Holiday markets to ring in the festive season, across Vancouver and beyond
Our roundup of seasonal fairs from downtown Vancouver to Deer Lake and Whistler, with unique gifts made by local artisans
Vancouver Christmas Market. Photo by Maya Pankalla
’TIS THE SEASON to hit holiday markets. There are several taking place in Vancouver and the surrounding area this year, and these festive fairs are just the place to find one-of-a-kind gifts as well as some delicious food and drink.
Vancouver Christmas Market
To December 24 at Jack Poole Plaza
Modelled after Christmas markets in Germany, this popular annual event features the Aeroplan holiday carousel, an enormous lit-up walk-through Christmas tree, a sky curtain of 22,000 lights, daily live entertainment, and more. On the food and drink front, there’s the Bratwurst Haus; Das Champignon Haus with grilled mushrooms, a beloved street food; Das Strudel Haus; Das Schnitzel Haus; Das Spätzle Haus; and Das Apfel Haus, with apple-based drinks, to name just a few highlights. There’s glühwein, beer, and feuerzangenbowle, a classic German holiday beverage that’s made by a rum-soaked sugarloaf being set on fire and allowed to melt into a pot of hot, spiced glühwein, making for a warm, aromatic concoction with a smidge of caramel sweetness. Artisan vendors will be hawking everything from candles and chocolates to leather goods and ornaments. Admission is $21.99.
Gifted Holiday Artisan Market
To November 24 at the Silk Purse Gallery, West Vancouver
Discover creations by a curated selection of more than 40 local artisans, offering jewellery, pottery, décor, apparel, cards, and more. The event is presented by West Vancouver Community Arts Council.
Eastside Flea Holiday Markets
November 23, 24, 30, and December 1 at 79 West 3rd Avenue (Mount Pleasant), and December 7, 8, 14, and 15 at 1739 Venables Street (Commercial Drive)
Each weekend market hosts more than 50 local vendors selling a vast range of goods from vintage clothing to collectibles to plants. The Eastside Flea is operating out of two new locations for the holidays: a converted Mount Pleasant warehouse in November, and the old 6,500-square-foot former Astorino’s building on Commercial Drive in December. The event also features rotating food trucks. Admission is $5.
The Polygon Gallery’s annual Holiday Shop. Photo by Anova Hou
The Polygon’s annual Holiday Shop
To January 5 at The Polygon Gallery
An annual tradition, the Holiday Shop will transform the gallery’s main floor into a holiday market with gifts by independent makers and artists. Ranging from budget-friendly stocking stuffers to luxurious items, wares by Canadian artisans will sit alongside established international labels. Special workshops will be offered, from wreath-making to floral-arrangement designing to beading. Visitors are encouraged to check out the gallery’s three winter exhibitions The Lind Biennial, Tau Lewis: Coloratura, and Tales from the Crypt. Admission is by donation or free if you spend $100 at the Holiday Shop or in the Diane Evans Bookstore.
Deer Lake Winter Craft Festival
November 22 to 24 at Shadbolt Centre for the Arts
The Burnaby Arts Council is presenting the 54th annual Deer Lake Winter Craft Festival, with a curated selection of hand-crafted items by up to 60 local artisans, including jewellery, pottery, textiles, holiday decor, and more. There are also live musical performances, a balloon artist, food and drinks, a children’s craft table, and a raffle fundraiser with prizes worth over $2,000.
Alma Home and Vintage, at Got Craft Winter Market.
Got Craft Winter Market
November 23 and 24 at the Croatian Cultural Centre
The Got Craft Holiday Market returns to East Vancouver with 100 makers and small shops, plus a mini makers area with “kidpreneuers”, food trucks, and free swag bags. This is the perfect place to buy local and handmade for each person on your gift list (including yourself!). Expect quirky holiday décor from Alma Home and Vintage and Felt a bird on it; loads of umami flavour from Ogojo Jan Chili Sauce; homemade salted caramel from Charlie Girl Goods; and luxe shawls, scarves, and other knit and crocheted pieces from Foxknots.
Langley Grand Christmas Market
November 23 at South Langley Church (20098 22 Avenue)
The setting only adds to the holiday atmosphere of this festive event offering tasty treats, handmade crafts, and more. Alongside 90 vendors there are food trucks to keep you well-fuelled for gift shopping.
Southlands Holiday Market
November 23 at the historic Red Barn (6333 Market Avenue, Delta)
Held in partnership with The Collective Markets, this event provides a quaint historic setting for high-quality artisan vendors. The sale runs 10 am to 6 pm, with a magical holiday-light display getting its glow on at 5 pm.
