Get in the spirit and start a new tradition this year at the Vancouver Christmas Market!
Do you remember what Vancouver was like during the Winter Games in February? It’s hard to describe but it was something special. There was a certain energy and sense of shared joyfulness that you could feel walking down the street. Whether you were a sports fan or not everyone was just friendlier. It was palpable and it was far too short-lived.
That’s exactly the type of atmosphere that Malte Kluetz wants to bring back to Vancouver with a German style Christmas market this year at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza. He’s looking to continue that legacy with a new annual holiday tradition and I for one think it’s something that Vancouver will greatly benefit from. If you’ve ever been to Germany during the holiday season you’ll know that there’s a Christmas market in just about every town center and multiple markets in big cities. I can tell you first hand that they provide a sense of community and togetherness in which you can’t help but get into the holiday spirit. The senses are delighted with live music as the lights shimmer everywhere and the delicious scents from a variety of foods mingle in your nostrils. Best of all is the Glühwein or hot mulled wine flavoured with cinnamon, vanilla, cloves and fruits. Nothing else works quite so well to warm your body and your heart on a crisp December night. You won’t have to be caged up in a ‘beer garden’ either as it’s going to be allowed throughout the premises with wristbands for those so inclined.
Christmas tree ornaments in the Käthe Wohlfahrt gift shop.
There are a number of fun and creative kids activities such as gingerbread decorating, chocolate lollipop making, holiday airbrush tattoos and candle making where the little ones can make personalized gifts for their family and friends. There are daily workshops including chocolate making by a master chocolatier from Switzerland, Japanese drumming, glass art, holiday storytelling and beekeeping. Get your picture taken with gingerbread mascots Holly & Jolly. For those of you looking for the perfect Christmas party venue there are private, catered events available at the on-site restaurant. The festivities will run for a full month starting this Wednesday November 24th – open daily from 11am-9pm. The Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza is on Georgia between Cambie and Hamilton and you might remember it as the location for the Four Host First Nations pavilion during the Olympic winter games.
Christmas is about spreading joy, sharing experiences and letting our loved ones know how much we appreciate them. After talking with Malte and getting a sneak peak into the Vancouver Christmas Market I am convinced that it will provide the right kind of atmosphere to get into the Christmas spirit. Even for the scrooges out there it’s a chance to try some new cuisine and experience another culture.
For a list of vendors, daily entertainment and more detailed information please visit the official website here.
Nutcracker figurines in the Käthe Wohlfahrt gift shop.
Thanks for the awesome post!
I’ll go!
Ya same! Had me at mulled wine.
I will be taking my grandchildren to this event. Hats off to Malte for doing this for Vancouver!
I’ll definatly be looking into this!!!!!
Saw this on TV and am planning to take my grandchildren.
My daughter was in Europe at Christmas a couple of times. Culturally it is a different/richer experience….The Christmas spirit at its best!
This looks like a great event!