As the holiday season approaches, local market vendors and community crafters are preparing for a busy season of fairs and markets.
There are many opportunities for residents to support local businesses this winter.
Read on for a list of what’s happening in Burnaby this year.
If you’d like to add a holiday event or craft fair listing, email Burnaby Now reporter Lauren Vanderdeen.
Seaforth Elementary Holiday Marketplace
L'Ecole Seaforth Elementary School PAC is hosting a holiday marketplace with gifts, games, crafts, concession, raffles, prizes and tons of fun activities to support various school programs.
When: Friday, Nov. 29 from 3 to 7 p.m.
Where: Seaforth Elementary (7881 Government Rd.)
Cost: Free admission
St. Thomas More Knights Christmas Market
Head to St. Thomas More Collegiate for an afternoon full of holiday treats, Santa photos, a Christmas train, lighted trees and tons of delicious freshly baked treats, all hosted by the parents’ association.
When: Saturday, Nov. 30 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: STMC Courtyard (7450 12th Ave.)
Cost: Free admission
Glenwood Elementary School Winter Market
Glenwood Elementary School's PAC is hosting a winter market with local vendors-artisans, students and parents. There will be a raffle, silent auction and concession.
When: Saturday, Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Glenwood Elementary School (5787 Marine Dr.)
Cost: Free admission
Brantford Winter Market
The first annual Brantford Winter Market, hosted by the school’s PAC, will include more than 30 vendors with loads of family and kid-friendly activities. You can find holiday gifts and stocking stuffers while enjoying free kids’ activities, raffles and more.
Proceeds from the market will go towards extracurricular learning for students at École Brantford Elementary including field trips, hands on workshops and cultural events.
When: Friday, Dec. 6 from 3 to 7 p.m.
Where: École Brantford Elementary, in the gym (6512 Brantford Ave.)
Cost: Free admission
St. Alban’s Christmas Market
This annual Christmas market is sure to delight with a mixture of local vendors and products from parishioners.
Of note is the huge bake table with goods including Christmas pudding, cake, fresh pie and many, many cookies all made at home. The preserves table will be loaded with jam made from B.C. fruit.
Don’t forget to check out the raffle gift baskets, books, puzzles and knitted crafts, and lunch will be offered in the hall café.
When: Saturday, Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: St. Alban's Anglican Church (7717 19th Ave.)
Cost: Free admission
Past events
Burnaby Artists Guild: 2024 The Art Affair
Head to the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts to find beautiful art created by local artists of the Burnaby Artists Guild. Whether you want an original artwork for your home or office or a unique gift for the holidays, this exhibition will have a wide selection of affordable art in many different styles, subjects and sizes.
When:
- Friday, Nov. 8 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (official opening at 7 p.m.)
- Saturday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Shadbolt Centre for the Arts (6450 Deer Lake Ave.)
Cost: Free admission
Nikkei Craft Fair 2024
With more than 80 craft and food vendors, this market is where to find one-of-a-kind Japanese-inspired gifts and treats, ranging from Japanese items to pottery and candles to fashion to textiles and knitwear to art and delicious food.
Vendors include Art Cards by Valerie, Chicworks, Catsouffle, Eggman Comics, Katakana Mama, Murasaki Art Design, Beauty Secrets of Japan, and many more.
A kids’ booth offers the chance for kids to write letters to Santa, and adults can pre-register for a wreath-making workshop or a temari workshop (while tickets are available).
When: Saturday, Nov. 16 and Sunday, Nov. 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre (6688 Southoaks Cres.)
Cost: $5 at the door; free for NNMCC members, seniors 65+ and youth under 18
Swedish Christmas Fair 2024
Are you ready to celebrate Julmarknad? Check out these local vendors (including Maureen Dooley, The Mudplayer, Pottery by Jessie Tse, Finntrade, FinnGoods Nordic Foods by Timo and Henna, Nordic Jul Decorations with Tina Praegel, Arendina’s Studio and more) and head to the Swedish café with open faced sandwiches, glögg, hot dogs and treats.
There will be a variety of Swedish goods and items for family, home, celebrations and gifts.
When: Saturday, Nov. 16 and Sunday, Nov. 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Scandinavian Community Centre (6540 Thomas St.)
Cost: Free admission
Deer Lake Winter Festival
This classic winter shopping festival (in its 54th year running!) will feature tons of entertainment and holiday spirit, including more than 50 vendors. With cozy knits, handmade jewelry and seasonal treats, there will be much to peruse.
When:
- Friday, Nov. 22 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Shadbolt Centre for the Arts (6450 Deer Lake Ave.)
Cost: Free admission
Scandinavian Craft Fair
Hosted by the Vancouver Finlandia Club, you can immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Nordic creativity at this craft fair whether you’re searching for hand-crafted treasures or Scandinavian tastes.
Vendors include Anne’s Nordic Vintage, FinnGoods, Carla’s Candles, FinnFun Finnish School of Vancouver, Lefse Etc. Handmade Norwegian Cookies and more.
When: Sunday, Nov. 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Scandinavian Community Centre (6540 Thomas St.)
Cost: Free admission
Greentree Village Christmas Market
Head to the Greentree Village Community Centre this November and check out the beautiful wares at this makers market, including local artisans with a variety of handmade items for sale. Vendors will include Whisks and Wands Bakery, Bake Daddy, Prairie Pines Paper Co., Fresh Suds Soapery and more.
When: Saturday, Nov. 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: 4295 Garden Grove Dr. (Greentree Village Community Centre)
Cost: Free admission
