10 Best Christmas Markets in Western Canada

‘Tis the season for holiday craft fairs with food trucks and Christmas music galore … but which markets to choose?

There seems to be an endless supply of Christmas markets to attend, each with its own unique charm. But it’s impossible to attend all of them, so narrow down your holiday shopping stops with this list of 10 of our favourite craft fairs happening this season in Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary. 

Vancouver

Artisan Edibles Holiday Pop-up Shop

When: Dec. 3-4 and 9-11Where: Les Amis du Fromage, 843 E HastingsAdmission: FreeArtisan Edibles teams up with French trained Chef Ann Kirsebom for a two-weekend culinary event. For sale are gourmet jellies, chocolates, cheeses and more, making this pop-up the perfect gift stop for the foodies in your life.

Enchant Light Maze and Market

Photo: Enchant Light Maze and MarketWhen: Nov. 25 – Dec. 31Where: 1^st and Crowe Street, between Cambie Bridge and Olympic VillageAdmission: $14.95 – Youth, $19.95 – AdultsThe main attraction here is the 55,000 square feet of lights and sculptures—the world’s largest light maze. Along with it comes a market with more than 40 local artisans and food and drink vendors galore—the perfect combination for an enchanting holiday evening.

Vancouver Christmas Market

When: Nov. 26 – Dec. 31Where: 1055 Canada PlaceAdmission: $4 – Youth, $8 – AdultsThis 7^th annual German-inspired Christmas market is based in European traditions and as such, takes place in the closest thing we have to a public square. It features traditional folk music performances, activities for kids (and playful adults) such as a Christmas carousel and DIY craft booths, and authentic German cuisine (sausages! spaetzle!) prepared on site.

Make It Vancouver

When: Dec. 8 -11Where: PNE Forum, 2901 E. HastingsAdmission: $7Featuring almost 300 vendors, Make It is a craft fair with contemporary personality. It includes live entertainment, food trucks and a full-service beer garden along with its impressive range of artists.

Shiny Fuzzy Muddy

Photo: Shiny Fuzzy MuddyWhen: Dec. 10-11Where: Heritage Hall, 3102 Main StreetAdmission: $3Shiny Fuzzy Muddy has been around in Vancouver since 2003 and unlike many other craft fairs, makes an effort to remain small. Up to 30 vendors are invited to the event to showcase their work and promote craftsmanship and handmade creativity.

Calgary

Little Modern Market

When: Nov. 26Where: Rally Pointe, 11511 35 St. SEAdmission: $5A sweet and simple affair: the Little Modern Market runs for only one day and features almost 100 vendors. They aim to create a friendly, modern atmosphere for local artists and shoppers alike. Photo: Little Modern Market

Market Collective

When: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Nov. 25- Dec.18Where: Chinese Cultural Centre, 197 1 St. SWAdmission: FreeThis holiday market is the last of the several yearly shows that this Calgary craft collective puts on, focusing on community-building and promoting local artists, designers, and musicians. It goes on for four weekends, with some artisans appearing only once – check the full list to make sure your favourite vendor will be there when you are.

Festival of Crafts

When: Dec. 8-11Where: BMO Centre, Stampede ParkAdmission: $5 – Youth, $7 – AdultsThis four-day event features artists from all over Canada, from home décor to sculpture to handmade gourmet food and desserts. With over 250 booths in a dozen categories, you might need to take the whole weekend to see everything. Photo: Vancouver Christmas Market

Edmonton

Make It Edmonton

When: Nov. 24-27Location: Northlands EXPO Centre, 7515 118^th Ave. NWAdmission: $5Just like Make-It Vancouver, but this show takes place in Edmonton and features 25 additional Alberta-only artists.

Butterdome Craft Sale

When: Dec. 1-4Where: University of Alberta, ButterdomeAdmission: $5 – Youth, $7 – AdultsGlassblowers, potters, hatmakers, chocolatiers, woodworkers and more have been showcasing their work at the Butterdome market for the past 25 years. Newly added is the prizing program, which automatically enters all visitors in a raffle to win a craft-market shopping spree or items donated by some of the nearly 300 artisans. 

Which craft fair is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below!