Tag Archives: Christmas Shopping

East Van Holiday Markets 2025

1 Nov

It’s that time of year again when holiday markets ramp up. This year maybe a little earlier which also means there are many more opportunities to shop local this holiday season. We love sharing all the great artisan markets and craft fairs coming up over the next couple of months all with a view to making shopping local easier for you. Whether you are looking for a gift for someone for Christmas, a birthday or maybe a housewarming gift, there are so many local options to chose from.  For those that don’t know “for every $100 spent with a BC local business, $64 is re-circulated back into our BC economy versus $14 for multi nationals. Why? Because locally owned businesses circulate more dollars in the community compared to multinational organizations.”

We’ve said it before, but we will say it again when you buy from a local maker, you are supporting those living and working in your local community. All have created a business doing something they love and are passionate about.  We are 100% behind supporting those local dreamers and makers. Also, buying local is better for the environment. Items purchased at local markets are not being shipped long distances and all will have much less packaging. All around win win. To that end, we have again created a list of all the artisan markets and craft fairs happening in East Vancouver this holiday season. Things are kicking off early so we invite you to review our list of East Van Holiday Markets for 2025.

NOVEMBER 2025

Nov. 1: Fair Trade & Artisan Market–Trinity Grace Church 803 E. 16th Ave 10-4
Nov. 1: Made In The 604 – Heritage Hall 11-5
Nov. 2: Made In The 604 – Heritage Hall 11-5

Nov. 13: Art & Craft Marche – La Fabrique St-George 7-10 pm
Nov. 15: Vancouver Pop Market – Holiday Preview Heritage Hall 11-5
Nov. 15: Livia Holiday Market – Livia Sweets 6-10 pm
Nov. 15: Crafts & Cocktails – Forecast Coffee Roasters 6-9 pm
Nov. 16: Vancouver Pop Market – Holiday Preview Heritage Hall 11-5

Nov. 20: Eastside Culture Crawl – Various Locations 5-10
Nov. 20: Art & Craft Marche – La Fabrique St-George 7-10 pm
Nov. 21: Eastside Culture Crawl – Various Locations 5-10

Nov. 22: Got Craft Holiday Market – Croatian Cultural Centre 10-5
Nov. 22: Sunset Family Carnival & Craft Fair – Sunset Comm. Centre 12-4
Nov. 22: Eastside Culture Crawl – Various Locations 11-6
Nov. 23: Got Craft Holiday Market – Croatian Cultural Centre 10-5
Nov. 23: Eastside Culture Crawl – Various Locations 11-6

Nov. 27: Art & Craft Marche – La Fabrique St-George 7-10 pm
Nov. 28: Britannia Winter Market – Britannia Comm. Centre 3-8 pm
Nov. 29: Killarney Community Centre Craft Fair 10-4
Nov. 29: Britannia Winter Market – Britannia Comm. Centre 10-4
Nov. 29: Got Craft Holiday Market – Croatian Cultural Centre 10-5
Nov. 29: Crafts & Cocktails – Forecast Coffee Roasters 6-9 pm
Nov. 30: Britannia Winter Market – Britannia Comm. Centre 10-4
Nov. 30: Got Craft Holiday Market – Croatian Cultural Centre 10-5

DECEMBER 2025

Dec. 4: Make It – PNE Forum 5-9
Dec. 4: Art & Craft Marche – La Fabrique St-George 7-10 pm
Dec. 5: Make It – PNE Forum 11-9
Dec. 5: TOQUE – Western Front 5-9
Dec. 5: Weirdos Market – Russian Hall, 600 Campbell Ave. 5-10
Dec. 5: Krampusmarket – Strange Fellows Brewing 8-10

Dec. 6: Tugboat Landing Artisan Market – 2010 East Kent Ave S. 11-5
Dec. 6: June Hunter Holiday Studio Sale – 2785 Parker St. 10-4
Dec. 6: TOQUE – Western Front 11-5
Dec. 6: Krampusmarket – Strange Fellows Brewing 11-6
Dec. 6: Weirdos Market – Russian Hall, 600 Campbell Ave. 11-5
Dec. 6: Make It – PNE Forum 10-6

Dec. 7: Tugboat Landing Artisan Market – 2010 East Kent Ave. S. 11-4
Dec. 7: June Hunter Holiday Studio Sale – 2785 Parker St. 10-4
Dec. 7: Weirdos Market – Russian Hall, 1600 Campbell Ave. 11-5
Dec. 7: TOQUE – Western Front 11-5
Dec. 7: Krampusmarket – Strange Fellows Brewing  11-4
Dec. 7: Make It – PNE Forum 11-5
Dec. 7: Il Centro’s Christmas Market – Italian Cultural Centre 10-3

