Thursday, December 23, 2010

Vancouver Christmas Market and Stanley Park

This year Vancouver was lucky enough to have a Traditional German Christmas Market.  Of course, this was right up my alley since I love Christmas time and the German’s really know how to celebrate.  The market was really small, but quaint and cute and so much good food and drink.  Here is some information about German Christmas Markets, taken from their website. (www.vancouverchristmasmarket.com)

 

German Christmas Markets … a 700 year tradition

Christmas Markets - a 700 year old tradition

German Christmas markets are a centuries old tradition in Germany. The markets light up communities with gaiety, fun, laughter, companionship, good food and drink during the advent season.

Charming Christmas markets are a good antidote to holiday commercialism. Instead of mass-produced gifts, the markets feature unique, hand-crafted items, purchased from vendors who have often crafted the items themselves.

During the Christmas season, there are Christkindlmarkts throughout Germany. Each Christkindlmarkt has its own special charm, unique to the community and region. Visit a German Christmas Market to experience the sights, smells and sounds of an Old World Christmas.

I must say that the market was fairly small, but I think it was a great success.  They were open for a month and had over 100,000 visitors go through the gates.  I hope they are around next year again.  I went with my brother and his wife.  Her parents are currently visiting from Quebec for Christmas, so it was nice to give them a taste of our German culture.  They were quite impressed.

 

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We spent a few hours at the market and then decided to head to Stanley Park for Bright Lites with hopes of catching the miniature train ride to see the Christmas Lights.  Unfortunately it was all sold out when we got there, but we were still able to take in the numerous displays.  Next time I think we will look into buying tickets ahead of time.  If only we had known. 

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Happy Holidays everyone.

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