The Vancouver Christmas Market just opened up and has given the city some much-needed holiday cheer.
I went for the very first time yesterday to the European-style market and got to try some of the vendors.
There were amazing local vendors selling everything from spices to Christmas sweaters. My favourite by far though was the Chocolate Hause, which I beelined to as soon as I walked in.
You can get a skewer with fruit and marshmallows for $7.50, and it's covered in your choice of white or dark chocolate.
It seems kind of pricey for a few strawberries on a stick, but the chocolate is so delicious, it's worth it.
I also hit up Those Pretzels, drawn in by their super cute neon sign. A small bag of pretzels is $8, and a big bag is $18.
They are coated in tasty flavours and make the perfect snack to munch on while you walk around the market.
You can't go to a holiday market without mulled wine, of course. A cup is $9, which is a bit high, but my hands were cold enough that I would've paid anything to hold a hot cup.
Seems like drinking is a big part of European markets, and well, when in Rome...
I went to the "Schnapsplatz" area, which was right on the water and had a stand for holiday-inspired spirits. Crescent Hill Winery was in the stand, and their wine was amazing. They also had a variety of liquor to try, with some fun flavours.
You also have to hit up the charcuterie stand when you go, which is run by Chop N Block, from Kamloops, B.C.
They have so many cool flavours that were all incredible to sample. You can take some home for $9.99, which is a great price for the quality.
If you want to really level up your holiday party, you have to get some of this cheese from Damiani Fine Foods. You could tell the owners were so passionate about their business, and their cheese was to die for.
For me, I love to heat up some mulled wine at home when the days get colder. It's my favourite holiday tradition.
So I went to the stand that sold mulled wine spice, and it all looked super good. It was pretty reasonably priced, at $8.50 for a pack, so I would say it's worth stocking up on.
There were also vendors with things like holiday cards, hats, sweaters, and scarfs too.
I love to go for the food primarily, to enjoy while I'm there, especially since other things can get a bit expensive. It is an amazing way to shop local though and get all your holiday gifts bought at once.
The carousel is also free this year, with an option for a donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation!
Going to the market put me into a festive mood, even so early, which I loved.
They have live performances, a carousel, lights strung up, and a lounge area. Walking around to the different vendors with a yummy cup of mulled wine in hand is the perfect winter activity.
Vancouver Christmas Market
Address: Jack Poole Plaza, 1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver, B.C.
Price: $17 for general admission.
Why You Need To Go: The market is a great way to support local, and it makes for a really fun activity. There are amazing foods, fun shops, and it's a cheerful vibe.