Where We Spent a Wake Window: The Vancouver Christmas Market.

Location & Parking:

Parking: Paid parking is available nearby (downtown rates apply). We took a cab and uber both times and found it less stressful trying to find parking during peak holiday crowds.  

This was a Sunday funday adventure and about a 45-minute drive from us in Vancouver ( the zoo is in Langley). Parking was $8 for the day.

Set your GPS to:   Jack Poole Plaza is 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC, V6C 3L5

Official info:  https://www.vancouverchristmasmarket.com/ (Very valuable for planning)

The Damage Report ($):

• Price: Free for kids under 6. Prices vary for adults depending on the date and time - check website.

 

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Wheely Friendly?   

• Yes, but not fully. We brought our compact stroller, and I'm glad we did, because when we didn’t have it, Yuyu ran all over the place! It’s super busy, making it difficult to keep up. While we could navigate most areas, some parts required two people to lift the stroller down steps. Having said that, the organizers state that it is fully accessible so there could be ramps available that I never saw.

• There is also free stroller parking available.

Sampling tasty bites at the Christmas market. Unclear verdict on her first truffle taste.

The Snack Situation:

• You are allowed to bring in your own meals, but I didn't - there are too many great vendors to try.

• Our Favourites:

  • Schnitzels from “Das Schnitzel Haus” (Yuyu enjoyed this!)

  • Delicious (but expensive) apple Strudel from Das Strudel Haus

  • Hot chocolate from the Hot Cocoa Haus

  • Chilean Alfajores from La Lula Sweets. (These were so good I bought a box for a Chilean  friend in Newfoundland but I ended up eating them before I sent them! I had to buy another box the next time I came to the market.)

Potty Proximity:

There are family-friendly bathrooms with change tables available, located near the Alpen Haus exit. The Alpen Haus isn’t immediately obvious,  it’s on the periphery of the market, but look for it - it's well worth it for a break from the cold and a place to eat, especially with a toddler. 

Mum Musings: Shopping vs. Surviving

I kept hearing how wonderful and popular the Christmas Market was and how it was a must-do event in Vancouver. I agree - it really is a lovely, festive German-style market and is completely worth visiting both with or without your toddler (I’ve done both).

The Shopping tip:

• With so many great vendors, trying to shop with Yuyu while she ran around and fussed in her stroller was tough. I recommend visiting without your toddler if your focus is to  browse and pick up gifts. On the day we took Yuyu, we focused strictly on getting an early dinner and walking around with no expectations of having to find gifts.

Crowd Management & Tickets

• Buying Tickets: I'd been advised to book tickets in advance as it gets busy ( they are also a bit cheaper), but I worried about what would happen if it rained on the day I bought them. I gambled both times I went and bought tickets at the gate on the day/time we decided to go. Just make sure to check online that the time you’re hoping to go isn’t sold out.

• The Crowd Curve: It’s pretty busy at night, especially because we went on a mid-December weekend. My suggestion is to go late in the afternoon and during the week, if possible, for fewer crowds.

Toddler-Specific Fun

• The Carousel Miss: The Carousel looked fun. However, the lineup was just too long, so I skipped it with Yuyu and felt a bit bad. Her amazing caregiver Dani took her during the day when it was less crowded, so I was glad she got to experience it. (If the Carousel is a must-do, plan for a weekday visit )

• Low-Effort Fun: Yuyu loved all the Christmas lights and decor and walking around the market happily trying samples with me.

• Hidden Gems: Truthfully, I didn’t look into whether there was anything toddler-specific before we went. However, the events page  of the Christmas Market website highlights wonderful toddler events like Story Times with Santa or Breakfast with Santa.

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Toddler Tolerance Level:

We were there for about 1.5 hours with Yuyu and that was more than enough.

Nap Roulette Options?

We went later in the day with Yuyu, so we went home for bedtime afterwards, a perfect, tired ending!

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Author

I’m Mimi, the writer behind Mi & Yu. This blog was born out of a year spent exploring Vancouver with my toddler Yuyu and newborn son Gabe while my husband Jamie worked through a demanding fellowship.

What started as a way to survive the newborn phase turned into a collection of tried-and-tested family adventures, real reviews, tested logistics, and the occasional toddler meltdown included. Now back home in Newfoundland, I’m sharing those adventures so other parents can skip the decision fatigue and get straight to the fun part.

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