5 Night Markets in Vancouver

When the sun sets, the city streets come alive, as open-air markets across the Lower Mainland draw crowds of thousands of visitors to enjoy global street food, live entertainment, and local culture.

On a snowy December night, couples head to Jack Poole Plaza for a cup of glühwein, lingering beneath the glowing lights to capture a picture-perfect scene at the German Christmas Market. On a sunny Friday in August, families wander along the Lower Lonsdale pier, pausing to listen and dance as a local band takes the stage at the Shipyards Night Market. No matter the time of year, there’s always a night market around the corner to look forward to. Here are five markets to keep on your radar, each ready to turn an ordinary night into something memorable.

Richmond Night Market

Dates: April-September

Location: 2431 Number 3 Rd., Richmond

Cuisine: Primarily Asian street food, with global influences.

Admission: $7 general admission, free for seniors and children under 7. Discounts for multiple entries and visitors arriving after 10 pm.

The Richmond Night Market is the largest night market in North America, attracting over 1 million visitors every year. Visitors can enjoy 500+ food options, hundreds of shopping stalls, a 600-foot zipline, and live performances from local musicians, dance troupes, martial arts demonstrations and more.

The market is open weekends only, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights from 7 pm-11 pm or 12 am, making it the ideal spot for an evening spent grazing, shopping, and enjoying the atmosphere with family and friends. The food choices feel endless, from classic Asian street food and inventive fusion dishes to over-the-top bites like rainbow grilled cheese, ramen burgers, butter garlic lobster, xiao long bao, and mango mochi shaved ice

Free parking is available, but very popular. To avoid the potential chaos of finding a spot, take the Skytrain. The Richmond Night Market is only a 5-minute walk from the Bridgeport Skytrain station.

Shipyards Night Market

Dates: Friday nights from mid-May to mid-September

Location: Shipyards, North Vancouver

Cuisine: Local food trucks offering global flavours.

Admission: Free! Beer garden included.

When the weather warms up, the Shipyards Night Market is close to follow, gathering thousands of visitors in the heart of Lower Lonsdale for tasty street food, artisan market vendors, and live music and DJs. The family-friendly beer garden is a crowd favourite, where visitors can sip on craft brews while enjoying delicious eats from one of the market’s many food trucks.

Hop on the SeaBus from downtown on a Friday night and be at the market in under 15 minutes, enjoying stunning skyline views across Vancouver Harbour along the way. There are also paid parking lots in the area if you prefer to drive.

White Rock Night Market

Dates: Select Fridays, once a month from May to September.

Location: White Rock Pier, White Rock

Cuisine: Local food trucks offering global flavours.

Admission: Free!

The White Rock Night Market is a relaxed, seaside market popping up on select Fridays throughout the warm weather months in this charming community about an hour’s drive from downtown Vancouver. Each monthly market features different food trucks, market vendors, artists and entertainers, so return visitors always have something new to enjoy.

There are a few paid parking lots near the Pier, including accessible parking stalls. Alternatively, you can park uptown and use the 362 bus to get a ride down to Marine Drive, where the Pier is located, to arrive right outside the festival site. Plan your route on the TransLink site.

Vegan Night Market

Dates: 1-2x per month, year-round.

Location: HI Jericho Hotel or Locarno Beach, Vancouver

Cuisine: Vegan cuisine offering global flavours.

Admission: Free!

Once or twice per month, plant-based and plant-curious crowds gather by the thousands at the Vancouver Vegan Night Market. This community-driven event features 50+ plant-based vendors from food trucks to restaurant pop-ups, local makers and more. Enjoy the sunset views, relax to live music and support the local plant-based economy.

To travel to the Jericho Hotel/Locarno Beach area, you can drive, take a ride share, or transit. There is free parking available in the area, but street parking and parking lots fill up quickly, especially on sunny days. Avoid the headache and grab a 20-minute Uber from downtown Vancouver or plan your trip using public transit.

German Christmas Market

Dates: Mid-November to December 24th

Location: Jack Poole Plaza, Vancouver

Cuisine: German classics and international food

Admission: $6.99+ depending on demand and timing. Children 6 and under are free.

The holiday season is in full swing come mid-November when Vancouver’s German Christmas Market opens its gates. Set at Jack Pool Plaza on Vancouver’s waterfront, the market is Vancouver’s take on a traditional German Weihnachtsmarkt. Charming wooden huts, twinkling lights, and the sizzling aromas of bratwurst and spicy mulled wine fill the air, creating the coziest atmosphere imaginable.

Artisan vendors selling handmade European crafts and locally made items perfect for gifting line the plaza. Traditional German foods like schnitzel and gingerbread are available, as well as international cuisine. The festive merry-go-round is perfect for families, and there are endless photo ops for the perfect holiday picture.

The German Christmas Market is in the heart of Coal Harbour in downtown Vancouver, easily accessible by transit or foot, depending on where you are travelling from. There are numerous paid parking lots nearby if bringing a car as well.

From summer sunsets to winter wonderlands, Vancouver’s night markets are ready for you in every season. Go for the food, and stay for the atmosphere. This is your invitation to explore them all, one evening at a time.