Vancouver Christmas Market in 2025
The Vancouver Christmas Market is a famous holiday attraction outside the Vancouver Convention Centre in Jack Poole Plaza.
This beloved annual event transforms the downtown waterfront into a European-style winter wonderland, filled with festive lights, live entertainment, artisan vendors, and traditional German-inspired treats. Whether you’re looking to do some holiday shopping, enjoy mulled wine with friends, or take family photos with Santa, the Vancouver Christmas Market is one of the best places to experience the Christmas spirit in the city.
Visit vancouverchristmasmarket.com for the event’s official website.
A Beloved Vancouver Holiday Tradition
Celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2025, the Vancouver Christmas Market has become a must-visit attraction each winter. Inspired by Germany’s traditional holiday markets, this festive outdoor event features over 100 vendors offering handcrafted gifts, ornaments, soaps, artisanal food, and European imports. Shoppers can sip a warm mug of glühwein (i.e., mulled wine) or hot chocolate while browsing through charming wooden stalls surrounded by twinkling lights and cheerful music.
The market’s atmosphere captures the heart of the holiday season, making it a favourite destination for both locals and visitors. It’s also one of the most photogenic Christmas attractions in Vancouver, set against the scenic backdrop of the waterfront and the iconic Olympic Cauldron.
What’s New for 2025
This year introduces a few exciting additions to the market experience:
- Santa’s Workshop – Stop by for free photos and story time with Santa, or book a special Breakfast with Santa experience that includes early market access and an artisan breakfast.
- Festive Workshops – Learn a new craft through holiday crochet classes, paint-and-sip sessions, or by decorating your own Vancouver Christmas Market tote bag.
- New Seasonal Drink – Try the new Hot Aperol Spritz, a cozy twist on the classic cocktail, available in addition to the traditional glühwein, cider and local craft beer.
Location & Dates
The market takes place at Jack Poole Plaza, next to the Vancouver Convention Centre and overlooking the Burrard Inlet. Its address is 1055 Canada Place. Canada Place itself, the building with the giant white sails and home to the Flyover multidimensional theatre attraction, is just a couple of blocks away.
2025 Hours of Operation:
- Nov 13 – Dec 5
- Mon–Fri: 4:00–9:30 pm, Sat–Sun: 11:30 am–9:30 pm
- Dec 6 – Dec 19
- Sun–Thu: 11:30 am–9:30 pm, Fri–Sat: 11:30 am–10:00 pm
- Dec 20 – 23
- 10:00 am–10:00 pm
- Dec 24 (Christmas Eve)
- 10:00 am–6:00 pm
Ticket Information
Admission is timed by 30-minute entry windows, but guests can stay as long as they wish once inside. Children ages six and under enter for free.
2025 ticket prices are below (although they are subject to change):
- General Admission: from $6.99 to $21.99, depending on the date and time
- November Pass: $15.99 (unlimited visits from Nov 13–30)
- Season Pass: $32.99 (unlimited access until Dec 24 with priority entry)
- Family Season Pass: $84.99 (two adults + two youth ages 7–17)
- Breakfast with Santa: from $69.99 for adults and $10.99 for kids
- Workshops: from $29.99 per session
(Tip: Book early time slots or weekdays for the best prices)
What to Expect
Every year, as many as a quarter of a million visitors attend the Vancouver Christmas Market, and it’s easy to see why. This outdoor event offers a delightful mix of holiday shopping, entertainment, and festive food in one magical setting.
At the market guests can explore vendor stalls filled with everything from German beer steins and handmade jewelry to specialty chocolates, candles and up-scale artisan crafts. Food lovers can savour pretzels, schnitzels, raclette, and chimney cakes while warming up with hot apple cider or glühwein.
Families especially love the carousel rides, scavenger hunts, and photo ops inside the giant walk-in Christmas tree. Throughout the market, the atmosphere is filled with live music, twinkling lights, and the scent of roasted nuts and baked pastries creating the perfect winter wonderland in downtown Vancouver.
Market Layout & Highlights
The Vancouver Christmas Market is divided into themed areas, each offering something unique. The different zones include the following:
- Marktplatz: Artisan vendors selling handmade crafts and gifts.
- Gourmetstrasse: Specialty food stalls with gourmet treats.
- Kaufmannsgasse (Merchant Alley): Vendors offering imports, clothing, and festive souvenirs.
- Tannenbaum Terrace: Food, drinks, and the iconic walk-in Christmas tree near the Olympic Cauldron.
- Alpen Haus: A covered, ski-themed seating area with indoor activities and Karaoke Nights.
- Schnapsplatz: A spot to enjoy festive drinks like glühwein, schnapps, and seasonal cocktails.
Food & Drink
Food is always a highlight of the market. Expect hearty European-inspired meals and decadent desserts. Examples of the foods you’ll find include the following:
- Savoury favourites: raclette, stews, pork hocks, and bratwurst.
- Sweet treats: Belgian waffles, chimney cakes, chocolate-dipped fruit, and handmade pastries.
- Drinks: German beers, mulled wine, schnapps, and craft cider.
Entertainment Schedule
Live performances bring extra holiday cheer to the market. Musicians, choirs, and bands perform on the Christmas Pyramid’s Flying Stage most evenings.
- Weekdays: around 5:00–9:30 pm
- Weekends: 12:30–9:30 pm
Expect festive tunes, caroling, and even themed nights throughout the season.
(Note: Exact times for the live music vary and are subject to change.)
Why You’ll Love It
The Vancouver Christmas Market offers an unforgettable holiday experience with its mix of shopping, dining and winter holiday atmosphere. It’s more than a market; it’s a cherished Vancouver Christmas tradition that captures the magic of the season. Whether you’re going with friends, family or on a date night, it’s one of the top Christmas events in Vancouver not to miss (unless for some reason you don’t like markets and Christmas-y things).
Other Information
For tickets, workshop details and the entertainment schedule, visit vancouverchristmasmarket.com.
Other articles you might like are the following:
- Vancouver Christmas Events & Activities
- Shipyards Christmas Market
- Wesbrook Village Christmas Market
- Lower Mainland Holiday Markets