Dec. 11: Make It! – PNE Forum 5-9
Dec. 12: Weirdos Market – Russian Hall, 600 Campbell Ave. 5-10
Dec. 12: Make It! – PNE Forum 11-9

Dec. 13: Make It – PNE Forum 10-6
Dec. 13: First Pick Handmade Holiday Market – Heritage Hall 11-6
Dec. 13: Weirdos Market – Russian Hall, 600 Campbell Ave. 11-5
Dec. 13: Crafts & Cocktails – Forecast Coffee Roasters 6-9 pm
Dec. 14: Make It – PNE Forum 11-5
Dec. 14: First Pick Handmade Holiday Market – Heritage Hall 11-6
Dec. 14: Weirdos Market – Russian Hall, 600 Campbell Ave. 11-5

Dec. 18: Art & Craft Marche – La Fabrique St-George 7-10 pm
Dec. 20: Good Stuff Market – Heritage Hall 11-5
Dec. 20: Crafts & Cocktails – Forecast Coffee Roasters 6-9 pm
Dec. 21: Good Stuff Market – Heritage Hall 11-5

Is your holiday market not listed? Drop us a note to be added at iliveineastvan@gmail.com.

The Big List Of Holiday Artisan Markets + Craft Fairs In East Van 2024

2 Nov

It’s that time of year again where the opportunities to shop local are abundant.  There are some great artisan markets and craft fairs coming up to help you make your gift giving easy. Whether you are looking for something for Christmas, a birthday or maybe a housewarming gift, there are many local options available to you.  Did you know: “for every $100 spent with a BC local business, $64 is re-circulated back into our BC economy versus $14 for multi nationals. Why? Because locally owned businesses circulate more dollars in the community compared to multinational organizations.”

When you buy from a local maker, you are supporting those living and working in your local community. All have created a business doing something they love and are passionate about.  We are 100% behind supporting those local dreamers and makers. Also, buying local is better for the environment. Items purchased at local markets are not being shipped long distances and all will have much less packaging. All around win win. To that end, we have again created a list of all the artisan markets and craft fairs happening in East Vancouver this holiday season. Things are kicking off early this year so we invite you to check them out. We are hoping our big list will make it easier for you to shop local this holiday season.

NOVEMBER 2024

Nov. 2: Fair Trade & Artisan Market – Trinity Grace Church, 803 East 16th Ave

Nov. 9: Eastside Flea – 79 West 3rd Avenue 11-5
Nov. 10: Eastside Flea – 79 West 3rd Avenue 11-5

Nov. 14: Eastside Culture Crawl – Various Locations 5-10
Nov. 15: Eastside Culture Crawl – Various Locations 5-10
Nov. 16: Eastside Culture Crawl – Various Locations 11-6
Nov. 16: Eastside Flea – 79 West 3rd Avenue 11-5
Nov. 17: Eastside Flea – 79 West 3rd Avenue 11-5
Nov. 17: Eastside Culture Crawl – Various Locations 11-6

Nov. 23: Got Craft Holiday Market – Croatian Cultural Centre 10-5
Nov. 23: Eastside Flea – 79 West 3rd Avenue 11-5
Nov. 24: Got Craft Holiday Market – Croatian Cultural Centre 10-5
Nov. 24: Holiday Sip & Shop – Heritage Hall 4-9 pm
Nov. 24: Eastside Flea – 79 West 3rd Avenue 11-5

Nov. 29: TOQUE – Western Front 5-9 pm
Nov. 29: Britannia Winter Market – 1661 Napier St. 3-8 pm
Nov. 29: Krampus Market – Strange Fellows Brewing 8-10

Nov. 30: Tugboat Landing Artisan Market – 2010 East Kent Ave. 11-5
Nov. 30: TOQUE – Western Front 11-5
Nov. 30: Krampus Market – Strange Fellows Brewing 11-6 pm
Nov. 30: Britannia Winter Market – 1661 Napier St. 10-4
Nov. 30: Good Stuff Market – Heritage Hall 11-5
Nov. 30: Eastside Flea – 79 West 3rd Avenue 11-5

DECEMBER 2024

Dec. 1: Tugboat Landing Artisan Market – 2010 East Kent Ave. S. 11-4
Dec. 1: TOQUE – Western Front 11-5
Dec. 1: Britannia Winter Market – 1661 Napier St. 10-4
Dec. 1: Krampus Market – Strange Fellows Brewing 11-4
Dec. 1: Good Stuff Market – Heritage Hall 11-5
Dec. 1: Eastside Flea – 79 West 3rd Avenue 11-5

