The beloved Vancouver Christmas Market is the largest Yuletide celebration of its kind in the city, and this year marks its 15th year. To celebrate, the market will introduce new German-inspired traditions and treats and will be offering tickets at a lower price than in previous years!
“Inspired by the centuries-old German Weihnachtsmärkte, in 2010, we set out to bring that same experience of warmth, wonder, and togetherness to the heart of Vancouver,” explains Denise Wegener, president of the Vancouver Christmas Market. “What began as a quaint German Market beside the Queen Elizabeth Theatre has grown into a 65,000 square-foot German Christmas village outside the Convention Centre.”
New traditions inspired by European Christmas markets
It’s hard to believe as the time is flying by, but Jack Poole Plaza is soon transforming into the ultimate winter wonderland once again. In addition to faves like the mulled wine and bratwurst, this year’s market will offer even more authentic European experiences and bites.
This includes a lively communal toast (“Prost!”), a market-wide bell ringing, a roaming photo cart, and surprise giveaways throughout the market.
According to organizers, each evening will have a different touch of magic. Wednesdays (excluding Dec. 24) will be Seniors Days with two-for-one tickets, bingo, carollers, and special live shows.
For those wanting to participate in something hands-on, there will be creative workshops like Xmas Crochet and Paint & Sip tote bag making to look forward to.
First-ever Tree Lighting Ceremony
Want to kick off the holiday season in a new way? The market will have its first-ever Tree Lighting Ceremony this year, which means you can watch the magic come to life before the crowds really start pouring in.
Market aficionados can also take home this year’s 15th Season Market Mug and two special edition anniversary tote bags.
For the kids, St. Nick will be waiting for a jolly meet-and-greet at the market’s brand-new Santa’s Workshop, which will feature free storytelling and photos with Santa.
Prefer to indulge in Breakfast with Santa? You can now do exactly that in the Alpen Haus on select days when the market is running.
Don’t forget to enjoy the dazzling light show at the iconic Christmas Pyramid (with a real snow shower!), which takes place every evening.
A new Christmas market happy hour
Alongside all the savoury and sweet bites you’ve come to know and love at the Vancouver Christmas market, there will be an exciting lineup of new treats to indulge in this year. And there’s no better way to experience it than by sampling your way at the market’s new Food Happy Hour.
New food and beverage items include a Hot Aperol Spritz, edible butter candles, new chocolate-crafted masterpieces, and local sips like the Okanagan’s Dominion Cider and Vancouver’s Please Beverage Co.
Guests can also find “Old World staples” like popcorn, licorice, and walnut cake to complete the experience.
In the Kaufmanngasse (Merchant Alley), new artisan vendor huts feature unique gifts like puzzles, alpaca clothing and toys, handcrafted jewellery and a bookstore that supports local B.C. authors.
Perfect for enjoying smaller portions at reduced prices, the Food Happy Hour will run from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday until Dec. 5, 2025, and from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. from Dec. 6 to 18, 2025.
How much do tickets cost?
Perhaps one of the best things about this year’s market is the reduced costs of admission.
The good news about tickets is not only the new deals, but the new group and family rates that have been added this year.
To kick off the festivities, the Vancouver Christmas Market is offering reduced-rate online tickets until Nov. 12, 2025, at which time the price will jump up a bit. So if you don’t want to miss out on $6.99 tickets (including tax), now is the time to purchase them.
Season passes are a great option if you want to skip the entrance lines and visit this year’s market multiple times, and they’re priced at $32.99 per person. If you’re in the Yuletide mood a little earlier this year, you can take advantage of the market’s new Early Season Pass, which is priced at $15.99 per person and grants access between Nov. 13 and 30, 2025.
Family Season Passes are now priced at $84.99, and include admission for two adults and two youth (aged seven to 17).
Finally, children six and under always get in for free.
Vancouver Christmas Market hours in 2025
From Nov. 13 to Dec. 5, 2025, the market will be open from 4 to 9:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on weekends.
From Dec. 6 to Dec. 19, the market will operate from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
On the final days of the market (Dec. 20 to 23, 2025), it will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and until 6 p.m. on Dec. 24, 2025.
So mark your calendars, holiday fanatics, and stay tuned for more info on dates and offerings to come.
When: Nov. 13 to Dec. 24, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: 1055 Canada Place
Cost: $6.99 for GA until Nov. 12, 2025
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