10 Must-shop Holiday Craft Fairs

Get into the festive spirit and shop for unique Christmas gifts at these local holiday craft fairs

Get into the festive spirit and shop for unique Christmas gifts at these local holiday craft fairs

Circle Craft Christmas Market

Wednesday, November 9 to Sunday, November 13

With over 300 artisans from across the country, the Circle Craft Christmas Market is easily recognized as one of Vancouver’s best. There’s a little bit of everything: clothing, jewellery, toys, candles, sculptures, gourmet treats and more. This year’s new exhibitors include fine leather goods by Mariclaro, Whistler’s Mountain Path Pottery and all-natural toys by Fidoodle.

Weekdays 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Advance tickets for $13 ($10 for seniors and students)
Vancouver Convention Centre West, 1055 Canada Place

Want a sneak peak? 

Visit the Circle Craft Gallery on Granville Island from now until November 4 for an exclusive preview of some of the newest exhibitors, including Allyson Simmie Metal Arts, Cosman & Webb Townships Organic, East Van Light, Leo Lebel and more.

Credit: Tara O'Grady

Refresh Market – Friday, November 18 and Saturday, November 19

Refresh Market is celebrating five wonderful years as B.C.’s largest indie marketplace, featuring over 100 vendors, food carts and live music. Take a trip to Squamish for a two-day holiday affair and shop locally made clothing, vintage accessories, home decor items, leather goods, children’s toys and more.

Friday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., $5 admission at the door
West Coast Railway Heritage Park, 39645 Government Road, Squamish

Bloom Holiday Market – Saturday, November 22 and Sunday, November 23

Head over to Fort Langley’s winter craft fair to shop for unique gifts such as home decor, paintings, jewellery, ceramics, greetings cards, and knit items made by established and rising artisans across British Columbia. There are lots of amazing items and goods to choose from this year, including delicious treats by Queen Bee Patisserie, cuffs and wallets by Bent and adorable handmade accessories for kids by Cutie Pie Boutique. Stay back on Saturday with the family to enjoy live Christmas entertainment with Santa after 5 p.m. 

Admission is $2 at the door
Fort Langley Community Hall, 9167 Glover Road, Langley

Credit: Sarah England 

Portobello West Holiday Market – Saturday, November 26 to Sunday, November 27

Portobello West is back with its festive 2016 Holiday Market supporting over 70 Canadian and Pacific Northwest artisans. Shop one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts from local designers such as Remoli Studio, The Beautiful Nomad and The Free Reign, plus live music and delicious treats from various food trucks. 

Saturday 11 a.m.; Sunday 5 p.m., admission is $2 at the door (free for children under 12)
Creekside Community Recreation Centre, 
1 Athletes Way, Vancouver

Vancouver Christmas Market – Saturday, November 26 to Friday, December 30

Delighting people with its European-inspired festivities since 2010, the Vancouver Christmas Market is even more merry and bright this year with its new location at Jack Poole Plaza. Take the whole family out for cultural activities, entertainment and a Christmas carousel ride, then browse through locally made unique crafts such as wood carvings, toys, knitted goods, pottery and more. Grab a quick drink while the kids are decorating gingerbread, meeting Santa, and enjoying the Star Seeker Scavenger Hunt.

11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily (until 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and closed on Christmas Day)
Regular tickets for $8 ($7 for seniors, $4 for youth, free for children 6 and under)

Jack Poole Plaza, 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver

Toque Craft Fair – Friday, December 2 to Sunday, December 4

Visit Western Front‘s largest community fundraiser for a unique holiday shopping experience that attracts more than 2,000 visitors each year. From skincare products, ornaments, books, candles, teas and clothing, Toque features something for everyone, along with a barbeque and festive bake sale. Artist Maggie Boyd will be designing the annual limited edition Toque tea towel, available exclusively at the event. Partial proceeds from the fair will go towards Western Front’s year-round art and music programs. 

Friday 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday/Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., admission by donation
Western Front, 303 East 8th Avenue, Vancouver

Deck The Hall Fair – Saturday, December 3 and Sunday, December 4

Held at the Heritage Hall, this eclectic holiday fair features 50 outstanding local artisans displaying their best work. There’s a large variety of jewellery, knitwear, pottery, skincare products, gourmet treats, photography, folk art, plus many more unique items for everyone in the family at every price pointwhich means you will definitely be able to cross off some things on your Christmas shopping list.  

11 a.m. to 5 p.m., $2 admission at the door (free for children)
Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, Vancouver

Make it! Vancouver – Thursday, December 8 to Sunday, December 11

With biannual shows in Edmonton and Vancouver, Make it has grown into one of Canada’s most popular craft fairs, and has become a huge platform for local artists and designers to showcase their work. The fair’s holiday show is back this winter with over 265 exhibitors (also known as Makies) selling handcrafted goods perfect to fill any Christmas stocking. Along with a beer garden, food trucks, and upbeat music, there will also be a silent auction where all proceeds will go towards Union Gospel Mission.

Thursday/Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Advanced tickets for $5 ($7 at the door, free for children 12 and under)
PNE Forum, 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver

Credit: [stu-di-o] by Jeanie 

Got Craft? Holiday Edition – Saturday, December 10 to Sunday, December 11

Celebrating 10 successful years of supporting local artists and handmade goods, Got Craft? Holiday Edition returns again this year for two exciting days of festive shopping. Bringing together a community of indie craft and DIY culture, the event will also include food, drinks, and fun workshops. Make sure to get up earlythe first 50 people at the door each day get a swag bag!

10 a.m. to 5 p.m., advanced tickets for $3 ($5 at the door)
The Pipe Shop Building, 115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver

Women’s Winter Faire – Saturday, December 17 and Sunday, December 18

Shop goods made by B.C.’s talented women artisans at the Women’s Winter Faire. Now in its 23rd year, the Faire brings together fine crafts, dazzling jewellery, gourmet foods and many other creative items that will make delightful Christmas gifts. Enjoy the feel of a bustling village square as you browse through this perfect holiday time destination and grab some treats at the in-house cafe while you’re at it. 

Admission by donation ($3 to $5 recommended)
Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, Vancouver