Ranking Everything We Ate at the Vancouver Christmas Market in 2024

It is widely known around the Vanmag office that I am a big fan of Christmas. Of course, being a holiday lover means that I have annual plans to attend the Vancouver Christmas Market. And yes, I do have a season pass because (life hack alert) it means that I don’t have to reserve a time slot and can go when it’s not raining.

But truth be told, it’s not just holiday cheer that gets me heading down to Coal Harbour every December—there are some truly delicious items that are un-gatekeep-able. Which is why I’ve done my editorial duty and compiled the very best Christmas Market bites into one ultimate list.

Everything I’ve listed is absolutely tasty and worth a try. (And some things not on this list are also worth a try:like the Taste the Wild wild rice and dried mushroom soup kit that’s become a yearly tradition at home). Of course, these rankings are based on my and our fantastic Digital Marketing Manager Rebekah Ho’s personal tastes, so your own personal number one may vary, but these vendors are surely swinging for the fences.

Know Before You Go to the Christmas Market

Be prepared for crowds 

The market isn’t open all day (though on the weekends there are extended hours), which means your ideal time is likely someone else’s too—double so if you’re heading down on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Be prepared to line up to get inside the market, and then line up at the vendors as well. Standing tables also get claimed quickly, but there are additional seats and tables in the beer hall tent at the far end of the market. So be chill to each other, recognize there’s going to be a wait; it’s a holiday market and everyone’s looking for the same type of (positive) experience.

Wear layers

I’m not just saying this because I’m always cold (yes, I do wear my puffer jacket inside the office and sit on a heating pad), but you’re right by the water at the market—it gets chilly even if you’re sipping away at a glüwhein or two.

Be prepared to spend at least $60 

It’ll cost you $19.99 just to enter the market and the food vendors are often over $15. If you’re tacking a drink or two onto that, prices add up. Be prepared ahead of time so you’re not sticker shocked while tapping your card—but also know the food is delicious, it’s seasonal and it’s a fun experience that most people (ahem, not including yours truly) are only doing once a year. Like most holiday outings (like say, having a political deep dive with your least favourite uncle), it’s more fun if you come mentally prepared.

Christmas Market 2024 Ranked

#8: Cherry Strudel

It’s probably my own fault this one ranks at the bottom of our list: I’m not really a sweets person. I wish I could make this higher because the concept of cherry strudel topped with whipped cream ($15) is oh-so holidays to me. But I can say the pastry from Das Strudel Haus was flakey, buttery and well-cooked. The filling was gooey and warm, it was just too sweet for me personally. If you’re a dessert lover, this is your spot for German pastry goodness, but if you’re more savoury-inclined, keep reading.

#7: Raclette on Baguette

It’s hard not to be enticed by Cheese Me Raclette’s display: massive wheels of raclette are cut in half and placed under direct heat until the cheese is so melty that the server just scraps some off onto the base of your choice. It’s mesmerizing to watch and therefore it was a non-question that I’d march right up there and order one of my own. However, I believe I made the wrong base choice: the cheese was fabulously delicious (and somewhat stinky so make sure that’s your thing before ordering), but I chose a baguette (and added prosciutto, $20) for ease and unfortunately the bread was far too big for me. I stared in envy at the people next to me who had their cheese melted atop potatoes and pickles. This was my own fault, but still because of that I can’t rank it higher.

#6: Glüwhein

I’m a glüwhein ($10) girlie through and through. This is often my first stop at the market and let me tell you, it’s delicious. Not too sweet, piping hot and you truly can’t beat the seasonality. However, it’s served in a paper cup unless you upgrade to a collectable and even with the initial heat of the drink, it cools down quickly; so you have to choose between burning your tongue or sipping cold wine by the end. Not sure if there’s a solution there, but I’ll still be getting a cup every time.

#5: Perogies

These cheddar potato perogies ($17) captured my heart on first bite. I get them with everything on them: that’s sauerkraut, grilled onions, sausage (kielbasa?) and sour cream. Plus there’s a bottle of sriracha on the counter because the people at Helmis Perogies know the key to my heart (hint: it’s sauce). The perogies themselves are so fresh that they’re too hot to bite at first, but once you dig in, they’re really masterfully made. The dough is delicate, the filling well-seasoned and the portion big enough to share. The only gripe I have is I prefer my perogies seared in a pan. But hey, beggers can’t be choosers and these delicious pockets of potato and cheese are definitely still winners in my book.

#4: Hot Chocolate

I have to admit, I have been influenced with this one. If you read my earlier rankings you’ll remember me saying that (unlike Claire Saffitz), I’m not a big dessert person. But I wasn’t here alone, and my dining companion Rebekah is a fan of chocolate. She made the right call with the hot cocoa from I Love Chocolate. It’s rich, it’s sweet, it’s topped with whip cream and sprinkles. Child-me would have just about died for this and adult-me says it’s worth giving that inner kid a treat once in a while too.

#3: Pretzel

I know what you’re thinking: “a pretzel?”. But this isn’t your ordinary mall pretzel ($9) (Update: I’m American and have been informed that the snack at malls in Canada is french fries or popcorn? In the States, it was Wetzels Pretzels). This braided dough is simply drenched in butter and salt and tastes like a memory of the first time you sliced a hot loaf of bread (which you’re not supposed to do but, c’mon). Plus it’s the ideal walking snack as you’re popping between vendors. This pretzel can do no wrong and the only reason it isn’t higher is because it seemed unfair to put it above dishes I can’t find anywhere else. Five stars, though. Mr. Pretzels has earned a fan for life.

#2: Pork Shank

I heard rumours of Haxen Haus’ schweinshaxe (pork shank) ($17) before I even entered the market. These rotisserie shanks are apparently super popular during Oktoberfest in Germany and I can see why. First, there’s the display of around 100 golden rotating shanks which call out to you like a beacon in the busy market. Then there’s actually eating one. The skin is shatteringly crisp and the meat itself is tender as heck. You can choose between a half or a whole order and even the half was massive. I will be returning for the pork shank, however, I may choose to do what I’ve heard the smartest of market goers do: order it to go and eat it at home. To me the shank needed sauce and I think it would be incredible with spicy mustard (I’m partial to Kozlik’s but Keen’s would also be fab).

#1: Schnitzel

I have to admit I had doubts about the schnitzel ($19) for absolutely no reason. It’s deep-fried right in front of you which is truly peak food market fodder. The thin piece of tender pork comes out still sizzling and to say it’s crunchy is an understatement. You can have it topped with a rich brown gravy, which I highly recommend. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying and quite homey about the side of cold potato salad that comes with it. This is the dish of the market, people: don’t sleep on Dat Schnitzel Haus.

Special Mention: Currywurst

I’m a huge currywurst fan. I miss Bestie at least once a week and I keep Hela brand curry ketchup in my fridge at all times (obviously we stock both hot and mild). We didn’t have a chance to try the currywurst during out market trip because the line up was too long—but I heard people raving about it, so I will be back.