Start making that list and checking it twice. The beginning of November correlates with the start of many local Christmas Craft Fairs. During November and December, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to shop locally. Read below for a comprehensive list of holiday fairs and markets found in the Mid-Vancouver Island area.
This list is updated to reflect the 2022 Craft Fair season. Please click on any links provided to ensure the event is still happening before you go.
Early November Christmas Craft Fairs
Nanaimo Professional Craft Fair
Location: Beban Park Social Centre – 2300 Bowen Road, Nanaimo
- Friday, November 4 – 2:00 – 7:00 pm
- Saturday, November 5 – 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday, November 6 – 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
This event is Nanaimo’s earliest Christmas craft fair. This year, Nanaimo Professional and Once Upon a Craft Fair are joining forces to bring you a spectacular craft fair for 2022. You will also have a chance to win hourly door prizes, and there will be fun activities for the kids.
Admission: $5.00 per adult. Children are free. $1.00 from each ticket is donated to a local charity.
For more information, including which vendors to expect, visit: Nanaimo Professional Craft Fair.
River City Christmas Market
Location: Community Center ( 401-11th Ave Campbell River)
When: Saturday, November 5 & 6 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Head to the Campbell River Community Center for two days of holiday shopping. There will be two halls of vendors, and a concession stand will be open.
Holiday Winter Market
Location: Glenwood Centre – 4480 Vimy St, Port Alberni
- Saturday, November 5th from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday, November 6th from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Head to this two-day event in Port Alberni for all your holiday shopping needs. Free admission and free draws, plus an amazing variety of vendors.
Christmas in the Valley
Location: Alberni Athletic Hall – 3727 Roger Street, Port Alberni
- Friday, November 11 from 3:00 – 7:00 pm
- Saturday, November 12 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday, November 13 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
The Alberni Valley Craft Fair Association is hosting its 50th annual Christmas Craft Fair this November.
This is the oldest and largest fair hosted in Port Alberni. There are 50 booth areas with between 75 and 100 artisans and crafters. All crafts are made by the vendors. This event is not to be missed.
Free admission and wheelchair accessibility.
Mid-Late November Christmas Craft Fairs & Markets
Knox “Perfect Gift” Christmas Craft Fair
Location: Knox United Church – 345 Pym Street, Parksville
When: Saturday, November 19th from 9:30 – 3:30
This fair has become a highly anticipated event in Oceanside for many and is a sign that Christmas festivities are underway. Get an early start on your Christmas shopping as you browse through 8 rooms filled with 80 talented local crafters and entrepreneurs. You’re bound to find some “Perfect Gifts” for the holiday season.
The fair also offers Festive Music and a delicious lunch of soup, sandwiches, chilli and sweets at the Concession.
Free Admission
Please be aware that there are various parking restrictions in the church neighbourhood. At past events, cars have been ticketed when parked too close to residents’ driveways, in the No Parking zones, on bicycle routes, by fire hydrants, and at bus stops.
Please bring your own shopping bags when possible. Knox also strives to present a scent-free facility. For the comfort of all, your cooperation is most appreciated.
Christmas Chaos Arts & Crafts Market
Location: Cowichan Community Centre – 2687 James St, Duncan
- Thursday, November 17 from 12:00 – 7:00 pm
- Friday, November 18 from 12:00 – 8:00 pm
- Saturday, November 19 from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday, November 20 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Celebrating 42 years of bringing exciting Christmas arts and crafts fairs to the Cowichan Valley. With over 120 vendors, Santa’s Workshop, food, entertainment, and raffles, there’s sure to be something for everyone. This year promises to be another great event with familiar favourites as well as many new vendors. Shoppers will find a wide range of unique products including; home décor, specialty foods, baked goods, pottery and art, fabric and fibre designs, clothing, jewelry, beauty and body care products, local wine and spirits, and of course holiday decorations. Also included are daily raffles, and more!
This event is wheelchair accessible and has free admission.
