Quick Guide to 2017 December Craft Markets in Vancouver

Does the thought of stepping into a busy mall during the holiday season make you shudder? Are you sick of buying similar gifts at similar stores each year? Vancouver is lucky to have a thriving DIY (do-it-yourself) community, which hosts several holiday craft markets leading up to the big gift-giving day.

If you’re looking for something a little extra special for a loved one, you’ll be pleased to know that Vancouver has several craft markets scheduled before the end of December. Check out the quick guide below to decide which ones to check out and don’t forget to spend a little extra on something for yourself!

Make It! Vancouver

A fun, upbeat shopping experience that has a huge variety of holiday gifts under one roof. There will be more than 265 exhibitors (Makies) selling handcrafted items. There will also be a beer garden, music, and food trucks for maximum enjoyment!

• Dates: December 7 – 10, 2017
  

• Location: The PNE Forum
  

• Admission: $8 at door ($2 off coupon here)
  

• More info: makeitshow.ca/vancouver

Got Craft? Holiday Edition

A boutique craft event showcasing a selection of the organizers’ favourite handmade designers. Boasting over 80 handmade makers, this more intimate craft fair offers the opportunity to shop one of a kind goods, meet with local makers, and talk about their creative processes. There are also fun DIY workshops throughout the event and the first 50 people get a free swag bag!

• Dates: Saturday, December 9 – Sunday, December 10, 2017

• Location: Maritime Labour Centre (1880 Triumph Street)

• Admission: $3 online (purchase)

• More info: www.gotcraft.com

Eastside Flea Holiday Markets

The Eastside Flea is an eclectic mix of flea market finds and unique handmade items. Each event hosts over 50 local venders selling diverse goods from handmade craftsmen items to vintage clothing, antiques & collectibles, plants, artisan eats & more! You’ll also find food trucks, deejays, pinball machines, a pool table, outdoor courtyard, and other fun things to check out! A great place to find a gift for your really cool cousin.

• Dates: Every weekend until Sunday, December 17, 2017

• Location: Ellis Building (1024 Main Street)

• Admission: $3 admission at the door

• More info: www.eastsideflea.com

Shiny Fuzzy Muddy

A very intimate event, Shiny Fuzzy Muddy limits itself to thirty vendors selling their work at the Heritage Hall on Main Street. The event was created as an antidote to large-scale craft fairs, and aims to present a pleasant shopping atmosphere. With a decided lack of holiday music and kitschy decorations, patrons can be sure to find meaningful objects to enhance the quality of their lives and to meet the designer/makers directly.

• Dates: Saturday, December 9 – Sunday, December 10, 2017

• Location: Heritage Hall (3102 Main Street)

• Admission: $3 admission at the door

• More info: www.shinyfuzzymuddy.com

Fall for Local Holiday Market

FFL is a one-of-kind ‘shop local’ event that prides itself on curating high quality, independent brands. Not only can you shop from over 85 brands, but you can enjoy a free holiday wreath workshop, free gift wrapping station, warm up with free coffee, indulge in a food truck or two, and more!

• Dates: Saturday, December 9 – Sunday, December 10, 2017

• Location: The Pipe Shop (115 Victory Ship Way)

• Admission: $3 online, $5 at the door

• More info: www.shinyfuzzymuddy.com

Weirdos Holiday Market

If you’re looking for something completely different, this is a great place to start! This market unites Vancouver’s most curious local artisans and vendors to showcase an eclectic array of all things unusual, unique, and out of this world to pique your curiosity. Find the most unconventional gifts from the quirky to the macabre for the strange and shrugging folks on your shopping list.

• Dates: Saturday, December 16 – Sunday, December 17, 2017

• Location: Betamax Studios (2244 East Hastings)

• Admission: $2 at the door

• More info: event Facebook page

If you know of any other holiday craft fairs happening around Vancouver, feel free to list them in the comment section below! Happy Shopping :)