Whether you’re looking to get a jump on holiday shopping or find that perfect item for everyone on your list, these local holiday-themed craft fairs are a perfect way to support local artisans while finding unique treasures.
Here is a roundup of some of the events taking place across the region over the coming weeks.
Nov. 3 to 5
Annual Art and Craft Fair
St. Paul’s United Church, 2410 Malaview Ave., Sidney
Friday (Nov. 3) from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Saturday (Nov. 4) from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Our fair proudly hosts handmade works by local craftspeople, artisans, makers, and bakers for two days of relaxing and festive fun. Free entry, free parking, wheelchair accessible.
For more information, email magnolia4events@gmail.com.
39th Annual Strawberry Vale Craft Fair
Friday (Nov. 3) from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday (Nov. 4) and Sunday (Nov. 5).
Strawberry Vale Community Club, 11 High St., View Royal
Lots of gift ideas by local handmade juried artisans. Choose from art, body care products, jewelry, knitting, canning, cards, pottery, children’s clothing, glasswork, wood, Christmas items, fabric art, food services, baking, sweet treats and much more.
For more information, go to svcraftfair.com.
Read Locally Book Fair
Saturday (Nov. 4) from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
First Metropolitan Church Hall, 932 Balmoral Rd., Victoria
Local independent writers sell their own books. Children’s lit, mysteries, romance, sci-fi, non-fiction, etc. There’s something for everyone on your Christmas gift list at this unique “craft” fair.
Christmas at the Lake Craft Fair
Saturday (Nov. 4) from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Prospect Lake Hall, 5358 Sparton Rd., Saanich
More than 50 per cent new exhibitors with a large community bake table.
Admission is $2 and children 12 and under are free.
For more information, go to pldca.com.
Cordova Bay Art Group Show and Sale
Saturday (Nov. 4) from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Cordova Bay Elementary School, 5238 Cordova Bay Rd., Saanich
The Cordova Bay Art Group is having an art show and sale in the Annex adjacent to Cordova Bay Elementary School. Group members work in various mediums including oil, acrylic, watercolour, pastel, and mixed media. The show will feature original artwork, art cards and more. Come out and see the work of these very talented artists. A portion of the proceeds support the Cordova Bay 55-plus Association.
First Chance Christmas Craft Show
Saturday (Nov. 4) from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday (Nov. 5) from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Ave., Sidney
Daily $200 vendor shopping spree giveaway. Glorious food, live music and hourly prize draws.
For more information, go to firstandlastchance.ca.
Spectrum Band 5th Annual Christmas Market
Saturday (Nov. 4) and Sunday (Nov. 5) from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Spectrum High School, 957 Burnside Rd. West, Saanich
Door prizes, raffle, bake sale, food trucks, and more than 75 vendors with all proceeds going to the Spectrum music program.
Parking is free and admission is $3 or free for children under 12.
Oak Bay Artists’ Studio Tour
Saturday (Nov. 4) and Sunday (Nov. 5)
A free, self-guided tour through the homes of many of Oak Bay’s visual artists.
For more information, go to oakbay.ca/events.
Swan Lake Winter Craft Sale
Saturday (Nov. 4) and Sunday (Nov. 5) from noon until 4 p.m.
Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary Society, 3873 Swan Lake Rd., Saanich
Come join us at our annual Winter Craft Fair. Featuring beautiful creations by the Silver Swans, this includes hand-crafted linens, table decor, quilts, tree ornaments, stockings and more. Perfect for your home or holiday gifts. All proceeds from the sale are donated to Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary.
Free admission and parking.
Juan de Fuca 55+ Activity Centre Craft Fair
Saturday (Nov. 4) and Sunday (Nov. 5) from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Juan de Fuca 55+ Activity Center (Building 3), 1767 Island Hwy., Colwood
Begin your Christmas season by experiencing a true Christmas craft fair. Come browse the 30-plus tables of items lovingly and artfully made by members. As well as traditional craft items such as quilting, knitting, weaving, jewelry, home preserves, greeting cards, and decorations (Christmas and general), there will also be paper tole, woodworking, pottery and much more. Pick up some surprise gifts for just a toonie and enter our raffles. Cash only. Admission is free.