Geeky Christmas Market
Location: Native Sons Hall – 360 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay
When: Friday, November 18 from 3:00 – 9:00 pm
If you are looking for something SPECIAL for your favourite Geek…look no further than the Christmas Geek Market. The Comox Valley Geek Society has put together this unique market with vendors all related to some form of Geek. It’s a flea market with all things geeky, with board games, clothing, vintage geek items, Dungeons & Dragons items, homemade toys, apparel & more. You can even get a picture with a Darth Vader with a Santa hat by donation.
Yellow Point Artisan Tour
Location: Various locations around Cedar and Yellow Point
A variety of amazing artisans and farms will be waiting to help you celebrate the Christmas season on this self-guided tour. As you drive around the area, look for the Cedar Yellow Point Artisan tour logo. For more information and a downloadable map and brochure, please visit the Cedar Yellow Point Artisans website.
This is a self-guided tour, so there is no admission.
- Thursday, November 17th – Sunday, November 20th from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
AND
- Thursday, November 24th – Sunday, November 28th from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Woodgrove’s Winter Market Place
Where: Woodgrove Mall (located beside La Senza)
When:
- November 18 – 20
- November 25 – 27
- December 2 – 4
- December 9 – 11
The Mom Market Vancouver Island is hosting a Christmas vendor market inside Woodgrove Centre. Join them for a winter wonderland each weekend for a fantastic shopping opportunity. Free admission ~ Grand Prizes ~ Music ~ Christmas cocktails/ Mocktails ~ and so much more! And remember, this market isn’t just for Moms!
Cumberland Winterfaire
Location: Check-in at the Cumberland Museum & Archives, 2680 Dunsmuir Street.
When: November 19 & 20 from 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Support local artisans and gifted makers at the Cumberland Museum & Archives Winterfaire. This event celebrates the tradition of handmade goods, homemade food and festival music over two days at three locations in the heart of downtown Cumberland. Winterfaire provides an excellent opportunity to buy one-of-a-kind holiday gifts directly from local artists and makers while supporting a charitable organization.
Admission is by donation, with all funds raised supporting the work of the Cumberland Museum & Archives.
South Wellington Country Christmas Craft Sale
Location: South Wellington Cranberry Fire Hall Gym (1555 Morden Road)
When: Sunday, November 20 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Head to south Nanaimo (approximately 1 km south of the Duke Point ferry exit) for a day of shopping and to support local crafters!
Parksville Community Market
Location: Parksville Community Centre (223 Mill Street)
When: Each Sunday from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm (the last market of 2022 is Sunday, December 18)
Head to Parksville on a Sunday afternoon and hit up the Community Market. This small market showcases locally grown and made items supporting local farmers and artisans.
This market is planning on operating year-round, and the first one of 2023 will be on Sunday, January 8th.
Bucket List Winter Market
Location: 40 Knots Vineyard and Estate Winery (2400 Anderton Road, Comox)
When: Tue, Nov 22, 2022 – Thu, Nov 24 from 1:00 – 7:00 pm each day
This unique market brings you experiences rather than things and showcases vendors who offer these experiences. Admission is free, and there will be amazing giveaways of up to $2000!
Ladysmith Christmas Craft & Artisan Fair
Location: Aggie Hall (1110 1st Ave)
When: Thursday, November 24 starting @ 3:00 pm
Coinciding with the famous Ladysmith Light-Up, the Christmas Craft & Artisan Fair is not to be missed! It’s a full afternoon/evening of everything Christmas!
- 3 pm: Christmas Craft and Artisan Fair @ Aggie Hall
- 4 pm: Street entertainment and concessions
- 4:30 to 6:15 pm: Stage Entertainment
- 6:30 pm: Santa arrives – lights are turned on!
- 6:45 pm: Light Up parade starts from 1st Avenue to Aggie Hall
Winterfest
Location: Qualicum Beach Civic Centre – 747 Jones Street, Qualicum Beach
- Friday, November 25 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday, November 26 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday, November 27 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Qualicum’s Winterfest Craft Fair is a Celtic-themed event full of live entertainment, a local artist showcase, a Haggis Hunt for children, and more.
This fair offers artisans who produce a wide range of high-quality products, from clothing and
A portion of your entrance fee will go to one of three local community groups.
