As the holidays inch closer and closer, our crafters and artisans are busier than ever!  There are craft shows and sales all over the country, giving you a chance to purchase local, handmade, unique gifts that will be treasured by those you love.  Here is a sampling of some of the fantastic events from coast to coast this weekend:

Victoria, BC: Head to the Crystal Gardens for the Out of Hand Artisan Christmas Fair.  Starting today from noon until 9:00 pm, Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.  Admission is $8.00, seniors and students are $7.00, kids under 16 are free.  Fashionistas won’t want to miss the friday evening “fashion in action – a girls night out” from 6 – 9:00 pm, featuring DJ’s, cocktails, and models, along with all the fabulous handmade goodies.  Need directions? click here for a map to the Crystal Gardens.

Edmonton, AB: Truly local flair is on tap at the 9th Royal Bison Craft & Art Fair.  Taking place at  8426 Gateway Boulevard on Saturday and Sunday.   Open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily.  Admission is only $2.00.  You can even RSVP on Facebook to let them know you are on your way!

Halifax, NS: Billed as Halifax’s favorite craft market for over 25 years, you won’t want to miss the Dalplex Christmas Craft Market. With over 130 booths featuring vendors from across the country, it is sure to be a crafter’s delight.    The show starts today from noon to 9:30 pm, then opens at 9:30 am on Saturday, and 10:00 am on Sunday.  General admission is $6.00, seniors, Dalplex members, and Dalhousie students (with proper ID) are $5.00.  Once again, you can RSVP for this event on Facebook.

Toronto, On: Put on some comfy shoes and be prepared to spend the whole day, because you won’t want to miss a thing at the One Of A Kind Christmas Show and Sale.  Open now until December 5th at the  Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place, it is a yearly highlight for Southern Ontario lovers of arts and crafts.  I will be stopping by next week, and I can’t wait!   Doors are open from 10:00 am daily, and close at 9:00 pm (6:00 pm on Sundays).  Parking and Directions can be found here (you will need to pay for parking, or take the TTC).  Save $2.00 by purchasing your tickets online, costs at the door are $12.00 for adults, $6.50 for seniors and students.

Edmonton, AB: Vive la Revolution!  It’s Edmonton’s turn to experience the Handmade Revolution that is Make It! After opening on Thursday evening, things get rolling again today from noon to 9:00 pm, then 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday.  This craft party is being held at the Alberta Aviation Museum (need a map? no problem!), and costs only $5.00.  Print this flyer and you can save $2.00 off admission.  On site parking is free.  Keep your eyes peeled for Sarah, I have a feeling she’ll be lurking around there somewhere!

Vancouver, BC: Experience the Portobello West Fashion and Art Market, held on the last Sunday of every month, this is your last chance before the holidays!  The market is open on Sunday from noon until 6:00 pm, and admission is $2.00.  You can also become a market member for $15.00 and get admission for the whole year!   The market takes place at the Rocky Mountaineer Station, and you can get directions online here.

Moncton, NB: Over 400 vendors are expected to take part in the Turner’s Christmas at the Coliseum Craft Show & Sale this weekend.  The show is held at the Moncton Coliseum Complex (naturally), and admission is $7.00 for adults, $6.00 for seniors, students, or members of our armed forces.   Things get rolling from 2:00 to 10:00 pm today, then 10:00 am to 9:00 pm on Saturday, and 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sunday.  A map link is provided here.

Winnipeg, MB: Thanks to a kind reader for letting us know about a joint event with Handmade Holiday and “This Aint Your Grandma’s Craft Sale“.  It’s taking place tonight from 5:00 to 10:00 pm, and tomorrow from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.  Winnipeg craft fans can head over to the West End Cultural Centre to check out over 40 local crafters.  Suggested donations for admission will go to charity.

You can also find shows in Oshawa, and Tillsonburg ON, Bear River NS,  Muskoka cottage country, and maybe one just a few steps from home.

If you stop by and visit any of these shows, be sure to let them know C+H sent you!  (and then drop us a line and tell us how much fun you had!).

Wishing I could be in 10 places at once…
~Jennifer