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Upcoming holiday market previews
By Roshni Riar, Staff Writer
The holiday season is no longer just fast approaching, it’s practically here! With the end of November blazing towards us, there’s only one thing we can do to prepare ourselves for the incoming holiday frenzy: Shop.
Admit it, there’s something incredibly satisfying about taking some time out of your busy schedule to peruse a cute little holiday market on the hunt for anything, everything, and yet nothing in particular.
If you’re looking for exactly that kind of activity, then you’re in luck! Below, I’ve compiled a list of fun upcoming holiday markets to check out and get you into the spirit.
Krampusmarkt: Strange Kristmas Market
Taking place from December 6 to 8 at Strange Fellows Brewing in Vancouver, Krampusmarkt promises to be an odd, alternative holiday market to find all sorts of interesting goodies.
The free event is presented by OH Studio and Strange Fellows Brewing. Local vendors will have the chance to come together to offer their goods and mingle with attendees. On December 6, visitors can have their photo taken on Krampus’ knee; it’ll be a welcome change to the usual monotonous holiday card you normally send out, I’m sure.
Featured vendors include: Antler Ceramics, who will be offering handmade ceramics; handmade papercutting, laser cut designs, and artwork from Light & Paper; artisanal sourdough baked goods made by Ritchie’s Bakery; visual art pieces by Frances Hahn; and more. Over 20 vendors will fill Strange Fellows Brewing over the weekend-long event. If what you’re looking for isn’t at Krampusmarkt, you can just treat yourself to a refreshing beer flight before turning your sights to the next market.
Back Alley Art Collective: Holiday pARTy
Krampusmarkt not your thing? Check out Back Alley Art Collective’s third annual Holiday pARTy on December 15 at 114 Donaghy Ave, North Vancouver. Look for a decked-out warehouse that’s pumping music.
Back Alley Art Collective, a group of collaborating creatives, is offering snacks, cold drinks, good music, and a mini-ramp to skateboard on as well as a number of artisan vendors to shop and mingle with.
You’ll find Billy Would Designs, an artist who creates jewellery and accessories out of reclaimed wood and broken skateboards; Jemma VO Artworks, a mixed media artist working primarily with glass and metal; String Creative, a visual branding company; and more.
Back Alley Art Collective asks you to “come for the art, stay for the party,” so if you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for, at least you can make a good time out of it.
Make It! A Handmade Revolution
If you want an all-out handmade craft market extravaganza, this is definitely for you. From December 12 to 16, Make it! will be at the PNE Forum in Vancouver. Admission is $8 at the door or $4 if you buy your tickets early.
The range of goods that will be available at this market is impressive, with over 180 vendors scheduled to sell their handmade creations. You can find Abeego Designs Inc., who specializes in breathable, reusable beeswax wrap to replace single-use plastic wraps; Honest Dumplings, with a variety of fresh, delicious dumplings for sale; Scandinazn, offering colourful, geometric jewellery made primarily with discarded leather; and many more.
With the necessary details I’ve provided you, all there is left to do now is check out all of these interesting and individually unique holiday markets, buy a lot of cool stuff, and drink lots of apple cider. Doable, right?
