The City’s Longest Running Outdoor Holiday Market, the Vancouver Christmas Market, Opens Today for its 15th Anniversary Season

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All new Opening Week festivities include a Tree Lighting Ceremony, Krampus, 4-6 Happy Hour & More

 

(Vancouver, BC) – Novmeber 13, 2025: The city’s original German Christmas Village, the Vancouver Christmas Market (vancouverchristmasmarket.com) is officially back for its 15th Anniversary Season as of 4pm today, returning to its harbourfront home at Jack Poole Plaza from November 13 to December 24.

Hold onto your Brezels and Glühwein! The Market’s 2025 Event Calendar is now online, and this season is brimming with fresh European traditions, festive entertainment across two stages, brand new food and drink vendors, yuletide games and theme nights, and special ways to give back to the community. Plus, a new shop-by-best-price ticket structure offers many timeslots starting at just $6.99 for adult admission.

 

New Opening Week: What’s New at the Market This Week?

Tree Lighting Ceremony (Nov 14 | 5:30 PM): The Market officially kicks off its 15th Anniversary at the 35 ft. walk-through Christmas tree, with host Sonia Sidhu-Kennedy, carollers, a countdown and a special surprise!  

A Visit from Krampus (Nov 15 | 5 PM & 7:30 PM): Experience an authentic Bavarian tradition, where St. Nick’s half-goat, half-demon sidekick visits the naughty children. Join us for a one-night-only appearance by West Coast Krampus, Krampus Bremerton and their mischievous friends! 

Happy Hour (Nov 13-Dec 4 | weekdays 4-6 PM, Dec 8-18 | weekdays 11:30 AM-1:30 PM): Savour more, spend less with happy hour dishes at 20 participating food and non-alcoholic drink vendors. 

Wishing Wall in support of Vancouver Firefighters Charities: Visitors can make a donation and share a wish on the wall (near the free Christmas Carousel) in support of Vancouver Firefighters Charities, which helps vulnerable children and seniors and supports programs like the Burn Fund (previously at Stanley Park Bright Lights). Firefighters will be on site Dec 5-8 with the famous Vancouver Fire Rescue Services Band.

Snow Showers & Light Show (Daily 6:30 PM & 8:30 PM): Enjoy a magical white Christmas at the Pyramid!

 

New Vendors

Hot Food & Drink: 

• Das Brezel Haus: authentic German-style pretzels (crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside)
• Continental Brat Haus: authentic artisan sausages and deli, crafted by master German sausage makers
• Choco-On-A-Stick: chocolate-dipped fruit skewers and holiday delights
• Haxen & Hen: authentic German pork shank and juicy grilled chicken
• Hot Aperol Spritz at the Apfel Haus: trending in Europe, new in Vancouver! 
• Beere x Vancouver Christmas Market: custom-brewed in North Van, the “West Coast Prost!” Pale Ale

Prepackaged Artisan Eats & Treats: 

• Choco Haus: artisanal handmade chocolate masterpieces in unexpected shapes and sizes
• Gingerbread Haus: classic gingerbread cookies in festive designs and cutouts
• Gotta Be Candy: unique sweets from a favourite Vancouver-based candy company
• Hänsel & Walnusshaus: German nut-based treats, including handcrafted walnut cake
• Melt & Munch Candles: edible butter candles – melt the candle to dip your bread or dessert!
• Das Zucker Haus: gourmet cotton candy spun with magic

Liquor Vendors: 

• Dominion Cider: craft ciders from local Okanagan fruit
• Please Beverage Co.: festive margaritas and cocktails crafted in Mt Pleasant, Vancouver. 

Artisan Gifts: 

• Bacan Alpaca: alpaca wool clothing and toys, lovingly handcrafted in Peru and Ecuador
• The Jewel haus By Pino: stainless and gold jewelry, rooted in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar
• Itty Bitty Bookshop: local children’s books: amplifying the voices of BC’s authors and illustrators 
• Kama Jewelry: UBC Grad bringing gemstone and ceramic jewelry designs
• NY Puzzle Company: partnering with talented artists to bring art-inspired jigsaw puzzles and gifts 

Since 2010, Vancouver’s longest-running outdoor holiday market has transported families and friends to a wintry German town square, with wooden artisan huts, magical light displays, a whimsical carousel, and European food and drink vendors — all surrounding a 35 ft. walk-through Christmas tree and the signature Christmas Pyramid (Glühwein Bar on the bottom, live music on top!) 

This year’s event will feature a full calendar of popular entertainment and events including: live music at the Flying Stage and carousel-side Gazebo; Christmas Trivia, Karaoke and all-new Bingo; Senior, Student, and Date nights; festive workshops (Crochet, Cookie Decorating, Paint & Sip); special events including a Lantern Parade and Speed Dating; magical visitors like the Grinch, Elsa and Olaf; and so much more Santa, including Santa’s Workshop, Storytime, Breakfast with Santa, Letters to Santa, and Selfies with Santa. 

Tickets start at $6.99 at vancouverchristmasmarket.com. Kids 6 and under always get in free!