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'Tis the season for markets, crafts fairs and more festive shopping opportunities.
Your guide to 21 of the most festive holiday markets and craft fairs taking place throughout the province in November and December. Get your shopping done early.
Nov. 6 to 10, Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver
Western Canada’s largest craft fair celebrates its 50th anniversary by welcoming more than 300 exhibitors, all of whom are chosen by jury. Potter Gordon Hutchens has been selling at Circle Craft since 1975, while woodworker Claudia Hayward dates back to 1979. Whether you’re looking for beach-pebble jewellery by Effie Baker Designs, a jellyfish paperweight by Heather Konschuh Glass, a Hotties cover for a hot water bottle or a fidget toy by Oaki Doki Woodworks, you’re in the right place.
Nov. 9 and 10, Songhees Wellness Centre, Victoria
More than 60 vendors sell art, pottery, clothing and unique holiday creations here. Also find mouthwatering food, top tipples from local distilleries, door prizes, live music and a colouring contest for kids. Bring a non-perishable food item for the Rainbow Kitchen.
Nov. 10, Delta Grand Okanagan Resort, Kelowna
The 80 vendors at this festive market include Silver Echoes Jewelry, Sarcastic Notebooks, Moody Essentials Soap Co., Coastal Breeze Glassworks, HushHush Baby Shop, Rustic Oak Handknits, Fraktals Chocolate, Baccata Ridge Winery and Forbidden Spirits Distilling.
Nov. 10, Coast Kamloops Hotel, Kamloops
More than 85 vendors—including cultural artisans, bakers, makers, and growers—sell handmade gifts, delicious goodies and more at this Kamloops market.
Nov. 13 to Dec. 24, Jack Poole Plaza, Vancouver
Dress warmly for this popular outdoor event, Vancouver’s version of a German Christkindlmarkt (Christmas market). Find colourful German nutcrackers, ugly Christmas sweaters, warm toques, wooden toys, quirky socks, couture pet products and other memorable gifts. Fill up on the flavours of Germany—bratwurst, spätzle, schnitzel, strudel, glühwein—or indulge in perogies, raclette, kebabs, meat pies, chocolates or candied nuts. Wee ones can enjoy riding the carousel and meeting St. Nikolaus. Don’t miss the festive karaoke sessions, holiday-themed trivia, scavenger hunts and giveaways. Live musical performances help create the perfect festive ambience.
Nov. 13 to Jan. 5, The Polygon Gallery, North Vancouver
Find unique gifts handcrafted by independent makers and artists at the gallery’s annual shopping extravaganza. Plus, you can take part in special events each week such as craft workshops, vintage-photography sessions and a pop-up tattoo parlour.
Nov. 16 and 17, Scandinavian Community Centre, Burnaby
Find both traditional and modern Swedish goods at this Julmarknad (Christmas market), and be sure to enjoy a glass of glögg (hot spiced wine).
Nov. 16 and 17, Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre, Burnaby
Discover more than 80 vendors selling unique handcrafted goods and Japanese-inspired gifts here. Register for a wreath-making workshop, grab a snack from a food truck and perhaps even win a prize. Kids can write letters to Santa.
Nov. 19 to 21, 26 to 28 and Dec. 3 to 5, 10 to 12, Bentall Centre, Vancouver
Support local artists, crafters, makers and small businesses by visiting one of these festive markets and taking care of all your holiday shopping in one spot.
Nov. 23 and 24, Croatian Cultural Centre, Vancouver
It’s the 17th year of this local favourite that features more than 100 vendors, including I’ll Know It When I See It (delightfully snarky Asian-inspired paper goods) and BAK’D Cookies (giant gourmet cookies). Also find jewellery, ceramics, homewares, bath products, art, greeting cards, food and drinks. Mini makers—entrepreneurs aged 16 and under—sell their own handmade creations.
Nov. 23 and 24, Fernwood NRG Community Centre, Victoria
Find toys, jewellery, clothing, soaps, home décor and more, all handmade or upcycled by local artists and designers. Also enjoy crafts workshops, live music and food-truck fare.
Nov. 28, Aggie Hall, Ladysmith
The small town of Ladysmith goes big for its annual festival, craft fair and parade—complete with fireworks and the arrival of Santa. Though the craft fair takes place on a single afternoon, the Festival of Lights keeps thousands of seasonal lights twinkling throughout the town until the second Sunday in January.
Nov. 29 and 30, Rotary Centre for the Arts, Kelowna
With more than 60 vendors selling an assortment of items made locally, this market has something for everyone on your holiday shopping list.
Nov. 29 to Dec. 1, Crystal Garden, Victoria
It’s the 35th anniversary of this festive market, which fills two floors in the beautiful Crystal Garden with jewellery, pottery, bath products, home décor, gourmet food, wine and spirits from more than 100 vendors. Enjoy live music, a coffee bar, and prizes. Snag a VIP ticket to skip the line and receive a market tote bag and discounts, along with a special gift.
Nov. 29 to Dec. 24, The Shipyards, North Vancouver
This new holiday market in North Vancouver has European flair and festive entertainment, from choir performances to ice skating to visits with Santa. Sip mulled wine or hot cocoa while browsing 70 stalls of unique artisanal gifts—or just relax in the champagne tent.
Nov. 30, Stuart Park, Kelowna
Bundle up for this free outdoor event that features artisan vendors, live entertainment, photos with Santa and other family-friendly fun.
Dec. 6 to 8, Prospera Place, Kelowna
Now in its 11th year, Kelowna’s largest holiday market features one-of-a-kind creations from more than 200 local artisans and crafters: jewellery, art, gourmet goodies, home décor and more.
Dec. 6 to 8 and 13 to 15, The Russian Hall, Vancouver
Attention, kooks and oddballs! This is the market for you. Where else can you pick up unique gifts such as doll-head planters and also be entertained by tarot readings, live sword-swallowing and photos with Weird Santa? Nibble on the sometimes-naughty sweets by Punk Rock Pastries. Outfit your pooch in something wacky for the WeirDogs Costume Contest. The two Friday-evening markets are for adults only.
Dec. 7 and 8, Tsleil Waututh Community Centre, North Vancouver
The 22nd annual Indigenous artisan market features more than 70 vendors, including Spirit Bear Designs, Copper Canoe Woman, and Lorna Gemstone Jewelry.
Dec. 7 and 8, Monte Creek Winery, Monte Creek
Sip mulled wine while browsing the unique offerings from Royal Inland Quilters, Jen’s Woodwork Creations, Resting Rose Jewellery Design, Pinatan Lake Candles, Not Your Mama’s Bakery, Gardom Lake Chimes & Driftwood Art and other local vendors.
Dec. 12 to 15, PNE Forum, Vancouver
Find handmade gifts galore—from stationery and jewellery to gourmet food and kids’ clothing—at this holiday market featuring more than 250 vendors. Food trucks add to the lively atmosphere.
