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I love the holidays and Christmas time. Everyone is so cheerful and happy. There are lots of parties and so much good food. I start looking forward to the festive season as soon as it hits November which is mostly dark and gloomy, full of rain. Well, at least in Vancouver it is.
One of the biggest things I miss about living in Europe are all the Christmas markets. There’s something so festive about wandering around the outdoor booths, looking at fun crafts, stuffing my face with delicious foods and sipping on mulled wine. A couple years ago, Vancouver started its own Christmas market and it’s one of my favourite things to do during the holidays in Vancouver. While it’s not exactly like the markets in Europe, it’s close enough.
There are plenty of booths selling interesting ornaments and crafts and lots of trees and pretty holiday lights. While I looked, nothing really tempted me either.
Of course, being a German Christmas market, many booths of gluhwein (mulled wine) dotted the market. They had different kinds this year. Normally I’ve only ever seen (and tasted) the traditional kind, but I got a cup of their apple variety this year as well. It’s not as strong tasting, but didn’t taste like apple either. Either way it was warm and yummy.
Food is always a highlight and I was really looking forward to enjoying a pork knuckle. It was really tender and delicious. All it was missing was some strong mustard.
We also grabbed some potato pancakes which I found overly oily and soggy.
The market has a carousel and my friend had snagged us some free rides (normally $3 a ride). I don’t remember the last time I was on a carousel, but it was actually quite enjoyable and it ended all too soon.
One of the drawbacks is how expensive it all is. Admission is $7 per person at the time of writing. Most Christmas markets in Europe don’t even charge an admission – you just wander in. Once you get inside, everything is pretty pricey too. My pork hock meal was $15 and the potato pancakes were $8. Granted, that pork hock, was HUGE so I can forgive that. A cup of mulled wine set me back $6 each with a $4 deposit for the mug which you can return for your money back.
It’s also a bit strange how the market has combined a number of different European countries within the market. They call themselves an “authentic German Christmas market” and yet there are Eastern European crafts next to Dutch Poffertjes next to Ukrainian crepes. Mixed in with it are Canadian treats like Beavertails, a sugar shack featuring maple candy, and local honey. Nothing wrong with it – just different.
I give them a round of applause in trying to emulate the same look of a European market, but it’s just not quite there. Maybe it’s just all the English and the fact that I understand everything around me. Or maybe it’s all the North American buildings surrounding the market square. There is definitely something just not quite the same. Regardless of the slight differences, going to the Christmas market reminds me of my time in Europe and definitely gets me in the mood for the holidays. Now to figure out how to make my own mulled wine…
Have you been to a European Christmas market outside of Europe? How was it?
P.S. Have you entered my holiday giveaway? Plus, would you fancy a visit to a Bavarian town in the US? Visit Leavenworth, WA!
This is a post for the Travel Advent Calendar hosted by Shere y Paul. Check back everyday for a new post!
Vancouver Christmas Market
Queen Elizabeth Plaza
650 Hamilton Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 2P1
Nov 22 – Dec 23, 11AM-9PM; Dec 24, 11AM-6PM
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This market looks very European, I love it! I passed by a little market in DC the other day, but it was not nearly as good as this, as there was no Gluhwein! I would have not expected Vancouver to have such a great looking Christmas market, so thanks for sharing!
Katie
Booo, no gluhwein?! That’s no market at all! I’m pretty surprised too especially since BC has such strict laws when it comes to alcohol in public places. Regardless it seems like its getting better every year so there is hope 🙂
its certainly VERY christmassy!
You know, until I read this, I didn’t know Christmas markets were European, I thought they just had them all over. The Vancouver one looks very delightfully festive, it reminds me of one I went to in Leeds a few years ago. It’s such a fun experience but you’re right, it can be reeeally expensive. I tend to just window shop unless I see something I must have.
The first Christmas market I encountered were all in Europe. While we had other ones previously, they don’t have the same look and feel to them. More a gathering of stalls indoors like a craft market. I like how traditions are spreading around the world though.
I have not yet been to a European Christmas market, but I would love to see how they compare to different ones here in the States 😀
Hopefully they’re similar! It’s cool how traditions are making their way around the world.
That looks so festive and so much fun!! I would love to attend the Vancouver Christmas Market – maybe one of these years as my husband and I are discussing spending the holidays in Canada one of these years!
oops…I posted it before I typed Sanctuary.
Ohh, if you do come to Canada for the holidays, you should head to the East. I think they’re way more festive. All Vancouver gets is lots and lots of rain.
it really looks like a german xmas market. Also the food looks like the one sold in Germany. I guess you don’t need to come to Europe then 😉
It certainly does looks like the real thing, but I still think there is something missing. I just can’t put my figure on it. The food is good, just expensive. I definitely miss the European Christmas markets during this time. I wish I could be in Europe 🙂
I think I envy you at this time of year, Adelina. The Christmas spirit seems way better in cold weather than in the sunny California. Not that I miss the cold, but when Christmas comes, Christmas markets like the one you describe in your post are so much more romantic than the perfect sunny 78ºF that we have in Los Angeles.
I wouldn’t mind some warm weather right about now, and definitely prefer sun to the rain we’ve been getting lately. But that said, I think it would be strange to have a warm Christmas. I wouldn’t mind trying it once though!
We’re going to be in Vancouver briefly before heading to Whistler during Christmas. I wish I can stop by this market. It looks very festive. I’ve never been to a European Christmas market or one similar to it. It just doesn’t seem the same with warm weather down here 🙂 That’s quite pricey for admission and food though but I guess one is paying for the whole ambience too.
I’ve never had a warm Christmas season so it does sound quite strange to me. Hopefully you’ll get a chance to drop by the market though! If you’re here on a weekday, check out some of the daily deal sites as they often have set tickets for families at a lower rate. Here’s one: https://www.socialshopper.com/deal.php?id=5015