Cutting it close this year. I finally visited to the Vancouver Christmas Market and now and I have a hack for you, but the question is which do you hate worse lineups or the rain?
It just so happened that our planned visited landed on a rainy day and if you can get past the wet, I would recommend it. There are no lines for food, and less crowds, to be able to get close and browser all the vendors.
There were no weaving lines at the entry arch, and 3 tellers to scan your passes. A little too late, but for those with a season’s pass it pays for itself after 2 visits. The Market is open now until December 24th from 10-6pm.
We started at the complimentary merry-go-round. A nostalgic ride on magical horses that is a staple for market goers.
Next we followed out noses to the Feuerzangenbowle Hut. The scent of sweet butter and sugars are unmistakable and alluring. Here, we upgraded our mulled wine with this rum-ed up version. Rum, red wine, sugar, orange, lemon, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
It is essentially mulled wine, but with a cone of pure sugar set a flame, and kept a blaze with rum that drips into a brewing cauldron.
All mixed together you have the warmth of a spiced mulled wine, but with the sweetness of a fruit punch. For the extra effort I definitely I preferred this more. It is also available in their collectable Vancouver Christmas Market mug, for those wanting the keepsake.
We then hit up the food stalls, gathering up 3 items to share and eat under the warmth and dry of their covered tented eating area, the Alpen Haus.
Considering that this is a German themed market we thought the pork hocks are a must, especially if you are looking for something more substantial for dinner.
The visual of them spinning on their tiered rack was enough to make us hungry.
We ordered an entire pork hock, sliced for easy eating was served as a platter with sauerkraut and two slices of rye bread. You have the option of loading up on mustard or ketchup via their hanging squeeze style pumps, with a handle like that of a backyard hose.
Not specifically German, but a Vancouver staple for most outdoor markets that serve food, is deep fried squid. Available as a half or a whole, as tentacle and rings, or as a solid piece presented on a skewer. We went for the latter, and although it was hard to share, I have no regrets. I enjoyed the pageantry of seeing a whole squid splayed out from its frying on to the stick.
However, when it came to eating it, the breading easily flaked off, and you were left with plain and rubbery squid; especially as the breading carries your sauce request, in our case it was a spicy garlic.
And for our third dish, it was a tossup between the goulash (soup served in a bread bowl) or bratwurst (German style hotdog in a bun).
We ended up going for the latter, a traditional German style bratwurst made modern with a cheesy filling and wrapped in bacon.
Served in a fluffy hotdog bun with plenty of sauerkraut and the option for ketchup or mustard. It is exactly as you expected it to be, salty and great with beer.
For dessert, we went with Mr. Hotcakes stuffed pancake, as it was recommend to us. This was a first for me. They are basically Chinese style green onion pancakes, without the chives, filled with cinnamon and sugar, and topped with your choice of either icing sugar, ice cream, or cream cheese.
We got the cream cheese and was happy that its saltiness matched the unbeknownst to us savoury quality of the pancake. I enjoyed this and would get it again for crispy texture alone. I also don’t recommend sharing, you will want your own.
Now, warm and well fed we explored the vendor market place. Once again, this was easier without the crowds, there was no need to push and shove your way through to the front. There was plenty of counter space to browse all the local, artisan products.
There is plenty to see from cocktail bombs to ice cream candy, crochet bouquets and humourous Christmas sweaters. Candles too precious to burn, obscure ornaments you can’t find anywhere else, and plenty of gifting solutions for last minute shoppers.
They even have a section just for alcohol with a mead, a spirit, a wine, and cider option; and each offered samples in hopes that once you tasted it you would want to purchase some.
I was not in the market for anything, but appreciated the ability to shop. There was a sweet mead that reminded me of ice wine, but with smooth syrupy honey finish.
I also liked how the ginger cider made for a great digestive that doubles as a way to warm inside out.
I appreciated the overall layout of the market with nooks and crannies that made exploring fun. Packed closely it felt specialized and curated.
Outside of shopping, there are also plenty of photo ops to take advantage of. From lit up Christmas quotes to decorative displays of ornaments and presents.
The hollow Christmas tree is a popular one, but on a rainy day it served as shelter.
For all the seasonal budding romances there is tunnel of lights to walk through hand in hand with your honey.
And a rack where you can purchase a lock and declare your love for one another on it.
The market is open now until Christmas Eve. Specific times are below.
Friday, Dec 20: 11am to 10pm
Saturday, Dec 21: 10am to 10pm
Sunday, Dec 22 : 10am to 10pm
Monday, Dec 23: 10am to 10pm
Tuesday, Dec 24: 10am to 6pm
Last Entry to the Market is 1 Hour Before Closing.
Vancouver Christmas Market
Jack Poole Plaza
1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 3G3
vancouverchristmasmarket.com