Cost: Tickets are $4.00 – enjoy a free shortbread cookie. More information can be found by visiting the website of Winterfest.
Moonlight Madness
Location: Qualicum Beach
When: Friday, November 25th from 5:30 – 9:00 pm
Tis the Season at Moonlight Madness in Qualicum Beach. Enjoy live music throughout town, Santa Claus & Carolers, “Sip & Savor” @ Top of 2nd Avenue, Merridale Cider & QB Cafe.
Comox Winter Market
Location: Downtown Comox
When: Friday, November 25th from 3:00 – 7:00 pm
Coinciding with the annual Mayor Tree Lighting evening of events, don’t miss this winter market!
- Local Merchants open until 7:00 pm
- Photos with Santa in the newly designed photo booth by Jam & Co.
- Mayor Minions lighting the Christmas Tree at 5:15 pm
- Entertainment by Rumblejam Grooves and DJ Michael
- Rotary Club of the Comox Valley serving popcorn (by donation)
A Very Merry Artisan Christmas Market
Where: Qualicum Beach Community Hall (644 Memorial Drive)
When: Saturday, November 26th from 5:00 – 8:00 pm; and, Sunday, November 27th from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
The 5th annual Very, Merry Artisan Christmas Market is an all-local mid-island artisan market. You can find jewellery, home decor, wine, soaps and even locally made food, plus a whole lot more. Admission proceeds go towards the Oceanside Hospice Society.
As Winterfest (mentioned above) is also happening on the same day and nearby, make a day of it and shop to your heart’s content in the charming village of Qualicum Beach.
Parksville Metaphysical Fair
Location: Community Center – 223 Mills St (behind Starbucks)
When: Saturday, November 26th from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Healers, Readers, Crystals, gifts and much more. Lots of great gift ideas for that special person.
Free Admission. Free draw for door prizes.
For more info, contact: Eva Grodt at 250 954 1002 or 250 228 1009.
Lantzville Christmas Market
Location: Costin Hall (7232 Lantzville Road)
When: Saturday, November 26 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Seaside Community Society is happy to host another Christmas Market at Costin Hall. Please join them for some holiday shopping. Admission is free and all of the vendors offer handmade items.
Photography, woodworking, pottery, delicious treats, clothing, and so much more.
Deck the Hall Christmas Market
Location: Cowichan Exhibition Centre – 7380 Trans Canada Hwy, Duncan
- Friday, November 25 from 2:00 – 8:00 pm
- Saturday, November 26 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Sunday, November 27 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
The annual “Deck the Hall” Christmas Market is back again for its 10th event!
The market welcomes over 100 artisans from all over Vancouver Island and is the perfect opportunity to get your Christmas shopping done while supporting local businesses. From jewelry, textiles and accessories, to hand-crafted wooden signs, pottery and food items, there is sure to be something for everyone on your list, even your pet.
Admission to Deck the Hall is free, and there is a concession on-site. Be sure to enjoy some tunes by local musicians to get you into the holiday spirit, and don’t forget to enter the draw for a door prize. It’s an event you won’t want to miss!
Youbou Christmas Craft Fair
Location: Youbou Community Hall (8550 Hemlock Street)
When: Saturday, November 26 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
For handmade gifts and festive treats, head to Youbou! Get a head start on your Christmas shopping at their annual craft fair. Lots of handmade goods, as well as home party show items.
December Christmas Craft Fairs and Markets
It’s a Fair Holiday Market
Location: Kinsmen Community Center (4102 Hollywood St, Port Alberni)
When: Friday, December 2 from 5:00 – 9:00 pm
Over 20 vendors to shop from. Light snacks and beverages will be available on site. There will also be a Twoonie Auction and a Purse Auction.
Black Creek Winter Market
Location: Black Creek Community Centre – 2001 Black Creek Road
When: Saturday, December 3 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Join the Black Creek community this holiday season for your holiday shopping. The rustic country setting provides a cozy and relaxed atmosphere as you hunt for the perfect gifts for your loved ones.