Dec. 7: First Pick Handmade Holiday Market – Heritage Hall 11-6
Dec. 7: Eastside Flea – 79 West 3rd Avenue 11-5
Dec. 7: June Hunter Studio Sale – 2785 Parker St. 10-4
Dec. 8: First Pick Handmade Holiday Market – Heritage Hall 11-6
Dec. 8: Eastside Flea- 79 West 3rd Avenue 11-5
Dec. 8: June Hunter Studio Sale – 2785 Parker St. 10-4

Dec. 12: Make It! – PNE Forum 5-9
Dec. 12: Sip & Shop South Main – 4 – 8
Dec. 13: Make It! – PNE Forum 11-9
Dec. 14: Make It! – PNE Forum 10-6
Dec. 14: Eastside Flea – 79 West 3rd Avenue 11-5
Dec. 15: Make It! – PNE Forum 11-5
Dec. 15: Eastside Flea – 79 West 3rd Avenue 11-5
Dec. 15: Xmas Market – Wise Hall 5:00 pm – Late

Dec. 17: Holiday Sip & Shop – Heritage Hall 4-9 pm

Is your holiday market not listed? Drop us a note to be added at iliveineastvan@gmail.com.

Tugboat Landing Artisan Market December 2 & 3, 2023

20 Nov

Have you made your way down to the walking trails along the Fraser River in SE Vancouver? This generally sleepy hollow was pretty unknown until Wesgroup Properties started to develop on the lands East of Kerr below Marine Drive now known as River District. Add to that the pandemic brought many new people seeking new places to walk in the City. If you haven’t checked it out yet, Tugboat Landing is a sweet community at the foot of Victoria Drive at East Kent Avenue South.  It was formerly an industrial area that housed tugboats at the landing of Victoria Drive on the Fraser River, hence the name. It was redeveloped into a community of condos and townhomes that enjoy river front living.  The area is located on a public walkway and cycle path just steps away from Gladstone Park and less than a mile West of the now ever growing River District development.

On December 2nd and 3rd, here you will find the 7th Annual Tugboat Landing Artisan Market.  This is a boutique artisan market that happens at 2010 East Kent Avenue at the foot of Victoria Drive. They have another great line up of vendors that make it fun and easy space to shop for gifts in an inviting and cozy space.

They will have lots of returning vendors including Ladner Artisan Chocolates, Guava Jelly with handpainted infant wear and t-shirts as well as Mad Laboratory Distilling with their small batch spirits. If you a love dogs, they’ve got 3 vendors with items that will keep your dog warm/dry (ScouterWear), styling with pet accessories (Furever.Eco) and fed with delicious dog treats (Barks & Biscuits). Ava Luna Creations is also back with beautiful handmade artistic soaps perfect for gift giving.   

If you are looking for some edible items, last year’s fav Evie + Charlie is back with ready-to-bake cookies in a variety of delicious flavours. East Van Jam will be on hand with sweet & savoury spreads. If you love hot sauce, Toon’s Sauces is back with a few flavours for the foodie on your holiday gift list.

Bower Fibre Goods is back again with beautifully crafted textiles and ILiveInEastVan will be on site with a selection of totes, t-shirts and well as sew-on reflective patches. Knit Collective is also back with cozy designs to keep you warm as well as some very sweet plushies for the wee ones. Oopsiedaisy Ceramics is also back with some very fun whimsical designs which are sure to make you smile. New to the market this year is Little Wood Turning with beautiful handcrafted wooden designs, Marigold Collective with handmade scarves, blankets, jewellery and more from Women’s Fair Trade Co-operatives, Cao Leather Goods joins them with handcrafted leather pieces and PAMJY Candles with eco-friendly candles and diffusers. As always, they will have lots of great items on hand that are perfect for gift giving.

Last year, this boutique artisan market was deemed a Hidden Gem and 1 of 17 Happening Holiday Markets by Destination Vancouver. It’s a cozy inviting space away from all the crazy crowds. Stop by for hot cocoa or coffee and some sweet treats while warming up in front of the fireplace.  Food and drink will be available by donation with all proceeds going to BC SPCA and SAINTS (Senior Animals In Need Today Society) Rescue. Market hours will Saturday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Admission is free. To learn more, visit them online at Tugboat Landing Artisan Market, or give them a follow @tugboatlandingartisanmarket on Instagram.

