Vancouver Christmas Market
Nov 22 - Dec 23, 11am-9pm
Dec 24, 11am-6pm
Vendors
Music & Entertainment
Press & Media
History of Christmas Markets
The Vancouver Christmas Market
- The 2013 Vancouver Christmas
Market opens at 11am on Friday, November 22 and closes on Tuesday, December 24 at 6pm. - Regular daily hours are 11 am to 9 pm
- Over 45 traditional vendors with many coming from Germany
- Entertainment and shows for visitors of all ages
- The market will be located on the outdoor plaza of the Queen Elizabeth Theatre - West Georgia St. & Hamilton St., conveniently located downtown, in the heart of Vancouver
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Admission Rates (including HST) Adult (13 + years) $5 Mon – Fri 4pm-9pm & 11am-9pm weekends Adult (13 + years) $2 Special! Mon – Fri 11am-4pm Youth (7 – 12 years) $2 Child (0 – 6 years) FREE Carousel Rides $3 per ticket; $10 per package of 5 tickets
Tickets to the Vancouver Christmas Market will only be available at the main entrance gate at West Georgia Street and Hamilton Street. Prepaid tickets are available for groups over 20 persons only.
Vancouver Christmas Market FAQs
When is the Vancouver Christmas Market open?
The Market is open daily November 22 to December 24 from 11am-9pm (early closing on December 24 at 6pm)
Where is the Vancouver Christmas Market held?
The Market is centrally located in Downtown Vancouver on the Plaza outside the Queen Elizabeth Theatre (649 Cambie Street, Vancouver, BC) with the entrance located at the corner of West Georgia and Cambie streets.
How do I get there?
Since our venue is readily accessible via SkyTrain (Stadium-Chinatown, Granville and Vancouver City Centre stations) and bus (including North Shore services) we recommend taking public transport. Please visit Translink's online trip planner for specific route information.
Where can I park?
The Queen Elizabeth Theatre parking just under the Plaza (access from Hamilton Street) and the EasyPark parking lots on 775 Hamilton Street and 688 Cambie Street are located within easy walking distance.
What is the entrance fee?
| Admission | Rates (including HST) |
|---|---|
| Adult (13 + years) | $5 Mon – Fri 4pm-9pm & 11am-9pm weekends |
| Adult (13 + years) | $2 Special! Mon – Fri 11am-4pm |
| Youth (7 – 12 years) | $2 |
| Child (0 – 6 years) | FREE |
| Carousel Rides | $3 per ticket; $10 per package of 5 tickets |
What other tickets or discounts do you offer?
For every paid admission you will receive a re-entry pass for the whole season! Pay once and get for yourself multiple free entries from 24 November to 24 December 2012 - every day, every time.
If you work or live downtown, you might want to take advantage of our 2 for 1 Lunch Pass that allows entry for two for the price of just one admission (Mon-Fri, 11am-2pm) and can be downloaded from our website.
Print the lunch pass and present it at the VIP Ticket Counter. Valid Monday-Friday 11:00am- 2:00pm.
Keep an eye out for several coupons available from various companies that offer reduced admission to the market.
Please note that all special pass holders (Free Entry, Prepaid Entry, Free Re-Entry, Lunch Pass, Special Rate Entry) and groups may enter the market through our VIP lane.
Can I buy tickets in advance?
You can buy prepaid tickets if you are a group of 20 persons or more. We do not offer any prepaid tickets for single admission, however they are available through various coupon companies.
How do I pay? Do you have ATM facilities?
All admission ticket payments at the entrance gate are cash only. Most of our merchandise vendors also offer credit / debit card payment, but for our food and drink vendors we strongly recommend bringing cash with you. For your convenience there are two ATM machines inside the market as well.
Is there a group rate?
Yes, prepaid group tickets can be ordered in advance on our website or by emailing tickets@vancouverchristmasmarket.com. Please make sure to include how many tickets you would like, your contact details, and your address for shipping.
Please visit our group ticket packages page for more information.
Is the Market wheelchair accessible?
Yes, for ease of access, we kindly ask all guests in wheelchairs to enter through the market's VIP lane and exit through the back exit on Hamilton Street next to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre building.
How do I avoid line-ups?
The easiest way to avoid line-ups at the entrance is to print out our VIP Fast Pass, which will allow you access through our VIP quick entry gate. Another good chance to avoid line-ups is to visit the market on weekdays, which will also give you the great opportunity to take advantage of our lunch specials.
How can I get the most out of this year’s Vancouver Christmas Market season?