WestCoast Locals
November and December
Tillicum Centre, 3170 Tillicum Rd., Saanich
A collective of local artisans have come together for the second year to make up the WestCoast Locals popup inside the Tillicum Centre. Open six days a week during mall hours (closed Mondays) for November and December.
Nov. 10 to 12
44th Annual Creative Craft Fairs
Friday (Nov. 10) from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m., Saturday (Nov. 11) from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday (Nov. 12) from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Pearkes Recreation Centre, 3100 Tillicum Rd., Saanich
The 44th annual show features an extravaganza of outstanding Christmas arts, crafts and demonstrations with more than 125 professional exhibitors.
Admission is $6.75 or $7.50 for the entire weekend. Children under 12 are free if accompanied by an adult.
For more information, go to creativecraftfairs.com.
Nomad Market Events Holiday Market
Friday (Nov. 10) from 4 to 8 p.m., Saturday (Nov. 11) from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Sunday (Nov. 12) from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Songhess Wellness Centre, 1100 Admirals Rd., Songhees Nation
More than 60 artisans, door prizes, food trucks, live music, a food drive for the CoolAid Society, and more.
Calico Christmas Market
Saturday (Nov. 11) and Sunday (Nov. 12) from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Spectrum School, 957 Burnside Rd. W., Saanich
Featuring more than 100 artisans with food trucks and a Canucks ticket prize draw.
Admission is $5 for the weekend with children under 12 free.
Find the Calico Christmas Market on Facebook and Instagram for more information.
Nov. 17 to 19
All Sooke Arts and Crafts Christmas Show
Friday (Nov. 17) from noon until 7 p.m., Saturday (Nov. 18) from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday (Nov. 19) from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Sooke Community Hall, 2037 Sheilds Rd., Sooke
Three days of crafty gift shopping and door prizes with over 60 artisans at the fully accessible Sooke Community Hall. Food service by Sooke Harbourside Lions. Santa will also be there for photos.
For more information, go to allsookeartsandcrafts.com.
Artisan Pop-up Market
Saturday (Nov. 18) from 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.
Monterey Recreation Centre, 1442 Monterey Ave., Oak Bay
Join us in the lobby for our local artisans market. Come and support local artists and find one-of-a-kind gifts and treasures.
For more information, call 250-370-7300.
St. Luke’s Church Christmas Bazaar
Saturday (Nov. 18) from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
St. Luke’s Church, 3821 Cedar Hill X Rd., Saanich
Jewelry, antiques, needlework, books, toys, baking, jams, silent auction, vintage clothing, accessories, Christmas decor, white elephant sale and more.
For more information, call 250-592-2842.
Highlands Winter Craft Fair
Saturday (Nov. 18) from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Two locations include the Highlands Community Hall, 729 Finlayson Arm Rd., and the Caleb Pike Heritage Park, 1589 Millstream Rd.
Held annually in the beautiful District of Highlands, it’s an event not to be missed.
For more information, go to facebook.com/highlandswintercraftfair.
Christmas Craft Fair
Saturday (Nov. 18) from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Emmanuel Baptist Church, 2121 Cedar Hill Cross Rd., Victoria
Forty tables of a variety of crafters from the community with knit or crocheted items, jewelry, baking, wooden crafts, pottery, fluid art, ornaments, paper crafts and gifts. There will be lots of stocking stuffers and gift baskets as well as a concession. Note some vendors only accept cash.
Magic of Christmas Artisan Market
Saturday (Nov. 18) and Sunday (Nov. 19) from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
City Centre Park, 1089 Langford Pkwy., Langford
Featuring 130 handmade businesses.
Admission is $3.
The Owl Designer Fair
Saturday (Nov. 18) from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday (Nov. 19) from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Fernwood Community Centre, 1240 Gladstone Ave., Victoria
The Owl Designer Fair is one of Victoria’s finest holiday fairs offering handmade gifts from local artisans, live music, and free craft workshops. Support your friends and neighbours by shopping locally.
For more information, go to owlfair.com.
Commonwealth Pool Victorian Christmas Craft Fair
Saturday (Nov. 18) from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday (Nov. 19) from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Commonwealth Place, 4636 Elk Lake Drive, Saanich
Admission is $5 and free for children under 12.
