With the holiday season kicking off in earnest, our wicked roster of local craft markets has begun setting up stalls around the city. From artisanal foods and apothecary goods, to handmade jewelry and home décor, to vintage clothing and original art – this city’s creative community offers everything you need (and everything you didn’t know you needed) to nail your holiday shopping. But where to go? And what to see?
If you’ve missed the earliest markets so far this year (read: Circle Craft, Christmas at Hycroft, and the Strathcona Winter Craft Fair) don’t worry – we’ve rounded up a must-see list of some of the top winter markets still to come!
So grab your holiday shopping list, your bestie and get ready to shop local!
TOQUE
Friday, Dec. 2 to Sunday, Dec. 4
Luxe Hall at Western Front (303 East 8th)
Not only can TOQUE count itself among the best markets each season, but the event also doubles as a fundraising event for Western Front – one of Canada's leading centres for contemporary art and new music. In addition to the 30 invited vendors featured at the fair, there is a Holiday Membership Drive that sells unique gifts and goods to raise funds for the organization.
Etsy Vancouver Winter Market
Saturday, Dec. 3 to Sunday, Dec. 4
The Pipe Shop Building (115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver)
A continuation of September’s Made In Canada event, the Etsy Vancouver Winter Market aims to elevate and support the amazing pool of artists and creative talent our city has to offer. “Vancouver is a haven for passionate and creative individuals and I want to help showcase that,” says Etsy Vancouver team captain Crystal Ho. “Our winter market will allow local talents to bond with their customers and show off their amazing work.”
The Winter Shop at 7e7
Now until Saturday, Dec. 24
L’Atelier St. George (7 East 7th)
Those in the know have become accustomed to the pop-up shops at Le Marché St. George, as well as the opening of L’Atelier St. George in Mount Pleasant. Now, for this holiday season, we’re seeing the launch of a new concept space, 7e7, just two doors down from L’Atelier. 7e7 opened its doors this past weekend, and the Winter Shop is not only the new permanent home to collections like Mandula, The Wild Bunch and (of course) Le Marché co-owner Janaki Larsen’s ceramics, but will also be offering the luxury artisanal goods of locally loved brands like Woodlot, Greybelle, Cloth Studio, Page + Paper and Tribal Rugs, to name a few.
The Eastside Flea Holiday Markets
Friday, Dec. 2 to Sunday, Dec. 4 and Friday, Dec. 16 to Sunday, Dec. 18
The Ellis Building (1024 Main)
From its new digs within the historic Ellis Building, The Eastside Flea continues to be East Van’s must-stop destination for local artisan goods. This holiday season, ESF is hosting multiple weekends dedicated to those looking to show local love while ticking names off their gift list. This market isn’t your regular craft fair, but moreover a full experience. With food trucks, an outdoor courtyard, music, pinball and five rooms to shop local artists, you will definitely be getting more than expected.
Got Craft?
Saturday, Dec. 10 to Sunday, Dec. 11
The Pipe Shop Building (115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver)
This season marks 10 years and 20 markets for Got Craft? on the Vancouver scene. Known for its indie spirit, the event will host over 85 vendors to offer its largest market to date. From a wide variety of artisan goods, to food trucks and fresh coffee, to swag bags and even an interactive DIY workshop in partnership with Collage Collage, Got Craft? shouldn’t be missed. “As one of the first indie craft fairs in Vancouver, we’re so excited to be celebrating 10 years of Got Craft,” write Got Craft? creators and London Fields Shoppe co-owners Andrea and Robert Tucker. “We feel lucky to be part of a community that keeps us feeling inspired and encourages us to raise the bar each year.”
Still hungry for more? Here is an extended list of other stellar holiday markets happening around the city this month!
Dec. 4: River Districr Centre (8683 Kerr)
Dec. 8 - 11: PNE Forum (2901 East Hastings)
• Dana Mooney x Rebecca Chaperon Holiday Studio Sale
Dec. 10: Rebecca Chaperon's studio (2414 Main)
Dec. 10-11: Heritage Hall (3102 Main)
• LYNNsteven X Sweet Bake Shop Holiday Pop Up
Dec. 10-11: LYNNsteven boutique, (225 Carrall)
• Crafty Affaire Holiday Market
Dec. 17: Croatian Cultural Centre (3250 Commercial)
Dec. 18: The Aviary (637 East 15th)
