Vegan Food at the Vancouver Christmas Market 2021

Things! Are! Happening!

We’ve been walking around (well, mostly huddled in our homes, tbh), for the past two years saying “we can’t wait to get our lives back to normal,” and while it’s increasingly looking like our lives may never get back to normal, or whatever that was, things are starting to really open up and happen again.

That means events. I went to my first concert. I went to my first trade show. It’s happening.

And the Vancouver Christmas Market is baaaaack, baby!!

The Christmas Market has been around for 10 years, and I think I’ve been to every single one. It’s such a great way to celebrate the season. We have a yearly tradition where my friend Rob comes over from the Sunshine Coast and he and Michael and I go to the market and eat all the things.

The market is open now, and I was able to get a preview last week of what this year’s market looks like, and I’m going to fill you in, and tell you about all the plant-based food options this year.

Did I have anyone to kiss me under the mistletoe in Lover’s Lane? Nope. But that’s okay, I have my Gluhwein to keep me warm!

Covid Protocols:

In the past, you just lined up and went in. This year, because of Covid, they’re doing staggered entry times. You can still stay as long as you like, but when you buy your tickets online, you need to sign up for a specific entry time. This is going to help with lines and bunching (which we still want to avoid, obviously).

Secondly, you will have to show proof of vaccination at the door, even though this is an outdoor event. Masks are not mandatory, but of course you can wear one if you feel more comfortable.

Returning to the Market this year:

• The pyramid (which is where they sell the gluhwein and the carollers sing) in the centre of the market.
• Love locks
• The Carousel
• Walk-in Christmas Tree
• Winterdeck
• And of course, there are loads of vendors with tasty food and drink!

A few new things this year:

• The Alpine Lounge (which is the big heated tent where you can go to warm up and eat your snacks) is bigger this year.
• Gourmetstrasse is a new feature that sells locally-sourced, pre-packaged artisan foods.
• Schnapslplatz is a whole section of the market that focuses on adult beverages. Here you can sample and buy a bottle to take home.
• The carousel is free to ride this year! Instead of charging admission for the carousel, you can make a donation, if you like, to the Children’s Wish Foundation. Interac, who is the sponsor, will match the donations up to $20K! Read more here.

Okay, let’s talk food, shall we??! That’s what’s REALLY important here.

Vegan Prepared Food at the 2021 Vancouver Christmas Market

Continental Brat House: they have a vegan sausage option

Mr Hotcakes: yummy pancakes filled with brown sugar

Da Bomb Goodies: they are selling hot chocolate bombs, and there’s a vegan version

Barista Brothers: super tasty coffee, they have vegan milk options

Traditional Spanish Churros: Churros!!! Say no more!

Das Gulasch Haus: a hearty vegan stew, served in a bread bowl

Taste the Wild: have a delicious mushroom soup that’s vegan

Vegan food to purchase and take home from the Vancouver Christmas Market

BreadyMix: take-home bread mix that’s vegan and so good!

Slow Bottled Sunday: one of my fave new products at the market this year, this couple rescues Okanagan fruit that would normally have ended up in the landfill and turns it into tasty sauces. My fave was the Smoky Cherry.

The Liquorice Parlour: European candy and chocolate with vegan options

Perfectly Nuts: candied and savoury nuts with vegan options

Bowen Island Herb Salts & Mulling Spice Haus: mulling spices for your winter wine or cider, as well as flavoured salts

Sonnentor Tea: authentic Austrian Christmas teas

Vegetarian Prepared Food at the 2021 Vancouver Christmas Market

Those Pretzels: my #1 favourite new product this year. These are so good, super addictive.

Cheese Me Raclette: Melty, ooey, gooey deliciousness.

Two Sweet Elves: these guys serve up Croffles (croissants put through a waffle iron) and poffertjes (mini pancakes).

Mr. Pretzels: tasty soft pretzels with a variety of different topping options

Gingeraki: ginger-turmeric elixers

I Love Chocolate: choose your favourite fruits and then they will be run under a cascading chocolate fountain before you get to eat them!

Pearl’s Perogies: with belly-warming cheddar and potato dumplings

Transylvanian Chimney Cakes: shaped like a cone and then rolled in sugar or nuts when it comes off the spit.

@findbex @vanchristmas is BACK baby!!! #vancouver #events #christmas #christmasmarket #yvrevents #vancouverevents #fyp #holidays #seasonal ♬ original sound Bex