Photo by Mark Neal from Pexels

The holiday season is coming, and with it comes Christmas markets, winter festivals, and merriment. A great way to find unique gifts, Christmas markets are also a great way to explore different cultures that have all made Vancouver home. 

Check out Candytown in Yaletown.

 A free event, Candytown, is happening on November 27 from 12:00-6 pm at 1100 Block Mainland Street and is organized and put on by the Yaletown Business Improvement Association. The 9th annual Candytown is Downtown Vancouver’s only free winter festival. Transforming Mainland and Davie street into a winter wonderland, enjoy lights, candy, iconic sweet characters. With events targeted to people with sweet tooths of all ages, Candytown is a great way to get into the holiday spirit and pick up a few treats.

Hit up Vancouver’s Christmas Market

Known to many as the “German Christmas Market,” Vancouver’s Christmas Market brings many German Christmas traditions to Jack Poole Plaza every year. General Admission is $12.99, and the market is open from November 13 to December 24. Filled with delicious treats, food, and warm drinks, the Vancouver Christmas Market has everything from glass pickle Christmas tree decorations to mulled wine.

Get a taste of Japan

After a two-year hiatus, the Japan Market is back on Saturday, December 4, at UBC Robson Campus. Tickets bought before November 27 cost $3 per person over the age of 13, or $5 for two people. From November 28 to December 4, tickets are $4 a person or $7 for two. With 35 vendors offering Japanese crafts, food, and sweets, Japan Market Vancouver will give you a taste of Japan and their winter traditions. 

Get a photo with an iconic Christmas legend…Krampus

Opening December 3rd, from 6-10, and then December 4 from 11-6 and December 5 from12:00-4, Krampus Market is Vancouver’s weird, strange, and wonderful Christmas Market. Hosted by Strange Fellows Brewing at 1345 Clark Drive, this market boasts a wide array of artsy gift ideas, from jewelry, ceramics, clothing, and treats. Krampus himself will be hanging around for photos. Tickets for the opening night party are $12 and include a drink and food, while tickets for Saturday and Sunday are $4.  

If you want to explore any of these festive events, book a room at the Georgian Court Hotel. AAccessibleto transit and in a great position to explore Downtown Vancouver by foot, we are in the perfect location for all of your Christmas activities.