Shoppers are shown at the BC SPCA Annual Christmas Craft Fair in Kamloops, 2022.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ BC SPCA
November 18, 2023 - 6:00 AM
Those who are on the hunt for unique, handcrafted gifts for loved ones this Christmas might want to mark these dates on the calendars.
There are so many artisan markets popping up this season throughout the Okanagan and Thompson regions.
It's a chance to take in the holiday festivities, find those special gifts and support local makers.
North Okanagan
Artsolutely Holiday Artisan Market
Artsolutely is returning for the 18th year at the Vernon Community Arts Centre where more than 10,000 items handcrafted by more than 40 artisans will be available for purchase in time for Christmas.
It's the largest fundraiser for the arts centre where 20% of proceed go to arts funding.
Located at the Vernon Community Arts Centre at 2704 Highway 6, the winter market runs Dec. 1 to Dec. 23 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
SilverStar Annual Light Up and Holiday Market
The annual Christmas light-up and market is on for another season at SilverStar Mountain Resort featuring everything from local crafts and talents to light displays and roaming entertainers.
Located at the ski resort at 123 Shortt Street, the market opens at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. Organizers say there won't be fireworks this year for the light-up.
Central Okanagan
A Kewl Connect Christmas Market
A Kewl Connect Christmas market is returning in Kelowna with local entrepreneurs, artisans and crafters, and prize draws pulled every 20 minutes.
Located at Parkinson Recreation Centre at 1800 Parkinson Way, the market runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 19. Entry costs $2 at the door to be donated to Stars Piggly Wiggly Sanctuary.
This works was created by Vernon artisan Cindy Bouthillier one of many vendors showcasing at the Artsolutely Christmas market in Vernon.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Artsolutely
Craft Culture
Craft Culture is returning this weekend at the Rotary Centre for the Arts where shoppers can get an early start for the Christmas season. The Holiday Magic Market is featuring over 80 talented vendors this year. Admission is by cash donation with partial proceeds going to the Kelowna Salvation Army.
Located at 421 Cawston Avenue, the market runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 18 and Nov. 19.
Craft’s largest Kelowna market is also returning to Prospera Place, Dec. 1 to Dec. 3. It features more than 200 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.
Immaculata Christmas Craft Fair
Immaculata High School in Kelowna is hosting a free Christmas market complete with door prizes, a bake sale, lunch and children’s activities. More than 75 vendors, crafters and artisans will be on site for the school’s annual Christmas Craft Fair.
Located at 1493 KLO Road, the market runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 25.
Downtown Kelowna Winter Street Market
Downtown Kelowna’s popular market is a free, festive outdoor celebration featuring artisan and market vendors, live music and family-friendly activities, including an opportunity to get photos with Santa.
Hot chocolate is available by donation with proceeds going to the Central Okanagan Food Bank.
Located at Stuart Park at 1414 Water Street, the market runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2.
Grizzli Winery
Grizzli Winery in West Kelowna is hosting a Christmas market throughout December. The market is family and pet-friendly, and includes locally curated artisan vendors, mulled wine and wine tastings. The market will be collecting cash donations and non-perishable food items for the Okanagan Central Food Bank.
Located at 2550 Boucherie Road, the market runs from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16, and Sunday, Dec. 17.
South Okanagan
Kaleden’s Progressive Christmas Market
The fourth annual Progressive Winter Market is on this weekend. It's a unique self-guided market experience where shoppers find local artisans and vendors at several different locations.
Located at Kaledan Hall at 320 Lakehill Drive, the market runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18. Maps are available at the hall.
Yuletide at the Lakeside Christmas Market
Not only can shoppers expect to see local artisans and unique gifts at Penticton’s Lakeside market, there will be pony rids, photo ops with Santa, kids crafts and cookie decorating.
Located at the Penticton Lakeside Resort and Conference Centre at 21 Lakeshore Drive, the market runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18, and Sunday, Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. 4 p.m. Photos with Santa are available from 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Pony rides are available on the Saturday only. Admission is $2.
Osoyoos Christmas Farmers Market
The Osoyoos Christmas Farmers market will have vendors selling anything from hand crafted jewelry and soaps to pickles and preserves, Christmas decorations and gift ideas.
Located at the Watermark Beach Resort at 15 Park Place, the market runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 25.
Kamloops
BC SPCA Annual Christmas Craft Fair
BC SPCA Kamloops & District is hosting the 24th Annual Christmas Craft Fair featuring 130 local vendors with partial proceeds going toward animal care.
Located in the activity centre and Thompson Rivers University, the BC SPCA Kamloops Christmas fair runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 26. There's a $2 entrance fee and free parking available.
Winterfest Market
Shoppers are invited to celebrate the season at Winterfest Market in Kamloops and browse festive crafts and locally-made treasures by several local vendors.
The market runs at Sahali Mall at 22-945 Columbia Street from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18.
READ MORE: How to become a Christmas Elf to help families in Okanagan and Shuswap
Kamloops Indoor Winter Market
The Kamloops Indoor Winter Market is back for another festive season with seasonal produce, lamb, preserves, eggs, honey, crafts and more on offer.
Hosted by the Kamloops Regional Farmers' Market, it's located at the Mount Paul Community Food Centre at 140 Laburnum Street and is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday until Feb. 24, except for a break for winter holidays scheduled from Dec. 23 until Jan. 6.
READ MORE: Revival of 'The Nutcracker' set to enchant at Armstrong's Caravan Farm Theatre
Sun Peaks Holiday Kick Off
Sun Peaks is expanding the annual festive Market Day again this winter to host an Artisan Market where shoppers can browse products from local vendors, including textiles, paintings and home décor.
Located at the Sun Peaks Centre across from the Kookaburra Lodge, the market is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday Dec. 10. Accessible parking is limited and washrooms are available onsite.
Did we miss any Christmas markets in your neck of the wood? Let us know in the comment below.
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