Vancouver Christmas Market
German Christmas markets are a centuries old tradition that light up communities with fun, laughter, fabulous food, drink, and unique gifts–the perfect antidote to holiday commercialism.
In Germany, there are a variety of markets known as Christkindlmarkts. Each Christkindlmarkt has its own special charm, unique to the community and region. Local artisans lined the streets and sold their wares at the market displaying distinct regional characteristics, which gave each market an individual flavour. Food and beverages served were produced in the region, so each town’s offerings were a little different.
In 2010 for the first time a German Christmas Village came to Canada and brought unique holiday shopping experiences, seasonal entertainment and traditional food & beverage right to Downtown Vancouver. The Vancouver Christmas Market opened its gates from November 24th to December 24th 2010. It was situated in South plaza of the Queen Elizabeth Theatre at the corner West Georgia and Hamilton Street encompassing an area of 28,500 sq ft. Over 40 vendors from Germany and Canada offered traditional hand-made arts and crafts and Bavarian- and German-style food and drinks. In addition to its shopping experience and entertainment part, the site also hosted Corporate Christmas Parties in the attached VIP-Restaurant.
The venue, just steps away from the downtown shopping district, hosted more than 300,000 visitors throughout the 31 days of the event. After the very successful first year opening, the organizers decided to make it an annual Vancouver Christmas event.
And that is how the Vancouver Christmas Market has managed to capture the Holiday spirit in the past few years and become part of Vancouver’s favorite Christmas activities.
This year, 2016, the 7th Annual Vancouver Christmas Market is going to Make Days Merry & Bright at the New Seaside Site! The beloved event is relocated, and expanded, to Jack Poole Plaza this season. This new home offers more than 50,000 square feet of German jubilation! Stay tuned for more details.
Location
Vancouver, BC
Categories
Public/Hospitality