West End Community Centre Holiday Craft Fair
November 23 at the West End Community Centre
Admission is free at this community event, where 35 artisans will set up seasonal shop for the day. One-of-a-kind finds include paintings, jewellery, and some stunning pottery.
Toque Craft Fair. Photo by Rachel Topham
Toque Craft Fair
November 29 to December 1 at Western Front
Admission is by donation for this fundraiser for Western Front’s artistic program and heritage-building conservation. The community event showcases a curated selection of B.C.-based craftspeople, designers, and artisans whose mediums span textiles, ceramics, jewellery, prints, accessories, apothecary, and homeware. We love the cheeky tote bags from Chuck’s Art Emporium, AxeWood Inc.’s functional wooden spoons and bowls, Cora Hall’s stained-glass window panels, and Dunbar Pottery’s earth-toned pots, among other wares. This year the opening night party features a cocktail bar by The Woods Spirit Co as well as drinks by 33 Acres Brewing Company, Oddity Kombucha, and St Hubertus & Oak Bay Estate Winery, plus food by Indish. The weekend cafe November 30 and December 1 includes coffee by Estratto Coffee and baked goods by Subo Bakes.
Shipyards Christmas Market.
Shipyards Christmas Market
November 29 to December 24 at The Shipyards in North Vancouver
It’s free to get into this European-style market, the first of its kind in North Vancouver. The skating rink will be open for when you’re not strolling some 75 wooden stalls with artisan vendors selling hand-made gifts, goodies, and foodstuffs. Live entertainment is on the bill, too, and on the menu are bratwurst, mulled wine, hot cocoa, and more.
Portobello West Roundhouse Holiday Market.
Portobello West Roundhouse Holiday Market
November 30 and December 1 at Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre
Close to 70 local makers will be on-site with everything from fashion, jewellery, art, and home decor to skincare, wine, spirits, and gourmet treats. Vendors include Aether Flowers, Montis Distilling, Arbutus Candle Company, Quilts by Belle, and Knitbone Ceramics. Admission is $5.
Arts Whistler Holiday Market
November 30 and December 1 at Westin Resort & Spa (4090 Whistler Way)
Now celebrating its 33rd year, Whistler’s largest artisan market features more than 65 vendors from the Sea to Sky and across B.C., along with the young entrepreneurs of Bratz Biz 2024. Think artisanal food and drink, fine art, handcrafted jewellery, ceramics, apparel, accessories, and more. During the event, enjoy the songs of the Whistler Children’s Chorus, plus face painting and a craft table for more family fun.
Tugboat Landing Artisan Market
November 30 and December 1 by the Fraser River in Southeast Vancouver at the foot of Victoria Drive (2010 East Kent Avenue)
More than 20 artists show their wares, from gifts for four-legged friends by the likes of ScouterWear, Furever Eco, and Barks & Biscuits, to handmade silver jewellery by Sole Tibi Studios and salvaged-wood designs by Little Turning Wood.
Cedar & Snow: Indigenous Art Market
December 1 at the Museum of Vancouver
Admission is free for this selection of beadwork, illustrations, books, and more from local and urban Indigenous artists. The works span traditional art forms and contemporary designs, reflecting the cultural connections of Nations across B.C. and Turtle Island.
Winter Indigenous Artisans Market.
Winter Indigenous Artisans Market
December 7 at Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art
More than 18 Indigenous makers will be on hand with their one-of-a-kind items from jewellery to apparel perfect for gifting or to keep for yourself. The market is included with gallery admission.
Lisa Warren Ceramics at First Pick Handmade.
First Pick Handmade Market
December 7 and 8 at Heritage Hall
This sale has the vibe of an expertly curated boutique department store, featuring high-quality clothing, footwear, accessories, and more from 30 designers. This year’s lineup includes Bukuro Bag Co., Irit Sorokin Jewellery, Lisa Warren Ceramics, and Winterluxe Recycled Cashmere.
Make it!: The Handmade Revolution.
Make it!: The Handmade Revolution
December 12 to 15 at PNE Forum
Some 250 booths will be set up with handmade items—think leather works, funky jewellery and ceramics, and unique gourmet food gifts—alongside so much holiday cheer. Gifts include cozy toques by GingerSnaps Crochet; funpacks by Whistler’s Lips Lip Balm; shower steamers and calming soaps by Wet Coast Naturals; and adorable “adoptable monster” stuffies by my friend monster. The venue is licensed and there will be food trucks right on-site. Tickets are $12.
Shipyards Annual Artisan Market.
Shipyards Annual Artisan Market
December 14 and 15 at the Pipe Shop Building at The Shipyards in North Vancouver
Hand-crafted objects are the focus at this weekend event featuring soaps, candles, chocolates, clothing, paintings, pottery, craft spirits, and then some. Admission is free. 
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