Photo via @downtowncomox / Instagram
‘Tis (almost) the season of holiday lights, Santa parades, and craft fairs, everyone. With November officially underway, it’s as good a time as any to prepare to do some holiday shopping. And what better way to surprise your loved ones than with a gift that’s locally made?
So with that in mind, here are 8 festive holiday markets to look forward to in BC this year.
From 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday, November 24th, a Christmas tree lighting and winter market will take place at Town Circle on Comox Avenue between Port August and Nordin Streets.
The Mayor Tree Lighting will commence at 5:15 p.m.
When: Friday, November 24th
Where: 215 Port Augusta, Comox
Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without the iconic Vancouver Christmas Market, even if the holiday shopping isn’t the main draw of the event. Sooner than you may think, Jack Poole Plaza will transform into the ultimate winter wonderland, complete with mulled wine, freshly made pretzels, and bratwurst – all thanks to this year’s Vancouver Christmas Market.
When: November 16th to December 24th
Where: 1055 Canada Place
Cost: $14 for advanced bookings
The 42nd Annual Coquitlam Christmas Craft Fair will take place from Friday, December 1st to Sunday, December 3rd this year, and will feature a wide array of locally-made crafts and gifts.
Admission is $5 per adult (free for children), and tickets can be booked online via two-hour time slots.
When: Friday, December 1st to Sunday, December 3rd
Where: 618 Poirier Street, Coquitlam
Cost: $5 admission
From Friday, December 8th to Sunday, December 10th, the Nanaimo Art Gallery store is taking over Art Lab for a massive winter market with all kinds of one-of-a-kind gifts and handmade goods.
The market will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and from noon until 5 p.m. on Sunday. Note that members of the art gallery receive 15% off of all purchases.
When: Friday, December 8th to Sunday, December 10th
Where: 150 Commercial Street, Nanaimo
If you’re looking for a holiday market with multiple dates to shop, you’ll have plenty of time to check out this year’s Polygon Gallery Annual Holiday Shop, which runs from November 15th to January 7th. The gallery’s main floor will once again transform into a beautifully decorated shop with unique vendors, gifts, art, and interactive activities.
When: November 15th to January 7th
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
Also located at the Pipe Shop next month is a special holiday-themed Vancouver Etsy Market, which will feature over 100 local businesses ranging from ceramics to custom charcuterie boards.
Tickets are $5 per adult and are valid on both days that the market runs.
When: Saturday, November 25th and Sunday, November 26th
Where: 115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: $5 admission
Finally, we come to the one-stop shop for your last-minute Christmas shopping needs. Pacific Arts Market is hosting a final holiday market on December 17th from 1 to 5 p.m., complete with live art demos, craft goods, and a visit from Santa.
When: Sunday, December 17th
Where: 1448 West Broadway, Vancouver
Cost: $11.98 admission
And that’s a wrap on some exciting holiday markets to look forward to in BC this year. Happy shopping!
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