In Germany, during Christmas season, markets are held in towns, cities and villages throughout the country. They evoke a festive season and are a popular stop for locals and tourists alike. Here, you will not find any commercialism or mass quantities of produces, but rather handmade crafts, ornaments and best of all, Bratwurst & beer!
For the first year, and hopefully not the last, Vancouver recreated the famous German Christmas Market downtown at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza. We made the mistake of going to the Vancouver Christmas Market on a Saturday afternoon (massive crowds); however, it was such a great atmosphere with a Carnival band, characters walking on stilts, hot apple cider, mulled wine and the smell of Bratwurst and onions floating through the air.
Christmas trees were freshly cut and lined along the perimeter of the market, wooden booths housed unique vendors. We made it in just before the square reached capacity. I hope it comes back next year, but at a bigger venue next time!
