Vancouver 2025 holiday markets offer artful alternatives to mass-produced gifts

From the Toque Craft Fair to The Polygon’s Holiday Shop, events offer unique finds such as Vancouver Special–shaped tree decorations and soy-sauce-bottle-shaped earrings

(Left to right) Ami Sangha’s hand-built clay plates at Western Front’s Toque Craft Fair; Nancy Esworthy’s bracelets at First Pick Handmade; Vancouver Christmas Ornaments’ Vancouver Special decoration, at The Polygon’s Holiday Shop.

THE HANDMADE AND lovingly crafted gifts at the city’s holiday markets beat mall madness hands-down. Among the offerings this year is a wildly diverse mix of art happenings, old-school craft sales, design-savvy pop-ups, and underground celebrations.

Here are just a few of the Vancouver area’s markets and shopping events offering artful alternatives to mass-produced gifts this season.

Place des Arts Holiday Artisan Shop

To December 18

The Coquitlam cultural outpost features homey handmade gifts by local artisans, with proceeds going to both the artists and Place Des Arts itself. Free admission. Sample finds: Handknitted kids’ hats in all shapes and sizes—think lamb and work-sock themes—as well as glass artist Violet Finvers’s adorable cat and owl ornaments.

Got Craft Holiday Market

November 22, 23, 29, and 30 at the Croatian Cultural Centre

One hundred makers and small shops hit the East Side centre in one of the season’s larger spreads, spanning everything from art and paper goods to jewellery and body products. It comes complete with a Mini Makers Area for kids and food trucks outside the door. Sample finds: Ariel Buxton’s groovy-mod-graphic Slow Hands Ceramics in electric orange; Dinky Earrings’ delicate, hand-painted clay and gold Biscuit earrings.

The Polygon’s Holiday Shop

To December 26 at The Polygon Gallery

North Van’s landmark waterfront gallery once again transforms its main-floor retail space into a carefully curated market of gifts by indie makers and artists. Every purchase supports The Polygon Gallery’s year-round exhibitions and programs. Sample finds: Homecoming Candles’ soy-wax candles in Cardamom + Star Anise or in Fir Needle + Pear; Karat Chocolate’s High Tea bar with Earl Grey and lemon; Vancouver Christmas Ornaments’ hyperlocal decorations in the shape of the Woodward’s W and Vancouver Specials.

Soy sauce fish earrings by fancypop and Heike Royer’s cross-stitched, mandala-style coasters

Toque Craft Fair

December 5 to 7 at Western Front

Western Front’s annual holiday market returns, bigger than ever with more than 60 artful B.C. makers. One-of-a-kind textiles cozy up to ceramics, jewellery, prints, accessories, and homeware. Added bonus: shopping at Toque supports local artists and helps fund Western Front’s artistic programs and heritage building. From 11 am to 5 pm Saturday and Sunday, fuel your shopping by hitting the Tacofino food truck or the Weekend Cafe on the second floor. Sample finds: Ami Sangha’s hand-built clay plates and unique sculptural vessels; Heike Royer’s cross-stitched, mandala-style coasters; handmade-resin soy sauce fish earrings by fancypop.

Marché de Noel

December 6 at Studio 16, Le Centre francophonie

Le Centre serves up a francophone-flavoured assortment of très jolies gifts, surrounded by twinkling lights and festive music by French-speaking musicians performing Christmas carols. The best part? The array of croissants, Belgian waffles, and crêpes to eat while you shop—or to take home for a cozy holiday morning. Sample finds: Joie by Lise Bougies (hand-poured soy wax candles) in Champagne or Pamplemousse scents; and Sandrine Pelissier’s wheel-thrown pottery, with raw clay exposed to highlight its natural beauty.

Weirdos Market

December 5, 6, and 7 and December 12, 13, and 14 at the Russian Hall

Over 80 hand-picked artists fill the Strathcona landmark with bold art, collectible curiosities, offbeat fashion, and strikingly strange stuff for the weirdo on your holiday gift list. Nosh on Punk Rock Pastries treats while you shop. Sample finds: Ultraviolet Oddities’ upcycled baby-doll-head planters; Brutally Beautiful’s mystical jewellery integrating tiny, ethically sourced bones; and Shady Girl Lamps’ intricate Victorian-style lampshades.

Swallow Jewellery’s Hummingbird feather–imprinted necklace

Make It

December 4 to 7 and 11 to 14 at the PNE Forum

With more than 325 vendors, food trucks, and sip-and-shop experiences at the PNE Forum, the lively makers’ market expands to two back-to-back weekends this year. Aside from its strong array of fashion, jewellery, homewares, and more, check out the new interactive Kids Zone, Santa photos, and a wellness area. Sample finds: The Bronzed Birch’s handmade, round wooden cribbage boards, featuring grizzlies and moose; Swallow Jewellery’s Hummingbird feather–imprinted pendant from a collection of nature-imprinted sterling silver.

First Pick Handmade Holiday Pop-Up

December 13 and 14 at Heritage Hall

For fashion and design fans, style-forward items from independent creatives, most of them based here in Vancouver, all in the atmospheric, historic Main Street hub. Sample finds: Nancy Esworthy’s eclectic bracelets and earrings, interweaving leather and materials like bamboo, hemp, and found objects with metal; Winterluxe’s buttery recycled-leather totes and cases.

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Janet Smith

Janet Smith is founding partner and editorial director of Stir. She is an award-winning arts journalist who has spent more than two decades immersed in Vancouver’s dance, screen, design, theatre, music, opera, and gallery scenes. She sits on the Vancouver Film Critics’ Circle.

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