(MARSHALL JONES / iNFOnews.ca)

With COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings in place, Thompson Okanagan Christmas markets have been cancelled or won’t be occurring in the same format this year.

Here’s the latest from markets across the region:

Kelowna

Craft Culture

No Craft Culture markets will be held this year including Kelowna’s largest Christmas market.

“Despite our best efforts, there's just no way to make any of our markets work, big or small. Safety is the number one priority and we respect the measures put in place by our province to protect our community,” organizers wrote in a recent Facebook post.

Winter Street Market

Downtown Kelowna’s Winter Street Market is currently under review, according to its website. The market typically takes place along Water Street and in Stuart Park in December to welcome the holiday season.

Penticton

Artisan Christmas Market

The eighth annual artisan market is still scheduled for Nov. 7-8 at this time at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, according to Penticton’s events website, but the website warns residents to check back for updates as events may be postponed or cancelled due to COVID-19. 

SS Sicamous Christmas Craft Market

The Christmas market is still scheduled for Nov. 28-29 at this time at the SS Sicamous.

Kamloops

The Kamloops & District BC SPCA Christmas Craft Fair

The annual craft fair held at TRU has been cancelled this year. The event is typically held in November.

Vernon

Vernon Presents... A Festival Of Crafts

The event has been cancelled for 2020, according to the festival’s Facebook page. This year will be the event’s 20th anniversary at Kal Tire Place.

“It’s with a heavy heart that I write you today to let you know that the 2020 Vernon Presents… A Festival of Crafts & Gifts will not be going ahead. I feel it is important that I provide you with further details on my persistent efforts to try and find a way to proceed with the event this year,” writes the festival organizer on its Facebook page.

Vancouver

The Vancouver Christmas Market has been postponed until 2021 due to COVID-19. The market hinted on its website that it will be providing something for festival goers from the comfort of their homes.

"It is with deep regret that we announce the Vancouver Christmas Market is postponed until 2021. Unfortunately, with the current safety guidelines we could not get approval for the 2020 Vancouver Christmas Market," organizers posted in a statement on the market's Instagram page.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is with deep regret that we announce the Vancouver Christmas Market is postponed until 2021. Unfortunately, with the current safety guidelines we could not get approval for the 2020 Vancouver Christmas Market. Read our full letter to our supporters: link in bio. Do not have fear, our hearts are still full of Christmas cheer! Continue following us and sign-up for our newsletter to be the first to hear about what our elves have been working so you can enjoy the essence of the Vancouver Christmas Market from the comfort of your own home. ????

A post shared by Vancouver Christmas Market (@vanchristmas) on Oct 2, 2020 at 6:01pm PDT

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