Our Favourite Markets & Festive Finds
There’s something in the air when November hits Vancouver Island, and it’s not just woodsmoke and fog. It’s the smell of cinnamon, shortbread, and a mild panic that you haven’t started Christmas shopping yet.
For us ladies, that means one thing: market season. The season of bundling up, stuffing reusable bags into our purses and backpacks, and convincing ourselves that buying a handmade mug totally counts as “shopping for someone else.”
From Courtenay to Victoria, these markets are where we do our best holiday multitasking: shopping, snacking, socializing, and pretending we have any self-control around artisanal fudge. There’s no better way to get into the spirit (and justify another hot chocolate).
We’ve rounded up the ultimate list of Christmas markets across Vancouver Island happening through November and December (See our GIANT list below).
Our Market Must-Dos
Here’s what’s always on our VanIsle Sisters’ checklist for a perfect market day:
Shop small. Because we love buying things that make us say, “I could totally make this!” (but never will).
Taste everything. Sampling fudge, jam, and toffee is basically mandatory at this point.
Bring reusable bags. One for gifts, one for baked goods, and one for the ornaments you swear you didn’t need.
Dress cozy. The one time it’s socially acceptable to wear a toque indoors.
Make a day of it. Hit the market, grab a latte, and finish it off with a drive to see Christmas lights. That’s a full day of festive cardio.
There’s something so special about the holidays on Vancouver Island, the community spirit, the local creativity, and the way every market feels like stepping into a Hallmark movie (just with more rain and better coffee).
We’ll be making the rounds this year and juggling kids, cameras, and baked goods, so if you spot us, come say hi! Bonus points if you’re holding shortbread.
Nov 7-9
Creative Craft Fair
Pearkes Rec Centre, Victoria
Creative Craft Fairs offers a true extravaganza of outstanding arts, crafts, and demonstrations.
Nov 8-9
First Chance Christmas Craft Show
Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney
One of the Island’s longest-running artisan fairs. Over 100 vendors of local crafts, décor, and gifts.
Nov 8
The Mom Market – Nanaimo Edition
Vancouver Island Conference Centre
Family-friendly pop-up supporting women-owned small businesses.
Nov 8 & 15
Handmade Village Craft Market
North Douglas Church, Victoria
Features local makers from woodwork, jewelry, candles, clothing, knits, baked goods and more.
Nov 9
Cedar Christmas Market
Woodbank School, Cedar
Local vendors, food, and fun games.
Nov 13-16
Christmas Chaos
Cowichan Community Centre, Duncan.
Massive arts & crafts market with Santa’s Workshop and daily raffles. Free admission.
Nov 15
Holiday Makers Market
At 400 Campbell Street in Nanaimo
Handcrafted goods and baked treats, great for early gift shopping.
Nov 15
Ho Ho Ho Handmade Market by Two Chicks and a Llama
Qualicum Beach Civic Centre
The market will feature over 60 talented vendors.
Nov 15-16
Winterfaire
The Cumberland Museum
A celebration of community, creativity, and the holiday spirit.
Nov 21-23
A Handmade Christmas (MavenFair)
Beban Park Social Centre, Nanaimo
Large artisan market with handmade gifts and holiday vibes.
Nov 21
Sidney’s Annual Holiday Shopping Night
Downtown Sidney
Step into the magic of a small-town Christmas by the Sea.
Nov 21-23
Winterfest
Qualicum Beach Civic Centre
Artisans will showcase their talents and provide an opportunity to buy local.
Nov 21-23
Magic of Christmas
Eagle Ridge Community Centre, Langford
Westshore’s largest holiday shopping event of the year.
Nov 22-23
Owl Fair – Holiday Edition
In Fernwood, Victoria
Curated local makers, live music, food trucks, and a fun downtown event.
Nov 23
Crown Isle Christmas Market
In Courtenay
Upscale one-day market with artisans, baked goods, and holiday cocktails.
Nov 27 & Dec 5
Christmas Night Market
644 Memorial Ave, Qualicum Beach
Discover unique handmade treasures from the curated selection of local Vancouver Island vendors.
Nov 27-30
Out of Hand Modern Market
Crystal Garden, Victoria Conference Centre.
A highly curated selection of goods made by hand by Canada’s most accomplished and talented artists.
Nov 28–30, 2025
Deck the Hall Christmas Market
Cowichan Exhibition Grounds
Free admission, large vendor list, great for mid-Island shoppers.
Nov 29
Grinchmas
The Jensen Centre, Parksville
A day of festive fun with 60+ local vendors, The Spud Barn Food Truck, Mt. Crumpet Bar, and more.
Nov 29, 2025
The Mom Market – Mill Bay Edition
Unsworth Vinyards
Family event featuring crafts and small local brands
Nov 29
Nanoose Bay Christmas Craft Market & Café
2925 Northwest Bay Road, Nanoose Bay.
Talented local artisans offering everything from pottery and jewelry to candles, cards, woodwork, and more.
Nov 30, 2025
Shawnigan Christmas Market
Malahat Legion in Shawnigan Lake
Over 30 registered vendors
Dec 5-7
A Touch of Saltspring
At the Saanich Fairgrounds
Featuring over 200 crafters and artisans of Salt Spring, BC and Alberta
Dec 6, 2025
Dicken’s Fair
James Bay Community Centre, Victoria
One-day indoor market with local and Gulf Island artisans. $3 entry.
Dec 6
Christmas on the Farm
Little Qualicum Cheeseworks
Kid's activities, Christmas crafts, storytelling, live music, wagon rides, holiday shopping, food, and hot drinks.
Dec 6–7, 2025
Patio Gardens Christmas Market
In Victoria
Two-day outdoor/indoor market surrounded by holiday greenery.
Dec 6–7, 2025
The Mom Market – Victoria Edition
Victoria Conference Centre
Holiday shopping with local mom-run businesses.
Dec 12–14, 2025
A Handmade Christmas (MavenFair) - Winter Edition
Beban Park Social Centre, Nanaimo
Second installment of MavenFair for late shoppers.
Dec 12-14, 2025
Last Chance Christmas Craft Show
Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney
Sister event to “First Chance”; perfect for final holiday purchases.
Dec 12-14
The Great Canadian Craft Fair
411 Anderton Ave, Courtenay
From handcrafted artisanal goods inspired by the Great Outdoors, this event showcases the best of Canadian craftsmanship.
Dec 13, 2025
The Market That Sleighs
Jensen Centre, Parksville
Festive market with local artisans & holiday treats by Two Chicks and a Llama.
Dec 13, 2025
The Mom Market – Mill Bay Holiday Edition
Mill Bay
Family-focused final holiday pop-up.
Happy holidays, Island friends!