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 2021 Craft Fair season. Due to the ongoing pandemic, changes can occur at any moment, and a few of these events are still tentative. Please click on any links provided to ensure the event is still happening before you go.
November Christmas Craft Fairs
Nanaimo Professional Craft Fair
Location: Beban Park Social Centre – 2300 Bowen Road, Nanaimo
- Friday, November 5 – 2:00 – 7:00 pm
- Saturday, November 6 – 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday, November 7 – 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 2021. 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.
Knox “Perfect Gift” Christmas Craft Fair
Location: Knox United Church – 345 Pym Street, Parksville
When: Saturday, November 6 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, 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 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.
River City Christmas Market
Location: Eagles Hall (1999 14th Avenue, Campbell River)
When: Saturday, November 6 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Head to the Campbell River Eagles Hall for a day 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 6th from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday, November 7th 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 12 from 3:00 – 7:00 pm
- Saturday, November 13 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday, Novebmer 14 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
The Alberni Valley Craft Fair Association is hosting its 49th 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.
Please note, entry requires a Covid Vaccine passport.
Free admission and wheelchair accessibility.
Christmas Chaos Arts & Crafts Market
Location: Cowichan Community Centre – 2687 James St, Duncan
- Thursday, November 18 from 12:00 – 7:00 pm
- Friday, November 19 from 12:00 – 8:00 pm
- Saturday, November 20 from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday, November 21 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Celebrating 41 years of bringing exciting Christmas arts and crafts fair to the Cowichan Valley. Also included are Santa’s Workshop, daily raffles, and more! This event is wheelchair accessible.
Geeky Christmas Market
Location: Native Sons Hall – 360 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay
When: Friday, November 19 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. Vader Santa will be doing photos by donation, and he will have an indoor spot and an outdoor spot for people who do not like crowds. Times will be posted closer to date.
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.
- Wednesday, November 17th – Sunday, November 21st
- Wednesday, November 24th – Sunday, November 28th
Fa la la la Local
Where: Woodgrove Mall in the old Gap location
When: November 19 – 22 from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
The Mom Market Vancouver Island is hosting a Christmas vendor market inside Woodgrove Centre. Join them for a winter wonderland and a weekend full of fantastic shopping opportunities.
Carol’s Artisan Christmas Sale
Location: North Oyster Community Centre – 13467 Cedar Road, Ladysmith
- Saturday, November 20th from 10am to 4pm
- Sunday, November 21st from 10am to 4pm
Over 30 vendors offering unique handcrafted items. Free admission. Hot lunches are available and wheelchair accessible.
Covid protocols apply at all times.
Cedar Winter Market
Where: Woodbank School (1984 Woobank Road, Cedar)
When: Sunday, November 21 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm (9:30 – 10:00 am seniors and immune-compromised guests)
It’s back! Head to Woodbank School for the 2nd annual ‘Cedar Winter Market.’ Do it all in one stop: connect with local farmers, discover specialty craft food and drink makers; and, find that perfect one-of-a-kind gift from one of the many skilled artisans! On your way in, grab a hot coffee, tea, or chai, and when your shopping is complete, take home a hot fresh meal from one of the talented chefs.
- 100% locally grown, raised, baked, & made
- FREE to attend
- Free on-site parking
- This is an outdoor rain-or-shine event
Cumberland Winterfaire
Location: Check-in at the Cumberland Museum & Archives, 2680 Dunsmuir Street.
When: November 20 & 21 from 10:00 am – 4:00 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.
Winterfest
Location: Qualicum Beach Civic Centre – 747 Jones Street, Qualicum Beach
- Friday, November 26 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday, November 27 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday, November 28 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 mini-cup of warm apple cider or hot chocolate, plus a shortbread cookie. More information can be found by visiting the website of Winterfest.
Parksville Quilt Guild Annual Christmas Sale
Location: St. Stephen’s Church – 150 Village Way, Qualicum Beach
When: Saturday, November 27 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Join the Parksville Quilt Guild for their 15th annual Christmas sale. You will find a wide variety of hand-crafted items for gift-giving, home decor and more. Expect quilts, ornaments, quilted clothing, fibre art, hand kits, placemats, wall hangings, table runners, fabric bags and more. While there, experience Christmas in the Village of Qualicum Beach!
Free admission.
Deck the Hall Christmas Market
Location: Cowichan Exhibition Centre – 7380 Trans Canada Hwy, Duncan
- Saturday, November 27 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Sunday, November 28 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
The annual “Deck the Hall” Christmas Market is back again for its 9th event!
The market welcomes over 80 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!
A Very Merry Artisan Christmas Market
Where: Qualicum Beach Community Hall (644 Memorial Drive)
When: Sunday, November 28th from 10:30 am – 3:30 pm
The 4th 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.
December Christmas Craft Fairs and Markets
Vancouver Island Market
Location: Nanaimo North Town Centre (in the old Sears section)
- Thursday, December 2 from 4:00 – 9:00 pm
- Friday, December 3 – noon – 9:00 pm
- Saturday, December 4 – 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Sunday, December 5 from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
It’s a VIMterful life!
This much anticipated VI Winter Market showcases the best of Vancouver Island’s local handmade artisans. Vendors in craft, food, liquor sales, live music, entertainment, and gifts will provide shoppers with a unique opportunity to shop local for the holiday season. Vancouver Island Market focuses on preserving creativity through kindness and sustainability by showcasing people who embrace this entrepreneurial spirit.
For more information, please visit the Vancouver Island Market website.
Black Creek Winter Market
Location: Black Creek Community Centre – 2001 Black Creek Road
When: Saturday, December 4 from 10:00 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.
For up-to-date information, please visit the Black Creek Community Centre.
Coombs Christmas Market
Location: Coombs Fairground – 1014 Ford Road, Coombs
When: December 4 & 5 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 vendors both indoors and outside. Vaccine passports will be required to visit the indoor vendors. Concession by Sweet Spot Bake Shop plus a variety of food trucks.
For more information, please visit the Arrowsmith Agricultural Association on Facebook.
Willow Point Artisan Market
Where: The Crow’s Nest (2550 Island Hwy South, Campbell River)
- December 10th from 5:00 – 9:00 pm
- December 11th from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
For some handmade treasures, music, activities and yummy treats, head to the Willow Point Artisan Market. No entry fee!
Christmas Market at Crown Isle
Where: Crown Isle Golf Course (399 Clubhouse Drive, Courtenay)
When: Sunday, December 12 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, including a visit from Santa in the Gazebo.
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.