brown sugar and cinnamon enough. It can be served covered in syrup and loads whipped cream. There is a savoury option too! Plus, the owners creating these are some of the nicest people I have ever met at the market. 

4. DAS BRAT When we went to the very first Vancouver Christmas Market, the first thing we had to eat was a traditional German-style bratwurst. It’s continued to be a favourite to have. My husband goes for the sauerkraut and mustard, but I stick to just mustard and the odd time add a little ketchup. Now if only I could order pack of frozen bratwurst to take home!

5. GÜLASH If there is one thing you have to get at the market it, get the gülash. Vegetarian or with meat, either is fantastic and not to be missed! Be sure to get it in the bread bowl, there is nothing better than enjoying the gülash soaked bread at the end. This is an incredibly heart-warming, comfort dish that will have you wanting to go back to the market for more.

6. HURRICANE POTATOES The Vancouver Christmas Market is what introduced us to this savory snack. It’s fun seeing the potato spiraled on the stick and fried up right before you. The hurricane potato is then covered in your choice of seasoning; BBQ and sour cream + onion are our favourites. Be prepared for it to be a bit messy, so grab some extra napkins.

7. WAFFLES If you are wanting something that can be shared easily and sweet as can be, then going to Das Waffle Haus is a must! You can get a traditional square waffle or a waffle on a stick. Our preference is to the traditional waffle and we love it loaded with powdered sugar and strawberries. 

8. APPLE CIDER The hot apple cider is a favourite of mine and the girls. Often we have to get two cups of it because it will disappear so quickly. It’s our favourite kid-friendly drink at the market. It is perfectly festive and hits the spot to warm your hands and your insides when you feel a bit chilled. 

9. GLÜHWEIN This is a traditional red wine based beverage served during the holiday season. It gets heated up while it has cinnamon sticks, cloves, vanilla pods, citrus, and sugar. If you are hoping to enjoy a cup while at the market keep an eye out as you may spot someone walking around with a backpack that is full of glühwein ready to be served. 

The Vancouver Christmas Market is happening from November 21 to December 24, 2018, from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 pm. It is also open on December 24th from 11:30 a.m. to 6 pm at Jack Poole Plaza – 1055 Canada Place. What’s really nice this Christmas season is that the market is open later in the evening, giving the perfect opportunity for a date night out! 

Merry Christmas everyone!

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