Come and enjoy the market as early during the season as possible! For every paid admission you will receive a free re-entry pass for the whole season! Pay once and get for yourself multiple free entries from 24 November to 24 December 2012 - every day, every time.
Visit the market at different occasions during your lunch break, on the weekend with your family to see the Nation Days or with your date to enjoy a romantic carousel ride during a weekday night. And don’t forget to check out our special events and entertainment schedule!
Can I leave and re-enter the market?
You can leave the market for a short time and re-enter on the same day. Please make sure you get a re-entry stamp from the security guard monitoring the exit.
Which kids’ activities do you offer?
The market is home to downtown Vancouver’s first and only Christmas Carousel, a must see attraction for kids and adults. (Carousel Rides $3 per ticket; $10 per package of 5 tickets.) Our adorable market mascots Holly & Jolly will take the stage each day at 4pm. Children are also invited to decorate gingerbread and create their own chocolate lollipops. Since we love children as much as you do and want to give them a great occasion to celebrate Christmas together with their families and friends, this year we will have more performances by children and their schools than ever before.
What entertainment will be there?
We have an exciting line up of entertainers ranging from traditional European choirs and folk dance groups to Vancouver’s most exciting Christmas singing competition, worldly gospel choirs and festive carol singers to mention only a few. Start your planning by referring to the entertainment schedule for more details.
What is the mug deposit system?
Traditionally, European Christmas Markets do have a mug deposit system in place that not only significantly reduces garbage, but also offers guests the opportunity to keep their souvenir mug. We use mugs at the Feuerzangenbowle, Gluehwein and Olde Tea Haus booths. As a special discount with the purchase of a drink, we charge a $2 deposit per mug (retail value of the mug is $4) in addition to your beverage price. Once you have finished your drink you may either keep the mug or return it at the mug return booth to get your $2 mug deposit back. The mug return booth is located close to the Christmas Carousel at Cambie and West Georgia Streets.
What do I need to do in order to drink alcohol?
All guests that would like to drink alcohol need to provide identification to show they are 19 years of age or older. To do so please visit our wristband booth located close to the entrance area with two pieces of ID. You will be given a wristband here that has to be shown at alcohol serving booths in order to order alcoholic drinks. We cannot serve any alcohol to guests without a wristband.
Where can I buy Vancouver Christmas Market merchandise?
Please visit our info & merchandise booth located at the entrance where we have mugs, scarves, umbrellas, postcards, toques, and other festive items available for sale.
How do I dress for the weather?
As with any traditional European Christmas Market, the Vancouver Christmas Market is an outdoors event and we advise all guests to dress appropriately for the weather.
Am I allowed to smoke inside the market?
The market is a non-smoking facility. If you wish to smoke we kindly ask you to leave the market and are happy to welcome you back after you have finished.
Can I bring my dog?
No, unfortunately due to food and liquor licensing, no dogs or other pets are allowed in the market area with the exception for guide dogs.
Is there a place to park my stroller while visiting the market?
Yes, please come to the info booth located right at the entrance to park your stroller.
Where can I sit down?
We offer limited seating inside the market on benches along West Georgia Street. Additional seating is available just outside the market along Hamilton Street. However it is tradition at German Christmas Markets to roam through the market, socialize at different booths, discover interesting products and make new friends.
Do you provide some enclosure/indoor area at the market?
The Vancouver Christmas Market is an outdoor market only and does not offer any indoor area. However we do have a shelter area located at the corner of West Georgia and Cambie Street. Also our vendor Kaethe Wohlfahrt is located inside a building and all outside standing tables are covered.
I am interested in having a booth - where can I get more information?
We will be pleased to assist you, but please be aware that all available spaces for the 2012 market are taken. Applications for the 2013 Market will be accepted beginning March 2013, when you will find the new application forms on our website. Should you have any other queries please contact info@vancouverchristmasmarket.com
Location of the Vancouver Christmas Market
This year the market will have a marvelous tall Christmas Tree with fairy lights which creates a unique Christmas atmosphere surrounded by dozens traditional wooden booths, performance stages and festive decorations.
Colourful décor. Authentic gifts. Family entertainment. Tasty authentic food. The aroma of mulled wine. A truly enchanting atmosphere.
Vancouver is a cosmopolitan city with a rich history of hosting world-class events. The Vancouver Christmas Market will change the way Vancouverites celebrate the Christmas season.
Christmas markets are a delightful way to begin holiday festivities. The crisp, cold air fills with the fragrance of sizzling sausages, sweet pastries, spices and hot spiced gluhwein. Booths sell sweet treats, such as chocolates, cakes, pastries, cookies and candies. Music of Christmas fills the air, in preparation for Christmas.
