Where to Shop in Vancouver: 2012 Holiday Craft Fairs
The 2012 Holiday Season is Coming
Gone are the oranges and blacks, fake blood and candy corn of the Halloween season. Poppies are springing up around town, and we’re preparing to honour those who served. But Remembrance Day will be over before we know it, and we’ll be gearing up for the holiday season. While it can seem like we are being bombarded with yet another way to spend our hard earned cash, for some the winter season is a time to dust off the old craft box and get started on the gifts we planned to make since last year. For others, it’s a time to buy crafts, and we have the scoop on where to shop in Vancouver. And although Christmas is still many weeks away, it won’t be long before dreams of silver bells and wintery wonderlands are on the minds of most everyone who’s celebrating this holiday season.
Every year it seems, more people I know are getting on the DIY holiday bandwagon. If you have a black thumb for handmade goodies or you’ve sewn your own dress to the one you were ‘making’ for that last minute gift, chances are you need a bit of help. And like most busy moms you’ve not the patience or time to hone your skills into producing lovely works of art you’d be proud to put a handcrafted label on. Not to worry. There are many artisans and crafty types out there selling their wares in this season’s holiday craft fairs. They’re the answer to where to shop in Vancouver.
Make Your Gift Stand Out: Meet the Makers
Handcrafted one-of-a-kind jewellery, or those to-die-for cashmere socks with scarves and slouchy toques to match are such nice gifts to receive. What makes receiving gifts like these even better is knowing who made them. If you aren’t up to the task of making them yourself, then going to craft fairs is a sure way to come face to face with the makers. Ask them about their craft, what kind of materials they use and where they might spend the time making the items. You’ve created an entirely different shopping experience, and you have a gift with a story. Your recipient will remember the effort you made as well. And of course, enjoying the experience matters in gift giving, so make your choice wisely when you’re deciding where to shop in Vancouver this year.
The Best Holiday Fair
The best holiday market in my books is the Vancouver Christmas Market, now in its third year. Get your fill of mulled wine, raclette and beautifully handmade ornaments. Spend time with friends or bring the kids to the Kid’s Market where they can:
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- Enjoy a Christmas carousel ride
- Learn how to personalize their own ginger bread
- Decorate a chocolate lollipop
- Meet Holly & Jolly, the gingerbread mascots
Where to Shop in Vancouver: 2012 Holiday Craft Fairs
There are lots of holiday craft fairs to choose from when you’re deciding where to shop in Vancouver for gifts this holiday season. Here are just a few:
Baker’s Market
Where: Moberly Arts and Cultural Centre, 7646 Prince Albert Street
When: Saturdays until December 7, 2012
Circle Craft Christmas Market
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre West
When: November 7-11, 2012
Make It!
Where: Croation Cultural Centre, 3250 Commercial Drive
When: November 8-11, 2012
Christmas at Hycroft
Where: 1489 McRae Avenue
When: November 15-18, 2012
Santa’s making an early appearance for kids of all ages!
Vancouver Waldorf School Christmas Fair
Where: Vancouver Waldorf School, 2725 St. Christophers Road, North Vancouver
When: November 23-24, 2012
Dunbar Craft Fair
Where: 4747 Dunbar Street, Dunbar Community Centre
When: November 24, 2012
Childminding with free children’s crafts!
Portobello West Holiday Market
Where: Creekside Community Centre, 1 Athlete’s Way
When: November 24-25, 2012
Strathcona Winter Craft Fair
Where: Strathcona Community Centre, 601 Keefer Street
When: November 24-25, 2012
Urban Artisans
Where: Roundhouse Community Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews
When: November 24-25, 2012
Got Craft?
Where: Croation Cultural Centre, 3250 Commercial Drive
When: December 8-9, 2012
Shiny Fuzzy Muddy
Where: Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street
When: December 8-9, 2012
Where is your favourite place to shop for one-of-a-kind, handmade holiday gifts?
Thank you so much Lee-Anne for calling us the best holiday market around Vancouver. It means so much to us. We look forward to seeing you, your family and your wonderful readers attend this year’s market.
Thank you! I am looking forward to seeing you on opening day!
Hi there. Is it too late to list our school’s craft fair here in Richmond on Nov. 28th. This is our 3rd Annual event and we have Crafters, Silent Auction, Green Screen photos with Santa, cake walk, concession, games and prizes.
THOMAS KIDD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL is at the corner of Steveston Hwy and Shell Rd.
Our fair is on Nov 28th from 5:30 to 8:00 pm.
Thanks for helping us get the word out.
Vicki Warfield
You’ve missed the deadline for this article, but by posting it here in the comments you’ve helped other people find it. Hope it’s successful!
Don’t forget the fabulous Bloom Market out in Fort Langley! Dec 1 and 2nd at the Community Hall 9167 Glover rd. Music and great gifts!!!