9 Best Holiday Craft Shows from Across the West

From upbeat and festive to cozy and intimate, these craft fairs are brimming with local talent and holiday cheer.

‘Tis the season to shop for local and handcrafted goods! We’ve rounded up a list of can’t-miss craft fairs that bring the festive cheer.

Victoria

1. Out of Hand Artisan Fair

Returning for its 29th year, this artisan fair hosts three days of contemporary art, fine crafts, and one-of-a-kind fashions from new and returning vendors. New this year is a selection of festive greenery, including wreaths, garlands and bouquets. Artisan food markets, craft distilleries and vintners€”plus a pop-up Etsy boutique€”will also be on the scene. Where: Victoria Conference Centre, 720 Douglas Street When: November 24 to 26 Admission: $9 for single admission; $10 for multi-day pass A festive wreath from Bespoke Blossoms

2. A Touch of Salt Spring Craft and Art Show

This show originated on Salt Spring Island more than 25 years ago and has since grown to be one of the largest arts and crafts shows on Vancouver Island. More than 230 makers and artisans from B.C. and Alberta will be showcasing their goods, including handmade soaps and ceramics, and locally made treats like fudge and chocolate truffles. Where: Panorama Recreation Centre, 1885 Forest Park Drive, North Saanich When: December 1 to 3 Admission: $5 for three-day pass

Vancouver

3. Make It! Vancouver

With a beer garden, food trucks and music (in addition to more than 260 vendors), Make It! is both a craft show and a party. Enjoy the upbeat vibe and check out the diverse selection of work from the “Makies.” In addition to accessories, ceramics, home decor and paper goods, offerings like Craft Lipstick‘s DIY lipstick kit and Mixable Mural‘s wall art activity kits celebrate all things handmade. Where: PNE Forum, 2901 East Hastings Street When: December 7 to 10 Admission: $8 at the door; free for children 12 and under (Photo: Shiny Fuzzy Muddy)

4. Shiny Fuzzy Muddy Holiday Show and Sale

Art, craft and design come together at this intimate holiday show in historic Heritage Hall. This carefully curated, artist-run event brings together jewellery (€œshiny€), textiles (€œfuzzy€), ceramics (€œmuddy€) and other fine art and crafts. This year's 15th anniversary show features 31 makers including Western Living's 2017 Fashion Designer of the Year, Claudia Schulz, and 2016 Maker of the Year, Cathy Terepocki. Where: Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street When: December 9 to 10 Admission: $3

5. Fall For Local

If you’re looking for something to get you into the holiday spirit, the Fall For Local holiday market has got you covered. Enjoy a complimentary hot chocolate from Waves, stop by Fleurs‘ free holiday wreath workshop and shop from more than 85 local brands. The line-up includes clothing, jewellery, bath and body products, and edible goods. Also among this year’s vendors is Kaya Dorey from Novel Supply Co., a Vancouver fashion designer and UN Environment’s Young Champion of the Earth for North America. Where: The Pipe Shop Building, 115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver When: December 9 to 10 Admission: $5 at the door; $3 early bird (online); free for children 12 and under

Calgary

6. Spruce Meadows Christmas Market

From classic holiday decorations to carollers and live reindeer, this market held at the Spruce Meadows equestrian grounds is bursting with festive cheer. With more than 300 vendors in the indoor halls and in tents across the grounds, guests can shop for gifts ranging from handcrafted clothing and jewellery to gifts and novelty items from around the world. International items include Christmas ornaments from Germany and Austria, Russian nesting dolls and British candy. Where: 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW, Calgary When: November 24 to 26 & December 1 to 3 Admission: $12 at the gate or $10 in advance; free for seniors (65+) and children 12 and under (Photo: Spruce Meadows Media Services)

7. Curated. Holiday Market

Formerly the Vixens of Vintage, this four-weekend holiday market now includes, not just vintage-inspired makers, but a broad selection of more than 80 creators. With different vendors making an appearance each weekend€”selling clothing and accessories, home decor, bath and body products, fine art, and more€” there’s sure to be something for everyone on your list. Where: Deerfoot City, 901 64 Avenue NE When: November 24 to 26; December 1 to 3, 8 to 10 and 15 to 17 Admission: $4 at the door; free for children 12 and under

Edmonton

8. Butterdome Craft Sale

The University of Alberta's iconic Butterdome arena, shaped like a giant yellow butter dish, is the home of Alberta's largest craft sale. The four-day event features handmade art and crafts from artisans across the country, like Priscilla Taylor‘s truly Canadian traditional Inuit carvings, and locally sourced food like Souptacular‘s soup packages (made with ingredients from small farms in Alberta and Saskatchewan). Keen-eyed visitors can also take part in a scavenger hunt to win gift certificates and handmade items. Where: University of Alberta Butterdome, 87 Avenue and 114 Street When: November 30 to December 3 Admission: $7 for adults; free for youth 17 and under At the Royal Bison art and craft fair, you can find necklaces by Smithstine

9. The Royal Bison Art and Craft Fair

Edmonton’s proudly quirky craft, art and design fair is back for its 10th year. The thoughfully curated fair, run by designers Andrew Benson and Vikki Wiercinski (WL‘s 2017 Maker of the Year), is a showcase for the city’s independent arts community. In addition to apparel, art prints and woodworking pieces, the fair is also home to local music, zines, and literature. Where: Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre, 8426 Gateway Boulevard When: November 24 to 26; December 1 to 3 Admission: $3