Vancouver is magical at Christmas. Twinkling lights transform outdoor spaces, special concerts are performed across the city and you can even step back in time for a Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum, but browsing Vancouver Christmas markets is one of the most enjoyable ways of spending time in the city during the seasonal period.
Vancouver Christmas markets really get you into the seasonal spirit while shopping locally for presents and decorations. Across the city, small markets and fairs pop-up regularly throughout November and December but here are three that you can visit right up until Christmas Eve and beyond.
Held in Jack Poole Plaza from the end of November until December 24th, this is the best-known of Vancouver's Christmas markets and one that whisks you back to old-world Europe. It features over 80 stalls selling decorations handmade in Germany, gifts with a difference, and a tempting range of artisan products. Try out food treats such as Gulasch while your children enjoy Santa's Grotto and the Carousel. There is even a walk-in Christmas tree.
Held in the Harbour Convention Centre on Pacific Boulevard, Glow Gardens runs until January 5th so if you don't get the gift you want for Christmas you can still treat yourself. Not only are there hundreds of stalls showcasing the best of local artisans and businesses, this warm and cozy setting also offers plenty of fun for the children including Santa's grotto as well as live music, and plenty of seasonal food and drink.
Also running until January 5th is the Aurora Winter Festival in Hastings Park. At the heart of this winter festival is the village market with its stalls selling gifts, decorations, and street food while fun can be had on the fairground and skating enjoyed on the frozen river.
On average, accommodation prices Vancouver are between $134 to $164 per night.
Many families and travellers choose to book Hotel rooms or Apartment rentals for their Vancouver Christmas Markets.
