Keep warm by the bonfire or take to the ice during the Downtown Kelowna Winter Street Market Dec. 1

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Oh, the weather outside is frightful but winter markets are so delightful.

Across the Thompson Okanagan, winter markets are preparing to offer a variety of homemade wares perfect for Christmas gifts and the holiday season.

Here’s where you can find markets where you live:

Central Okanagan

Craft Culture

Craft Culture is returning this weekend at the Rotary Centre for the Arts. “This is an opportunity to kick off the holiday season early by getting into the festive spirit while supporting local artists and vendors. Admission is by donation. Partial proceeds from this event will go towards Mamas for Mamas,” according to Craft Culture. The market runs Saturday, Nov. 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Craft’s largest Kelowna market is also returning to Prospera Place, Dec. 2 to 4, featuring more than 180 vendors. Tickets are $7 and the event runs Friday from 1 to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Furnish Holiday Market

Furnish by Isabey Interiors, at 464 Adams Road, is hosting a market Nov. 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the price of $10. “Our local vendors will offer everything from party outfits, fresh festive florals, handmade jewelry and much more,” according to the company. Mulled wine, hot coffee and treats will be available at this market, with partial admissions going to the Central Okanagan Community Food Bank.

Immaculata Christmas Craft Fair

Immaculata High School, located at 1493 KLO Road, is hosting a free Christmas market complete with door prizes, a bake sale, lunch and children’s activities, Nov. 12, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. More than 75 vendors, crafters and artisans will be on site for the school’s annual Christmas Craft Fair.

Downtown Kelowna Winter Street Market

Downtown Kelowna’s popular market returns Dec. 3 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Stuart Park. “The Downtown Kelowna Winter Street Market is a free community event geared towards all ages. This event celebrates the magic of the holiday season with festive shopping, family activities, music, ice skating, entertainment, visits with Santa, and of course, the lighting of the tree in Stuart Park,” according to Downtown Kelowna.

Grizzli Winery

Grizzli Winery in West Kelowna is hosting a Christmas market throughout December. The market includes locally curated artisan vendors, mulled wine, wine tastings and a festive photo op. The market will be raising money for the Paws it Forward Dog Rescue Society. The market is family and pet friendly. It runs Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18 from 12 to 6 p.m. at 2550 Boucherie Rd.

South Okanagan

Yuletide at the Lakeside Christmas Market

A festive Christmas Market for Nov. 19 and 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Penticton Lakeside Resort’s East Ballroom will be full of local products and unique gifts.

Kaleden’s Progressive Christmas Market

The third annual Progressive Winter Market takes place at the Kaleden Community Hall, Nov. 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Crafters, artisans, wineries, a brewery, art galleries and more will be located on site.

Outdoor Winter Market at the District Wine Village

Running Nov. 26, 27, and Dec. 3 and 4, 16 South Okanagan vendors can be found at the District Wine Village in Osoyoos. The outdoor market runs each day from 12 to 4 p.m. in Osoyoos.

North Okanagan

A Festival of Crafts & Gifts

This two-day event at Kal Tire Place in Vernon starts Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event typically attracts more than 100 vendors annually with crafts ranging from paintings, artisan pottery, hand-crafted candles and jewelry, table linens, creative crib boards and more.

Farmstrong Cider Christmas Market

Farmstrong Cider in Armstrong is hosting its annual Christmas market Nov. 26 at 12 p.m.

SilverStar Annual Light Up and Holiday Market

SilverStar Resort is excited to host fireworks as part of its annual light up, Dec. 10. In addition, the Polson Artisan Market will be featuring about 25 of the best local artisan gift-makers. The market opens at 4 p.m.

Thompson Nicola

Westsyde Annual Huge Craft Fair

This annual home-based business and craft fair takes place Nov. 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2833 Westsyde Road (Westsyde Fellowship Church).

Kweseltken Farmers & Artisan Market

Enjoy the second annual K'wese'ltken Kristmas Market Nov. 13, at the Coast Kamloops Hotel and Conference Centre from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free but food bank donations are encouraged.

2022 BC SPCA Kamloops and District Christmas Craft Fair

BC SPCA Kamloops & District Branch is hosting its 23rd annual Christmas craft fair at Thompson Rivers University in the Campus Activity Centre Conference, Nov. 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. with more than 100 local artisans. Entrance fee is $2.

Sun Peaks Holiday Kick Off

Sun Peaks’ 10th annual Holiday Kick-Off featuring the big man himself. The village will be alive with lights and sounds of the holiday season, Dec. 10. Enjoy your favourite holiday drink from a local café on your way to an artisan market to pick up some last-minute gifts. An artisan market will be available from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. A schedule of events can be found on the Sun Peaks Resort website.

Did we miss any? Comment below and let us know which winter market you'll be visiting this season.

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