6 Things to Do with Kids at the Vancouver Christmas Market

We've been going to the Vancouver Christmas Market since the beginning, back in 2010, which is also when Linny was born. This will be his eighth & Bronte's fifth year going to the market & I'm looking forward to taking them during the holidays because the Vancouver Christmas Market has introduced even more interactive & family-friendly activities this year. 

Here's the list of six things to do with the kids at the 2017 Vancouver Christmas Market:

1. Visit Santa Claus: Take a special journey with your kids and deliver those Christmas wish lists to Santa Claus in person. Santa will be taking time out of his busy toy-making schedule to visit the market at the Photo Hut each evening. Complete with beautiful lights & festive feels, kids can experience a magical fantasy world as they sit on Santa’s knee, pose for photos and share their Christmas wishes. Santa & Mrs. Claus will be at the Photo Hut daily from 5pm-9pm, & from 2pm-6pm on December 24 as he has a special job to attend to that night.
2. Take a ride on the Christmas Carousel: No childhood is complete without taking a whirl aboard Vancouver’s only Christmas carousel. But it’s not just for kids. The whimsical woodland creatures & nostalgic music will trigger some of your fondest childhood memories. You must be at least 2 years of age & 36 inches tall to ride the carousel. Tickets cost $3.   
3. Meet Holly & Jolly: Everybody’s favourite gingerbread mascots, Holly & Jolly will be on hand spreading festive joy throughout the market once again. The delightful duo love to dance around with visitors, give big warm hugs & pose for silly selfies.
4. Kinderhut Hunt & 4Cats Crafts: New to this year’s Vancouver Christmas Market, children & adults alike will delight in arts & crafts activities at six Kinderhuts throughout the market. Thanks to our friends and partners, 4Cats, your little ones can write a postcard to Santa, create spin-art snowflakes, build their own snowmen & more. But the fun doesn't end there. Complete the Kinderhut Scavenger Hunt by collecting a stamp from all six huts to receive a free ride on the magical Christmas Carousel. Maps are available at the Info Hut.
5. Gingerbread Decorating: One of the best parts of the holidays is the sweet scent of gingerbread that fills the air. So, if you’re looking to create a Christmas tradition that your kids will always remember, come on down to the Gingerbread Haus. Purchase a decorating kit containing a gingerbread cookie, & adorn it with sprinkles, smarties, marshmallows & other sweet treats. Once you’ve created your delicious delight, store it in a free container to keep your cookie nice & fresh.
6. Warm up with some Kinderpunsch: Just what its name translates to - Kids' punch. After all, warm & spicy drinks like aren’t just for adults. This alcohol-free hot punch made with herbal tea, fruit juices & spices will warm the cockles of your heart. Perfect for a brisk winter’s eve, kinderpunsch is available at Das Apfelhaus. 

For more info on food & drinks at the market, check out Eating My Way Through the Vancouver Christmas Market.

The Vancouver Christmas Market is on til December 24 at Jack Poole Plaza, next to the Vancouver Convention Centre, surrounding the Olympic Cauldron. It's easy to reach by transit--near Waterfront Station & the #19 bus route. Biking there is a cinch as well--the seawall & the Hornby bike route lead there. There isn't any additional bike parking for the event, but you can generally find a rack nearby at the convention centre, or the office building across the street. Tickets are $5-10, free for kids under six years old.

Follow Spokesmama here too: