It’s that time of year again—support local artisans and find unique gifts to give this holiday season at upcoming craft fairs across the island. Attend one or attend them all, spanning from traditional in Errington to trendy in Victoria, originality is guaranteed at every event:
Parksville’s Winterfest & Craft Fair will take place Friday, Nov. 16 (12–8 p.m.), Saturday, Nov. 17 (10 a.m.–6 p.m.), and Sunday, Nov. 18 (10 a.m.–4 p.m.) at the Parksville Community and Conference Centre, 123 E. Jensen Ave., Parksville. The theme this year is “Celtic” and the fair will include crafters and artisans from around B.C., a Student Art Showcase, a Children’s Treasure Hunt, and live entertainment on the main stage, such as music, theatre, dance, and demonstrations. Food and drink will be available and there will be hourly door prizes. Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for students. A portion of all proceeds will go to charity.
The Nanaimo Yacht Club’s annual Christmas Craft Sale will take place Saturday, Nov. 17 from 1–4 p.m. at the Nanaimo Yacht Club, 400 Newcastle Ave., Nanaimo. There will be tables of textiles, children’s wear, wood crafts, Christmas lamps, wreaths, jewellery, Christmas crafts, and more. Admission is free.
The 22nd annual Randerson Ridge Gift and Craft Fair will be held at Dover Bay Secondary School (6135 McGirr Rd., Nanaimo) on Friday, Nov. 23 from 6–9 p.m and Saturday, Nov. 24 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. A variety of handmade gifts will be available. Admission is free.
This year’s Christmas Craft Fair at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #256 (160 E. Wellington Rd., Nanaimo) will take place on Saturday, Nov. 24 and Sunday, Nov. 25 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Local crafters and hobbyists promise a fun variety of gifts, from crochet hats to tutus. Admission is by donation.
Victoria’s Owl Designer Fair will take place Friday, Nov. 30 (6–10 p.m.) and Saturday, Dec. 1 (10 a.m.–6 p.m.). All products at this creative event are either handmade or up-cycled from vintage materials by local artists and designers. The event will be held at Fernwood NRG Community Centre, 1240 Gladstonve Ave., Victoria. Admission is $2.
The 28th annual Errington Christmas Craft Faire will take place on two Saturdays this year. Dec. 1 marks the date of the New Show, with a group of all new vendors. The Original Show, held on Dec. 8, will have items from everyone’s favourite local Errington artisans. Both events will take place from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. at Errington War Memorial Hall, 1390 Errington Rd., Errington. Home-cooked lunch and a variety of refreshments will be available. Admission is free.
The Fairview Community School Christmas Craft Fair, held to raise money for the school, will take place Saturday, Dec. 1 from 10 a.m–4 p.m. at Fairview Community School, 2nd St. & Howard Ave., Nanaimo. There will be a full concession and admission is by donation.