Eat your way through the Vancouver Christmas Market Food Tour

The Vancouver Christmas Market has been my family’s favourite holiday tradition since 2016. Every year, we kick off the season by wandering through twinkling stalls, sipping mulled wine or German beer, and shopping for nostalgic glass and wooden ornaments. It’s the closest thing to an authentic German Christmas market without leaving Canada.

Food is always a highlight at the Vancouver Christmas Market. From classic German schnitzel and bratwurst to local Canadian treats, every visit is a chance to eat our way through the season. Between bites, we browse artisan gifts that make perfect presents for friends and family.

What’s changed in 2022 at the Vancouver Christmas Market?

But since my first visit the Vancouver Christmas Market looked a little different. A major change left us unsure how we feel. The beloved German vendor Käthe Wohlfahrt—often called the crown jewel of the market—was missing. Known for wooden pyramids, advent calendars, glass ornaments, candles, and incense holders, Käthe Wohlfahrt always drew the longest lines as the only indoor vendor. For many, including us, it was the must-visit shop at the market.

In the place of the German vendor was a large covered dining area along the seawall with picnic tables. To me, this was an acknowledgement that the Vancouver Christmas Market is a place to eat, even more so than shop. This year the Vancouver Christmas Market seemed geared towards an older crowd with no Santa for photos, and plenty of alcoholic beverages and foods that my 4 year old wouldn’t touch with a 10 foot pole.

Also new for 2022 was a large food court that was central the market. Lit by holiday lights and the Christmas tree at the centre there were the majority of the food vendors in a rectangle. You could find classics like pork schnitzel, Mr Hot Cakes (the best sweet bite of the night!) and new Vancouver favourites like Squid Feast – a vendor we tried at the Richmond Night Market.

Sadly my spaetzle was missing as was the most delicious vanilla sauce over my Black Forest Bratapfel! Another irritating note, one of the longest lines was Mr Pretzel, something you can get at a shopping mall food court. I mean come on…

Less European Vendors – The switch to supporting bC vendors

As we walked around the Vancouver Christmas market with mulled wine in hand I did notice a silver lining coming with all this change. The amount of BC vendors exceeded past attendance. Drink Bombs from the Okanagan, charcuterie from Kamloops, and many more. Perhaps this German market has an eye to become more Vancouver, to highlight and encourage people to buy local, in the long run? If so, this is something I can get behind but they must replace those vendors we know and love with quality local vendors. OR the lack in vendors this year could be due to the difficulties and rising costs in everything including how hard it is to secure a Santa this year.

So what should you eat at the Vancouver Christmas Market?

Here are our list of unique food items that are not only delicious but you can’t find them anywhere else!

German Classics

Bratwurst – Juicy German sausages served in a bun with mustard or sauerkraut.
Pork Schnitzel – Crispy, golden cutlets that are always a fan favourite.
Raclette – Melted Swiss cheese scraped onto bread, potatoes, or meats, served by the fire.
Pretzels – Don’t get them from Mr Pretzel! Freshly baked, soft, and salty, often paired with mustard or cheese dip.
Spaetzle – German egg noodles topped with cheese or gravy.
Stollen – Traditional German fruit bread filled with nuts, spices, and candied fruit.
Lebkuchen (Gingerbread Cookies) – Spiced, heart-shaped cookies, often beautifully decorated.

Sweet Treats

Mr. Hotcakes – German-style pancakes stuffed with chocolate or fruit filling. Watch the video! It was the best sweet bite.
Chimney Cakes (Kürtőskalács) – Sweet, spiral pastries rolled in sugar and cinnamon.
Maple Taffy – A Canadian classic made by pouring hot maple syrup on ice.
Belgian Waffles – Crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, topped with whipped cream and berries.

Drinks to Keep You Warm

Glühwein (Mulled Wine) – Hot, spiced red wine served in collectible mugs.
Feuerzangenbowle – A fiery German punch made by lighting sugar over mulled wine.
Hot Apple Cider – A sweet and cozy Canadian winter drink.
German Beer – Seasonal brews served in festive steins.
Hot Chocolate – A kid-friendly favourite, often topped with whipped cream or marshmallows.

Despite my complaints as a long time devotee of the Vancouver Christmas Market, I realize that it is magical no matter if it is your first time going or your 20th. The magic remains despite the changes and perhaps it is even more magical with the marketing supporting made in BC vendors. We just didn’t spend as much money as we normally would. In fact, most of our spending went towards food and drinks rather than items.

Will I be back? Yes, I plan on it as this festival evolves, this foodie can’t help herself.