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Celebrating 8 Years of Vancouver Christmas Market!
Some things have changed, but some things have stayed the same. There are still lights, booths, the carousel, but also new vendors, new activities for children – kids who complete the scavenger hunt earn a free ride on the carousel – and new, at least to me, “Flying Stage” on the second storey of the Christmas Pyramid, right above the Glühwein! You can also take some pictures right inside the Alpine Haus at the “North Pole” that has been set up there.
For my German, Swiss and Austrian readers who have been spoiled with a wealth of Christmas Markets back home, the biggest complaint is having to pay an entrance fee, but there are still deals, groupons and other specials to be had. If you order online, you also receive a complimentary seasons pass, so that is worth it. This year, entrance fees are $10 for Adults, $9 for Seniors, $5 for children ages 7 to 12 and 6 and under are Free.
Get your tickets here at this link: https://store.vancouverchristmasmarket.com/event/13/2017-vancouver-christmas-market
There are also discounts available for groups of 12 or more or if you show up before 4 pm on Weekdays.
- A change that was made is that the Market, with over 75 vendors, has now been split into three main areas: Handwerkgasse (Artisan Alley), which includes Zotter Chocolates, Candymeister and Sonnentor Tea.
- Marktplatz (Eats and Treats), which includes Freybe Brat Haus, Das Bavarian & Pretzel Haus, Das Lachs Haus (Salmon), Das Schnitzel Haus, Das Kartoffel Haus and Das Waffle Haus. Suddenly I am starving!
- There are also Kaufmannsgasse (Merchant Alley) and the “Tannenbaum Terrace” (Christmas Tree Terrace).
I really saw an effort to be more German and to have more German signage. I appreciate that and felt it was much more authentic. There were also many Herrnhuter Stars placed at every booth and other strategic places around the venue. Beautiful.
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Be dazzled by the glittering carousel, a 30-foot tall walk-in Christmas tree boasting 36,000 twinkling lights, live entertainment, and a multitude of festive family activities. (from their website, although ©Photo Credit is Elke Porter)
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You can also enjoy nightly entertainment.Here is where you can find out what is playing:https://www.vancouverchristmasmarket.com/activities/entertainment/The Entertainment seems to be focussing more on Canadian or International Artists this year, rather than German, but at least this performer has performed in Germany:
Melanie DekkerMelanie Dekker: A voice like chocolate. 100 concerts a year. A soulful roots-pop entertainer. A songbird and prolific writer who has created fantastic hit songs and 6 albums. Her percussive guitar style and warm lyrics quickly fire up your heart. She’s opened for Faith Hill, Chaka Khan, Bryan Adams & headlined folk festivals in Canada, Germany, Denmark & Estonia. PerformancesA Christmas Concert by the German Consulate was held November 23 for the German Community!A Christmas Concert presented by the German Consulate featuring Rosemary Siemens and Eli Bennett. If you missed it, there are some snippets online (you may have to scroll a bit) Her website is here: https://rosemarysiemens.com |
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