While taking in the festivities offered during the Grey Cup, I was elated to find out that Vancouver’s German Christmas Market was open for business just steps away from the stadium.
I was amazed to find authentic Eastern European goods with vendors who were truly German, Austrian, Ukrainian, etc.

For a little while, in the Vancouver rain, I was able to pretend that I was attending the markets of my travel dreams.

 

German Beer Mugs

Unfortunately, there was a rule imposed during the Grey Cup that the Christmas Market couldn’t serve alcohol due to the sporting event (and perhaps being extra careful due to the riots that occurred in June 2011). So, I was annoyed that I couldn’t try mulled wine or some German beers as I shopped but any visitor who attends the market is now able to sample specialty drinks as of November 28th.

Other than the amazing hand carved ornaments, handblown glass bulbs and German beer mugs what really beaconed my nose was the unique desserts, the apple cider and the smell of broiling cheeses and grilling bratwurst.

I love Christmas so I could have walked the market for hours on end but the rain was extremely cold. If you do go I suggest going at night to take in the lights accompanied with some festive music and dancing.
So many pictures to share so I’ll let the images do the talking!

 

 

A very enthusiastic vendor pouring vanilla sauce over my Black Forest Bratapfel

 

 

Black Forest Bratapfel – Dark Chocolate, Crumbled Chocolate, Cookies and Cherries in Syrup with Vanilla Chocolate Sauce

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Broiled Swiss Cheese on Italian Ciabatta Bread

 

Served with cured meat and gherkins

 

I am not a fan of the Ciabatta but I would suggest that they serve it on French bread, an Italian loaf or something that can be cut thinner.

Holiday Reading Gift Guide:
Maya Angelou’s Hallelujah! The Welcome Table: A Lifetime of Memories and Recipes.
The Half – Photography book of Actor’s Acting by Simon Annand
A History of The World in 100 Objects by Neil MacGregor
The Bells in Their Silence: Travels through Germany by Michael Gorra

New Issue of Vecu Magazine is Out – See more Gift Guides, travels to Iceland and a Winter Winery with Ice Wine. FREE ONLINE COPY!