With the air growing crisper and the days feeling shorter, it can only mean one thing — the holiday season is nearly upon us.
Can’t wait to start decking the halls and getting in the holiday spirit? Here are some festive markets and fairs to look forward to in the upcoming weeks:
Christmas in the Country Artisan and Craft Market
Come enjoy a festive selection of handmade items, upcycled furnishings, and delicious baked goods, all in a quaint country setting! Although the market is free, they are collecting donations for the Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank, and encourage everyone to bring a non-perishable food item.
- When: Saturday, November 24th – Sunday, November 25th, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Where: 1841 John Rd, North Saanich
- Admission: Free
38th Annual Dickens Holiday Fair
Don’t be a Scrooge—come check out over 60 local artisans who will be featuring an assortment of delicious food, unique gifts, and gorgeous holiday decorations. If that’s not enough, there will also be free draws, door prizes, activities for kids including live chickens for them to pet and cuddle.
- When: Saturday, December 1st, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Where: James Bay Community Centre, 140 Oswego Street
- Admission: $2 for adults, kids under 12 get in free
32nd Annual Calico Christmas Market
Attendees can come check out a showcase of handcrafted, high quality goods from 90 local artisans, all under one roof.
- When: Saturday, November 10th and Sunday, November 11th, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Where: Spectrum High School, 957 Burnside Rd W, Victoria
- Admission: $5 for the weekend, kids 12 and under are free
November Noel Christmas Fair
This event in Deep Cove has a lot to offer, including artisan vendors, face painting, a Christmas craft table, baked goods, a silent auction, cupcake walks, a gallery, and a festive lunch.
- When: Saturday, November 17th, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Where: St. John’s United Church, 10990 West Saanich Road, Sidney
- Admission: Free
Tillicum Christmas Market
Come support a Tillicum Community school by shopping from local artisans and small businesses for baked goods, gifts, and more.
- When: Saturday, November 17th, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Where: Tillicum Community School
- Admission: Free
Cathedral Christmas Bazaar
The Cathedral Christmas Bazaar is a perennial favourite for stocking up on home baking, preserves, crafts, jewelry, and gifts. Enjoy some good old-fashioned value and quality combined with some new craft ideas and a silent auction.
- When: Saturday, November 17th, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Where: Christ Church Cathedral School
- Admission: Free
Highlands Winter Craft Fair
Celebrating its fifth year, this fair will feature tables of arts and crafts from local artisans at the historic Highlands Community Museum.
- When: Sunday, November 18th, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Where: Highlands Community Museum in the Caleb Pike Heritage Park
- Admission: Free
St. George’s Christmas Fair
The whole church will be bustling with Christmas festivities, including a book sale, silent auction, complementary coffee, baked goods, preserves, a delicious lunch, and a children’s holiday village. It’ll be a day packed with community fun, great shopping, and the scents and sounds of Christmas!
- When: Saturday, November 24th, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Where: St. George Church, 3909 St. George’s Lane
- Admission: Free
Victorian Christmas Craft Fair
Celebrate Christmas in true Victorian style by browsing everything from handmade decor to baked goods. To top it off, there’s plenty of unique Christmas decorations on display to deck out your halls with!
- When: Saturday, November 17th, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, November 18th, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. - Where: Saanich Commonwealth Place, 4636 Elk Lake Drive
- Admission: $3 for the weekend
Magic of Christmas Craft Fair
Returning for its fourth year, this fair will showcase 100 vendors with everything from artisan goods, handcrafted gifts, clothing, jewelry, bath & body, home furnishings, preservatives, children’s clothing, toys, food and more. There will also be a kids area with crafts, face painting and a visit from Santa. Proceeds from admission and the silent auction will go to the Santas Anonymous Society.
- When: Saturday, November 24th and Sunday, November 25th, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Where: Eagle Ridge Centre, 1089 Langford Pkwy, Langford
- Admission: Suggested donation of $2 per person
Oaklands West Coast Winter Market
There will be live music, an Oaklands Community Association concession stand selling warm food and drinks, food trucks, artisans, farmers, child vendors, and more. Proceeds from the market helps to raise funds for the Oaklands Sunset Market, so admission is by donation.
