Whether you’re searching for a one-of-a-kind gift or that elusive holiday spirit, these makers’ markets are guaranteed to put you in a festive mood.
45th Annual Creative Craft Fair
November 8 to 10, Pearkes Rec Centre
Join the thousands of attendees at this three-day fair featuring more than 125 exhibitors selling crafts, gourmet food, fine art, photography, clothing, glass art, jewelry, bath and beauty products, wine, spirits and fine woodwork.
Yuletide Christmas Craft Market
Weekends, November 8 to December 15, Christmas Night Market, December 16 to 19, Bilston Creek Farm
Over seven weekends, this pretty farm in Metchosin offers retail pop-ups featuring a rotating list of more than 90 local vendors, so there’s something new each weekend, along with food, drink and cozy fire pits in the orchard. Then, the week before Christmas, the Christmas Night Market adds romance to the holiday season.
Rockin around the Vintage Christmas Tree Holiday Fair
November 16, Da Vinci Centre
Prefer to go old school? This is where to find vintage clothing, toys, kitchenware, pop culture items, sports memorabilia, comic books, video games and more.
Owl Designer Fair
November 23 and 24, Fernwood NRG
This annual community craft show features terrific local musicians and food trucks as well as handy gifts — plus it supports local non-profits.
Local Folk Holiday Fairs
November 24 and December 1, SeaCider
More than just a market — though it’s that, too — these magical indoor-outdoor fairs also feature wreath-making, garland-making, reusable gift-wrapping, a kids’ creation station, live folk music, wandering carollers and warming food and drink options including mulled cider. Note that partial proceeds go to a local charity.
Out of Hand Modern Market
November 29 to December 1, Crystal Garden
Browse through works by more than 100 of the best artists and makers in Western Canada at this much-anticipated holiday market, which celebrates its 35th anniversary this year.
Touch of Salt Spring Crafts & Art Show
December 6 to 8, Saanich Fairgrounds
From small beginnings on Salt Spring Island in 1991, today this is the biggest and best-attended arts and crafts show in the islands, and features more than 200 crafters and artisans.
Dickens Fair
December 7, James Bay Community Centre
Even Ebenezer Scrooge would be tempted by the toys, jewelry, festive food and more from dozens of artisan vendors at this beloved, 40-plus-year-old Victoria tradition.