Arts Have a story idea? E-mail us at arts@otherpress.ca @ Trimming the tannenbaum We take a look at Vancouver’s German Christmas Market By Joel Mackenzie ovember 24 marked the Neennte of the second annual Vancouver Christmas Market, a German- themed market that provides much- needed festivity to the city. “Everybody has Christmas Markets [in Germany], but when I came to North America, I realized there were... very few,” market president Malte Kluetz told The Other Press, amidst the wood vendor huts, the live Christmas folk music, and the smell of baked apples. Christmas markets were a chocolates handmade by a Swedish- trained chocolatier, and local pickled vegetables. The market is brimming with traditional German foods—German noodles, baked apples, bratwurst, stolen (German cake), dishes with Swiss raclette (a spreadable cheese), pretzels, roasted chestnuts, baked potatoes, waffles, and even a chocolate fountain. But these aren’t carnival foods: the baked apples, for instance, are deliciously sweet and savory with spices, nuts, raisins, and vanilla cream; the waffles come equipped with cherries, whipped cream, chocolate or maple syrup, and (if you’re feeling particularly “The market is brimming with traditional German foods—German noodles, baked apples, bratwurst, stolen (German cake), dishes with Swiss raclette (a spreadable cheese), pretzels, roasted chestnuts, baked potatoes, waffles, and even a chocolate fountain.” big part of Kluetz’s Christmas celebrations while he was growing up in Germany. Vancouver was lacking such an event, so after a year and a half of planning, he produced last year’s successful market—after which he immediately began the preparations for this year’s extravaganza. New attractions this year include a giant lit Christmas tree, an advent calendar (with a door opened every day at noon), and a carousel. The market features many different types of vendors, most with a German theme. There are handmade collectables like wooden toys and games, Christmas tree ornaments, figurines (ranging from the affordable to the incredibly detailed and collectable), and handmade wreaths. The market also features culinary gifts, including unpasteurized jars of honey and nuts, candied almonds, 8 adventurous) bacon bits and coleslaw. Non-alcoholic beverage choices include specialty Italian coffee, spiced apple cider and non- alcoholic Gluehwein, a hot drink made from spices, sugar, and fruit. Harder drinks include Gluehwein made with mulled fruit or red wine, and of course German beer. The event has a particular focus on sustainable practices as well: it includes many fair trade vendors, decomposable cutlery, reusable mugs (also available for purchase), and (new to this year) recycling facilities. “I believe in making sure we take care of the environment,” said Kluetz. “With [these advances], we should be able to reduce our landfill portion of the garbage by 70 per cent.” The festival features “Four to five artists per day...[and] over 100 acts throughout the four weeks,” said Kluetz. The groups include a big band, a ukulele ensemble, choirs, dancers, and more. On December 10, the market is holding a Christmas Carnival day, featuring the circus act of Flying Not Falling, art acts from Public Dreams, and music from Maria in the Shower, The Carnival Band, and Parno Drom. For the kids, every day Holly and Jolly, the market's gingerbread mascots, can be found roaming the grounds; every Tuesday is Kid’s Market day; and every weekday Santa will be visiting and available for pictures between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. A list of all of the activities can be found at the market’s web page, www.vancouverchristmasmarket. com; for a glimpse of a traditional German dance featured on the market's opening day, check out The Other Press’s YouTube page. The Vancouver Christmas Market is located at The Plaza at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, a short walk away from the Granville or Stadium/Chinatown SkyTrain stops. Admission is five dollars. Its warm, fun atmosphere stays with you even after you've left, and will not disappoint.