A treasured holiday tradition for locals and visitors alike, the Vancouver Christmas Market announced today that it will be moving from its original site at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza to its new, expansive seaside home at Jack Poole Plaza (at the Olympic Cauldron). Running November 26 – December 30, 2016, the city’s signature yuletide celebration will expand its revelry with more than 50,000 square feet of space and over 70 huts in which to savour the abundance of authentic German flavours.
“Much like our market-goers after they’ve indulged in generous helpings of Glühwein and Spätzle – we found ourselves bursting at the seams last year!” said Malte Kluetz, Founder and President of the Vancouver Christmas Market. “We could not be more thrilled about the move and by the number of vendors who wish to share and participate in the market – nor by the hundreds of thousands of Vancouverites who make it an annual holiday tradition. The move to Jack Poole Plaza means we can warmly welcome more guests to partake in the festivities, while rolling out a number of exciting surprises! We look forward to welcoming new and returning guests to our enchanting seaside home.”
Among this year’s expanded highlights will be Canada’s first-ever Christmas Pyramid: A 23-foot tall structure adorned with angels representing various aspects of European culture. Designed locally by architect Jordan Kutev, the magical sculpture rotates via a propeller at its summit and plays music from various regions. Further festive additions this year include an enclosed Alpine Haus tent and seating area, designed to accommodate more than 250 people while offering breathtaking views of the North Shore.
Visitors can anticipate indulging in the market’s signature array of mouth-watering delectables, including Glühwein (a hot-spiced mulled wine), Bratwurst, Gulasch, Spätzle, and much more. The increased vendor space allows for the introduction of many new sensations, such as daily demonstrations of the Feuerzangenbowle (literally, ‘Fire Tongs Punch’), a mulled wine and rum beverage whose ceremonial preparations include caramelizing a large sugar cone over the concoction. In total, the market will boast more than 22 food and drink huts –12 of which will appear for the first time in 2016.
In addition to Deutschland delicacies, rousing entertainment, and returning favourites – such as the beloved Christmas Carousel – visitors can wander throughout the market’s quaint twinkling pathways of huts, discovering lovingly crafted, one-of-a-kind gifts and treasures that cry out to be slipped into stockings and placed under Christmas trees.
