9 things to eat and drink at the Vancouver Christmas Market

Started four years ago by Malte Kluetz and based on an authentic German Christmas market, the Vancouver Christmas Market—held at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza—has become a Vancouver tradition. For food-lovers, the market is a must for enjoying traditional German and Austrian foods; pick up beautifully packaged chocolate bars directly from Austrian chocolate-maker Zotter (perfect for stocking stuffers), find sweets imported from Germany, locally handmade stolen, Christmas salamis, traditional landjager (semi-dried sausage traditionally made in Southern Germany), and goose pate. Enjoy the market during the week for a quick holiday lunch and avoid the evening and weekend lineups.

Glühwein

Get in the holiday spirit and pick up a mug of Glühwein to keep you warm as you stroll thru the market. A German Christmas tradition, this mulled wine is made with local Okanagan red, white, and fruit wines and infused with cinnamon, citrus, cloves, and vanilla. There is also a non-alcoholic version of Cinnamon Apple Spice. Mugs can be purchased for four dollars or returned at the mug recycling hut.

Das Deutsche Nudel Haus

A must for sauerkraut lovers is the Schupfnoodle (the special German holiday noodle) made with double smoked prosciutto and sauerkraut. Cheese lovers will delight in the authentic spatezel made with cheese and ham.

Flammkuchen Kueche

The newest addition to the Christmas market, this hut comes with its own wood burning oven. Flammkuchen, meaning “baked in the flames”, is essentially a German pizza made with a white sauce.  For meat-lover, there is the classic style with speck, onions and crème fraiche, and for vegetarians beautiful carmelized onions with heavenly gruyere cheese. Pick up a Krombacher Pils beer from the beer hut for a perfectly paired lunch.

Black Forest Delicatessen

At the largest and busiest stall at the German Christmas market you’ll find Goulash soup, freshly baked pretzels, and the classic sausage on a bun with sauerkraut and onions. Sausage lovers can choose from six different sausages, including Bratwurst and Bavarian smokies. A must is the Haxen on a Bun (half a grilled pork hock served with sauerkraut and onions). Pair with a Krombacher Heffe beer from the beer hut.

Das Schnitzelhaus

You can’t have a German market without schnitzel. Try the Jager –Schnitzel, meaning the “hunter’s cutlet”, a traditional plate of schnitzel with sautéed mushroom gravy and the must accompaniment, potato salad.

Das Apfelhuas

Nothing says winter like comforting baked apples. Try the classic Walnuts, Raisins and Brown Sugar drizzled with hot vanilla sauce.

Kartoffelpuffer

An outdoor market tradition, enjoy these German potato pancakes served with apple sauce and sour cream.

Das Waffelhaus

Enjoy a German waffle on a stick with traditional chocolate drizzle or with maple syrup for a Canadian Twist.

German Cakes and Cookies

A new addition this year, enjoy a slice of authentic Black Forest Cake made with real whipped cream or traditional German cheesecake. The highest compliment the owners receive is when customers come back to say thank you, and add “this tastes just like my Grandmother’s cake”.

Vancouver Christmas Market

Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza

November 22^nd to December 24^th.

11:00am to 9:00pm. *Exception: Dec. 24^th market closes at 6:00pm

From $3.00 to $6.00 admission.

*Note: price of any paid admission includes Free Season Pass.