- When: Saturday, December 1st, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Where: Oaklands Community Centre 1-2827 Belmont Avenue
- Admission: Suggested donation $3
41st Annual Creative Craft Fair
Attended by thousands of visitors each year, the fair offers over 125 exhibitors presenting crafts, gourmet food, fine art, photography, clothing, glass art, jewellery, bath and beauty products, woodwork, high quality imports and much more.
- When: Friday, November 9th, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday, November 10th, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, November 11th, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. - Where: Pearkes Rec Centre, 3100 Tillicum Road
- Admission: $6 per day, or $6.50 for all three days, and free for children under 12
43rd Annual Holiday Gifts Galore Christmas Sale
In its 43rd year, this event features a variety of items including quilts, baked goods, jam, pottery, soap, knitwear, toys, aromatherapy, glassware, jewellery, men’s items, and Christmas decorations. There will also be live music to enjoy while browsing all of the locally-made goods.
- When: Saturday, November 10th, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday, November 11th, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. - Where: St. Joseph’s School Gym, 757 Burnside Rd West, Victoria
- Admission: Free
Metchosin Hall Christmas Craft Fair
Come show your community pride and support over 25 vendors selling an assortment of art, photography, preserves, and pottery. Concessions are free, and all proceeds from table rentals will go to the upkeep of the Metchosin Community Hall.
- When: Saturday, November 17th and Sunday, November 18th, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Where: Metchosin Community Hall, 4401 William Head Rd
- Admission: Free admission
Vintage Holiday Fair
Scoop up some retro holiday decorations, ornaments and more for you and your home from over 40 different vendors, all while enjoying vintage-style entertainment. The first 50 attendees on both days will be eligible for free gift bags of vintage jewelry and treats, and all guests will be given a free pin (while supplies last).
- When: Friday, November 9th, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday, November 10th, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. - Where: The Da Vinci Centre, 195 Bay St,
- Admission: For one day, $5 for adults and $4 for seniors and students. For two days, $7 for adults and $5 for seniors and students. Kids 12 and under get in free
Doncaster Holiday Craft Fair
A community staple for more than 25 years, this fair offers over 100 tables of handmade crafts by local artists including cards, jewelry, knitting, woodwork, baked goods, chocolates, ornaments, toys, sewing and more. Food hamper donations are welcome.
- When: Saturday, November 24th, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Where: 1525 Rowan St, Victoria
- Admission: Free
A Touch of Salt Spring Craft & Art Show
With over 230 crafters and artisans, this fair is the largest attended arts and crafts show on Vancouver Island. If you are looking for unique and thoughtful gifts for the holiday season, make it a point to come see the show.
- When: Friday, November 30th, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
December 1st, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
December 2nd, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. - Where: Saanich Fairgrounds, 1528 Stellys Cross Road, Saanichton
- Admission: $5 for a three day pass
The Owl Designer Fair
Come for the one of a kind vendors and stay for the live music, food trucks, and free craft workshops for all ages. There will be handmade gifts for everyone on your list from local designers, ceramics artists, woodworkers, jewellers, knitters, and candle makers.
- When: Friday, November 23rd, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturday, November 24th, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. - Where: Fernwood NRG, 1240 Gladstone Avenue, Victoria
- Admission: $3 for adults, kids are free
Moss Street Holiday Market
This market features over 80 vendors offering locally-made crafts, cards, art, clothing, jewelry, household items, winter vegetables, apple cider, and much more.
- When: Thursday, December 8th and Friday, December 9th, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Where: Fairfield Gonzales Community Association buildings (1330 Fairfield Rd), the Garry Oak Room, and the Sir James Douglas School gym
- Admission: Free
Winter Craft Fair for Emerging Artists
This craft fair is designed to highlight the talents of both low-income and emerging artists, many of whom have never had the chance to sell their creations to the public before. It’s a cash-only event, and the raffle and refreshments are by donation.
- When: Saturday, November 17th, 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Where: First Metropolitan Church Hall at 932 Balmoral Road
- Admission: Free
Did we miss any? Comment below to let us know!