For more information, call 250-818-7109.
Please note, there is no ATM at the pool.
Christmas Vintage, Retro and Collectible Show/Sale
Sunday (Nov. 19) from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Ave., Sidney
This is the best place to start your Christmas shopping.
Admission is $5 (cash at the door) or $20 at 8:30 a.m. for special early bird entry.
For more information, go to vintageretrocollectible.ca.
Nov. 24 to 26
West Coast Winter Market
Saturday (Nov. 25) from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Oaklands Community Association, 2827 Belmont Ave., Victoria
Celebrate the season at Oaklands’ annual winter market. Enjoy 70 fabulous vendors, hot coffee and the chance to take home a prize at our silent auction.
Admission is by donation with $5 suggested.
For more information, go to oaklands.life.
Lake Hill Community Craft Fair
Saturday (Nov. 25) from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Lake Hill Elementary School, 1031 Lucas Ave., Saanich
The Lake Hill PAC is hosting a craft fair in the gym with a variety of vendors from the community.
Admission is $2 at the door are kids are free.
For more information, email lakehillpac@gmail.com.
22nd Annual Holiday Market and Silent Auction
Saturday (Nov. 25) from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Cook Street Village Activity and Wellness Centre, 380 Cook St., Victoria
Gifts, crafts, food and more. Mama Nadia’s Kitchen will be providing takeaway lunches.
For more information, call 250-384-6542
Christmas in the Manger Annual Artisan Craft Fair
Saturday (Nov. 25) and Sunday (Nov. 26) from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Saanich Fairground, 1528 Stelly’s Cross Rd., Central Saanich
More than 120 approved vendors transform the Saanich Fairgrounds. The event also features a farm animal display and a gingerbread house with hot food and beverages also on offer.
Admission is $3 daily (kids six and under free) with lots of free parking.
For more information, go to saanichfair.ca.
Artistic Craft Market
Saturday (Nov. 25) from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Sunday (Nov. 26) from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Da Vinci Centre, 195 Bay St., Victoria
Over 40 artistic crafters, a food truck, door prizes and live music.
Admission is $5 at the door for the weekend and the event doubles as a toy drive.
For more information, go to nomadmarketevents.com.
Esquimalt Farmers Market Holiday Market
Sunday (Nov. 26) from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Esquimalt Rec Centre, 527 Fraser St., Esquimalt.
Shop local at this seasonal farmers’ market.
For more information, go to esquimaltmarket.com.
2nd Annual Christmas Market at the Farm
Sunday (Nov. 26) from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Gamalo Acres, 6120 Hunt Rd., Central Saanich
Dec. 1 to 3
The 42nd Dicken Fair
Saturday (Dec. 2) from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
James Bay Community Centre, 140 Oswego St., Victoria
More than 60 juried crafters and food vendors with door prizes and a cafe.
For more information, go to jamesbaymarket.com/dickens-fair.
Winter Bazaar
Saturday (Dec. 2) and Sunday (Dec. 3) from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Gorge Park Pavillion, 1070 Tillicum Rd., Esquimalt
The new Gorge Park Pavilion will be transformed to host an artisan market featuring 90-plus artists with locally handmade gifts. Vendors will have Indigenous art, botanical perfumes, local coffee, clothing, pottery, jewelry, chocolates, Japanese treats, kids clothing and more. Free parking and the event is fully accessible.
Dec. 8 to 10
Last Chance Christmas Craft Show
Friday (Dec. 8) from 2 to 8 p.m., Saturday (Dec. 9) from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday (Dec. 10) from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Ave., Sidney
Daily $200 vendor shopping spree giveaway. Glorious food, live music and hourly prize draws.
For more information, go to firstandlastchance.ca.
Holiday Gifts Galore
Sunday (Dec. 10) from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Royal Canadian Legion #91, 761 Station Ave., Langford
Presented by the Juan de Fuca Arts and Crafts Guild and the Royal Canadian Legion.
Locally hand-made arts and crafts with door prizes.
Admission and parking are free and the site is wheelchair accessible.
For more information, call 250-478-8439.
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