Vancouver Christmas Shopping: 6 Holiday Markets and Pop-Ups
Holiday Cards at We Are Local. Photo credit: We Are Local
With just two weekends to go before Christmas, it’s time to start or finish your holiday shopping. I respect both camps of shoppers: the early birds and the swift’n’serious. Early birds know what they’re after and exactly how long it takes to secure such a prize. The swift’n’serious crew relies on last minute inspiration.
Whichever camp you belong to, here’s a round-up of Vancouver’s most exciting, Christmas-only shopping options. You’re already familiar with the big malls and shopping districts. These are the seasonal gems that feature unique, often locally-made goods.
From holiday craft markets to holiday pop-up shops, here are some ideas to help you find something special for everyone on your gift list.
6 Holiday Markets and Pop-Ups
1) The Great Canadian Craft Fair: Saturday, Dec. 15 – Sunday, Dec. 16
Bah-zillion (200) B.C. vendors take over the iconic Salt Building in False Creek selling handmade indie wares including ethical baby clothes, quilts, terrarium globes and so much more. There will be cocoa and face painting for the kiddos, plus workshops and music. It’s open 10am-6pm. Tickets are $7 on Eventbrite.
2) Blim Annual Holiday Market: Saturday, Dec. 15
Quirky, memorable, fun and special, blogged Elianna. The annual Blim Holiday Market will feature a mix of 60 vendors selling vintage wares, handcrafted jewelry, locally made treasures and special imports. There’s also a DJ and tasty catering by Open Sesame. It takes place at the Chinese Cultural Centre (50 E Pender St.) 12–6pm.
3) Vancouver Farmers Market Holiday Market: Saturday, Dec. 15
85 local artisans under one roof at the Croatian Cultural Centre (3250 Commercial Drive) from 10am to 4pm. The vendors bring you their best and finest selection of artisan food, art, crafts and home accessories for your gift-giving pleasure.
4) Beggars Banquet Holiday Market: Sunday Dec. 16
A pop-up flea market taking place at the beautiful and central Boneta Space (1 Cordova Street) in Gastown. The market includes more than vintage clothing, curating a fine, creative selection of vintage housewares, records, books and curios, as well as “a tight selection of well crafted goods.” It takes place 11am to 8pm.
5) Orling Wu Christmas Pop-Up Shop in Holt Renfrew: through Dec. 24
The Gastown-based retailer has curated a lovely selection of Christmas decor and hostess gifts which will be on sale there through Dec. 24. The Örling Wu holiday pop-up is Holt Renfrew Vancouver’s first-ever home decor pop-up shop. The pop-up has old-fashioned holiday decorations by Jan Constantine, festive tea cozies by Poppy Treffrey, historical bone china mugs by Cole of London, sparkly Sabre serving spoons and clever ornamental creations by Italy’s Miho Unexpected.
6) Jordan River Soapworks Pop-Up at The Chinatown Experiment: Dec. 15-20
This edgy, new space for revolving pop-up shops plays host to Jordan River Soapworks and friends this week. Expect hand-made, small-batch-production bath products made without artificial colors, fragrances, preservatives, and additives. The antithesis to the Lush appeal, the goods are minimalist and come in sophisticated scents like rose geranium and seaweed/sea salt. The team is from Vancouver Island. Other partners appearing at the pop-up include Patch Planters, Foo Shoo with organic bamboo linen, and Fawn V vintage hats and specs. 12-7pm daily.
BONUS: We Are Local Pop-Up Shop: through Dec. 31
It started as a website (Wearelocal.ca) and has since evolved into a temporary retail space. This one-stop-shop for local goods (2539 Main Street) features gorgeous gift sets curated by Vancouver’s favourite independently-owned local businesses. You’ll also find gift certificates to local businesses, greeting cards and stocking stuffers. Talented local illustrators will paint their front window – one per week that the shop is open. Each artist’s work will be on display within the shop during the week their work is on the window. The shop is open daily 11am-7pm.
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Article source: http://www.insidevancouver.ca/2012/12/14/vancouver-christmas-shopping-6-holiday-markets-and-pop-ups/
