The first Vancouver Christmas Market set up this year much to everyone’s excitement. I expected a large crowd so I let a couple of days slide before even attempting to go. On a day that promised rain (which thankfully proved untrue) I went straight from work and found no line ups at the entrance nor at Kathe Wohlfhart’s tent. Whew! The entrance fee is $5 but if you go on a weekday between 11am to 2pm you only pay $2.

Going around to see all there is to see (minus the Wohlfhart tent) can be done in under 10 minutes. Yes, it’s that small. Mini huts selling food, accessories and wares dotted Queen Elizabeth Theatre and in the middle is a decorated gazebo. On the night I went, a duo was singing under the gazebo while Mr. and Mrs. Gingerbread made their rounds. Over-all still a bit lacking in festivity though. What was great was the number of options you had for food. There was authentic German sausage, Black Forest ham, Quiché, and “Brataepfel” from Das Apfelhaus among others. Brataepfel is baked apple stuffed with nuts, raisin, and cinnamon topped with vanilla sauce. I could not resist the smell of baked apples so I had to get one. Each go for $5.50 a piece, a bit steep in price but it was worth the experience.

I went inside the Kathe Wohlfhart tent after eating a couple other delicacies with German names I can’t remember. The tent was my main reason for going to the Vancouver Christmas Market and I’m glad I got in so easily!

The decor were all so charming. There were hand blown glass ornaments, hand painted balls and wooden decor which Kathe Wohlfhart is famous for. I loved the cute Duftl Mannchen or German smoke blowers! Some are limited runs and numbered at the bottom with prices ranging from $30 to $200+. There’s not many left on display so I suggest you go to the Vancouver Christmas Market now if only to buy these fellas.