First Pick Handmade Holiday Market At The Heritage Hall December 10 & 11

8 Dec

First Pick Handmade is back at the Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, on Saturday, December 10th and Sunday, December 11th with their Holiday Market.   First Pick Handmade’s Holiday Market will again feature items from a variety of makers that include non-binary, all sized-clothing and objects that are not mass produced.  Founder and creator, Janna Hurtzig, curates only high quality and sustainable products.  You can expect to find a wide range of products including jewellery by Irit Sorokin, ceramics by Oh Hello Leigh and Abder Atbi, paintings by Janine Breck Art, accessories by Winterluxe Recycled Cashmere and clothing by Serenity West and Street and Saddle and much more. Whether you are looking for something for your home, for yourself, or as a gift, there will be lots to choose from with all of this talent under one roof. Stop by and check it out between 11:00 am and 6:00 pm December 10th & 11th. Admission is $3.00 at the door or online.

The Big List Of Artisan Markets + Craft Fairs In East Van 2022

12 Nov

It’s that time of year again where the opportunities to shop local are abundant.  There are some great artisan markets and craft fairs coming up to help you make your gift giving easy whether for Christmas or birthday gifts.  Did you know: “for every $100 spent with a BC local business, $64 is re-circulated back into our BC economy versus $14 for multi nationals. Why? Because locally owned businesses circulate more dollars in the community compared to multinational organizations.”

When you buy from a local maker, you’re supporting your neighbor next door, your co-worker working full-time and holding down a side gig, moms carving out some extra income while still being home with their families. All have created a business doing something they love and are passionate about.  We are 100% behind supporting those local dreamers and makers. Also, buying local is better for the environment. Items at markets are not being shipped long distances and there is usually much less packaging involved. All around win win. To that end, we have again created a list of all the artisan markets and craft fairs happening in East Vancouver this holiday season. Here’s hoping our big list will make it easier for you to shop local this holiday season.

NOVEMBER 2022

Nov. 16-27: Got Craft Holiday Virtual Market

Nov. 17: Eastside Culture Crawl – Various Locations 5 – 10 pm
Nov. 18: Eastside Culture Crawl – Various Locations 5- 10 pm
Nov. 18: Britannia Winter Craft Market – Britannia Comm. Centre 3 – 8 pm

Nov. 19: Eastside Culture Crawl – Various Locations 11 am – 6 pm
Nov. 19: Got Craft – Croatian Cultural Centre 10 am – 5 pm
Nov. 19: Britannia Winter Craft Market – Britannia Comm. Centre 10 am – 6 pm
Nov. 19: Made In The 604 – Heritage Hall
Nov. 20: Eastside Culture Crawl – Various Locations 11 am – 6 pm
Nov. 20: Got Craft – Croatian Cultural Centre 10 am – 5 pm
Nov. 20: Made In The 604 – Heritage Hall

Nov. 25: Artisan Pottery Sale – Trout Lake Community Centre 4 – 8 pm
Nov. 26: Artisan Pottery Sale – Trout Lake Community Centre 9 am – 4 pm

DECEMBER 2022

Dec. 2: Toque Craft Fair – Western Front, 303 E. 8th Ave. 6 – 10 pm

Dec. 3: Tugboat Landing Artisan Market – 2010 East Kent Ave. 11 am – 4 pm
Dec. 3: Toque Craft Fair – Western Front, 303 E. 8th Ave. 6 – 10 pm
Dec. 3: Eastside Flea – 550 Malkin Avenue 11 am – 5 pm
Dec. 3: Deck The Hall – Heritage Hall – TBC
Dec. 3: Connect X-Mas Market + Music Festival – 2111 Main St. 11 – 7

Dec. 4: Tugboat Landing Artisan Market – 2010 East Kent Ave. 11 am – 4 pm
Dec. 4: Toque Craft Fair – Western Front, 303 E. 8th Ave. 6 – 10 pm
Dec. 4: Eastside Flea – 550 Malkin Avenue 11 am – 5 pm
Dec. 4: Deck The Hall – Heritage Hall – TBC
Dec. 4: Connect X-Mas Market + Music Festival – 2111 Main St. 11-7

Dec. 7: Make It! – PNE Forum 11 am – 9 pm
Dec. 8: Make It! – PNE Forum 11 am – 9 pm

Dec. 9: Krampus Markt – Strange Fellows Brewing 6 – 10 pm
Dec. 9: Make It! – PNE Forum 10 am – 6 pm
Dec. 9: Weirdos Holiday Market – 1739 Venables St.

Dec. 10: First Pick Handmade – Heritage Hall 11 am – 6 pm
Dec. 10: MakeIt! – PNE Forum 11 am – 5 pm
Dec. 10: Eastside Flea – 550 Malkin Ave. 11 am – 5 pm
Dec. 10: Krampus Markt – Strange Fellows Brewing 11 am – 6 pm
Dec. 10: Weirdos Holiday Market – 1739 Venables St.