Coombs Christmas Market
Location: Coombs Fairground – 1014 Ford Road, Coombs
When: December 3 & 4 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Come find that perfect gift for your family and friends. There will be plenty of great artisan crafts, gourmet food items and gift ideas for a handmade, local Christmas! This year there will be over 60 vendors.
And this year, enjoy a very special addition: the Elf Cottage.
The charming Heritage Hall will feature young entrepreneurs and their handmade products. This portion of the market is open 10 am -2 pm on both December 3 & 4.
For more information, please visit the Arrowsmith Agricultural Association on Facebook.
Gifts from the Gifted
Location: Arrowsmith Hall (1014 Ford Road, Coombs)
When: Sunday, December 11 from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Talented local vendors at this market offer many unique and beautiful items that would make great gifts for the people you love. There will be healings of many different kinds offered and tarot / psychic readings. There will be vendors selling must-need items, healing tools, space cleansers, apparel, art and a variety of must-see items. After the market ends at 5 pm there will be a group meditation that is available at no cost and will run for 30 to 45min.
Christmas Market at Crown Isle
Where: Crown Isle Golf Course (399 Clubhouse Drive, Courtenay)
When: Sunday, December 11 from 12:00 – 8:00 pm
Visit the Christmas Market at Crown Isle for your holiday shopping, featuring local vendors from the Comox Valley and beyond, offering everything from stocking stuffers to one-of-a-kind handmade gifts.
The month of December is full of holiday spirit with Christmas at Crown Isle. In conjunction with the Holiday Resort Walk and the Gingerbread Village, Christmas at Crown Isle gets a little bigger this year with a holiday market. Combine all three events for a fun afternoon/evening surrounded by the spirit of the season at Crown Isle. The Market will be in the Clubhouse, surrounded by Christmas cheer, including the Gingerbread Village displayed through the lobby and the lights and displays of the Resort Walk outside. The Gingerbread Village can be viewed at any time, and the Resort Walk will be on from 5 – 8 pm that evening.
Holiday Market at the Hub
Location: The Hub Cowichan Station (2375 Koksilah Rd, Duncan)
When: Sunday, December 11 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Lots of vendors to choose from for this festive celebration of local food, gifts and treats. The cafe will be open with warm beverages, lunch and baked goods. And…you may just see a jolly guest in your midst!
12 Comments
Errington Christmas Craft Faires 1st and 2nd Saturdays in December for over 40 years now larger with 65 vendors over 2 weekends (32/Saturday) in our 100 year old community hall.
GOT YOU COVERED 3RD ANNUAL XMAS CRAFT FAIR
DECEMBER 7 & 8
Event Time: Saturday December 7, 2019. 9:00AM-3:00PM & Sunday December 8, 2019. 9:00AM-3:00PM
Event Address: Branch 256 Legion. 1630 East Wellington Road. Nanaimo, B.C
Contact us at 250-816-0558 or [email protected]
This was exactly what I was looking for! Thank you!
The Annual Jonanco Christmas Craft Sale is being held at on Nov 30 and Dec 1 from 10 to 4 each day at the Jonanco Hobby Workshop. It’s at 2745 White Rapids Road at corner of Nanaimo River Road. Take Wildplay turnoff on highway (just North of Nanaimo River Bridge) and it’s 4 km on Nanaimo River Road. Alternatively take Extension Road at COOP gas station near South Parkway shopping area. Extension eventually turns off and main road becomes White Rapids. There will be signs.
Awesome! Thank you for letting us know.
Hello!
There is another Raven Artisan Market on December 8th held at the Masonic Hall in Cumberland!
Here’s the link for the event!
https://www.facebook.com/events/807357733046043/
Cheers!
Maybe too late, but this weekend is the ‘new’ Christmas Market in Courtenay at the Native Sons Hall (I believe) which replaces the long running one as that manage retied. Today, the 8th, also 9th and 10th.
These are great places to find presents.
Thank you for a lovely comprehensive review of the island Christmas markets.
You are so welcome!
Great list!
Yes, we are pretty spoiled to have such a great line-up of fairs and markets.