Yaletown
The Yaletown Business Improvement Association presents Candytown — the only free winter festival in the city — Nov. 22 from noon to 7 p.m.
Free events include an outdoor skating rink, reindeer petting zoo and horse-drawn carriage rides. The All I Want for Christmas Gift Market runs all day, as do visits with Santa and the Ice Queen at the North Pole. As well, adults and children can check out the candy-making hut, enjoy roaming musicians and buskers, watch live ice sculpting and visit the Christmas tree lot hosted by the Yaletown Rotary Club. Adventurous adults can also join in the Candytown Cocktail Tour and sample candy-themed drinks from participating restaurants. Kids-only events include face-painting, crafts and balloon art demonstrations.
Candytown takes place along Mainland Street in Yaletown. Visit yaletowninfo.com for a complete schedule.
Dunbar
The 32nd annual Dunbar Holiday Craft Fair takes place Nov. 22, with more than 140 local vendors featuring thousands of handmade items for all budgets.
This juried event also includes refreshments, entertainment, prizes, child-minding and an ATM in the lobby. New for sale at this year’s fair is prepared food.
The craft fair, presented by the Dunbar Community Centre Association, takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the centre, 4747 Dunbar St. For more information call 604-222-6060 or visit dunbarcentre.ca. Admission is $2 in advance, $3 at the door and free for children under 12.
As well, the Dunbar Heights United Church, 3525 West 24th Ave., is hosting a fun fall fair Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with crafts, baking, silent auction, kid’s corner and mini concerts.
Coal Harbour
The 41st Annual Circle Craft Christmas Market, featuring the work of more than 300 artists and artisans from coast to coast, is on now through Nov. 16 at Vancouver Convention Centre West, 1055 Canada Place.
Since 1973, Circle Craft has presented an annual winter market showcasing the best of B.C. and Canadian crafts, which are exhibited and sold by the artisans themselves. And while there have been some changes over the market’s 41 years, including different venues and its annual growth, its mid-winter warmth and traditions remain. For a complete schedule and ticket information, visit circlecraft.net. Tickets are also available in advance at Circle Craft Shop and Gallery, 1666 Johnston St. on Granville Island.
Downtown
The Greater Van Gogos, a network of grandmother groups in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and Sunshine Coast, invites the public to their regional fundraising event at UBC Robson Square Nov. 22.
The Hand in Hand — justice for African Grandmothers event includes the premiere of the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s new film African Grandmothers Tribunal: Seeking justice at the frontlines of the AIDS crisis. The film shows at 1 and 3 p.m. followed by a Q&A with executive director of the Stephen Lewis Foundation Ilana Landsberg-Lewis and Justine Ojambo, national director of the Ugandan-based Phoebe Education Fund for Orphans. The fundraiser also includes an artisan marketplace offering quality crafts, storyteller Tiffany Stone and children’s choirs. Admission to the marketplace is by donation. Admission to the film is $10 at the door with all proceeds dedicated to the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign, which works with grassroots projects serving African grandmothers and children orphaned by AIDS in their care.
Grandview Woodland
Got Craft? Holiday Edition takes place Dec. 13 and 14 and includes the works of more than 75 designers, craft workshops, tasty treats, music, free swag bags and an average attendance of more than 6,000 annually.
Founded in 2007, Got Craft? is dedicated to bringing together a community that fosters handmade and do-it-yourself cultures. The show runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Maritime Labour Centre, 1880 Triumph St.
Hastings Sunrise
The Hastings Park Farmers Market continues Sundays now through Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hastings skatepark on the PNE fairgrounds.
Riley Park
The Winter Farmers Market continues now through April 25 at Nat Bailey Stadium, 4601 Ontario St., every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Killarney
The Killarney Community Centre is hosting a holiday craft sale Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shop for beautifully crafted items created by talented locals. There are still tables available to rent for $20. Admission is free. For more information, visit killarneycentre.ca or call 604-718-8201.
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