Dec. 11: First Pick Handmade – Heritage Hall 11 am – 6 pm
Dec. 11: Make It! – PNE Forum
Dec. 11: Eastside Flea – 550 Malkin Ave. 11 am – 5 pm
Dec. 11: Christmas Market – Italian Cultural Centre 11 am – 4 pm
Dec. 11: Krampus Markt – Strange Fellows Brewing 12 – 4 pm
Dec. 11: Weirdos Holiday Market – 1739 Venables St.

Dec. 16: Weirdos Holiday Market – 1739 Venables St.

Dec. 17: Eastside Flea – 550 Malkin Ave. 11 am – 5 pm
Dec. 17: Weirdos Holiday Market – 1739 Venables St.

Dec. 18: Weirdos Holiday Market – 1739 Venables St.
Dec. 18: Eastside Flea – 550 Malkin Ave. 11 am – 5 pm
Dec. 18: Weirdos Holiday Market – 1739 Venables St.

Did we miss one? We will be updating this list as we learn of other markets so check back for updates. Feel free to drop us a note with any market you think should be added at ILiveInEastVan@gmail.com.

Missed the Culture Crawl? Ditch The Crowds And Meet Some Makers of The Mergatroid December 18

16 Dec

If you didn’t get a chance to hit the Eastside Culture Crawl this past November, don’t fret! This coming Saturday there’s a chance to ditch the heavy crowds from last month and hit the Mergatroid Open House. When it comes to East Vancouver’s art scene many think of the iconic Parker Street building. However, the Mergatroid building across the street also hosts a variety of local talent, from ceramicists to glassblowers and now here’s your (second) chance to see their open studios and do some of last-minute Christmas shopping. With the amount of artisans opening up their studio spaces this weekend, there is bound to be a gift for everyone still on your list.  We’ve set out below which studios will be open to visitors this Saturday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Mergatroid, 975 Vernon Drive.

Glassware:

Glassblowers make up the heart of the Mergatroid building. Attached to Terminal City Glass Coop, this building houses a variety of different glassblowers, all having unique techniques and skillsets. Find Dougherty Glassworks, Maria Ida Designs, Scott Mcdougall and Felicia Vandenboogaard in #259 where they’ll be hosting their iconic “seconds sale” – a great chance to find those unique gifts that no one else has, at a discounted price.

Ceramics:

Who doesn’t love receiving pottery as a gift? Find Eikam Ceramics, a Vancouver favourite when it comes to ceramic décor and tableware. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind ceramic piece, visit Firebelly Clayworks at #230 for unique but functional sculptural bowls, teapots and mugs.

Textiles & Fashion: 

Are you looking gift for that trendsetter in your life? Check out Bronsino’s handcrafted and bespoke leather bags and accessories. Find their workshop at #225 in the Mergatroid Building. For gifts for someone that loves the West Coast, visit Bettina Matzkuhn at #235 for her embroidered landscapes and cartography inspired pieces. 

5 East Vancouver Artisans At Circle Craft Christmas Market

9 Nov

Christmas is around the corner, and luckily craft shows are back to ease the stress of finding that perfect gift. We are hearing that Vancouverites are especially excited to finally be able to shop in person at some of their favourite markets, Circle Craft Market being one of them. Although this event is held outside of East Van at the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre, it is worthy to note who will be there. With over 180 artisans showcasing their work this week, The Social Refinery has put together a great list of 5 East Van artisans you will want to be sure to visit if you are heading to Circle Craft this week.

Dougherty Glassworks – Home Décor & Barware

Local glassblowing favourite, Cameron Dougherty uses traditional glassblowing techniques to elevate your home. Find mid-century modern bud vases and classic thumb divot glasses at booth # H14

Amara Blue Designs – Gold & Sterling Jewelry
Artisan Kassandra Taylor creates fine gold and silver pieces using ethically sourced metals meant to be cherished and worn for more than just a season. Find her personalizing jewelry on site at booth #D12

East Van Jam – Canned Jams 

Sweet, and always delicious! Artisan Natalie Ferrari-Morton has perfected the art of a great jam. Find her low sugar (and delectable!) jams at booth N07

Minori Takagi – Japanese Lampwork Jewelry

Fusing traditional Japanese techniques with modern Canadian fashion, artisan Minori Takagi creates unique statement jewelry pieces that will catch any eye. Find her all glass “chain” necklaces miniature fruit earrings at booth #G09 

Matthew Freed – Pottery 

Inspired by the beauty of the West Coast, artisan Matthew Freed experiments with unique glazes and textures with his pottery pieces. Find his mugs inspired by favourite locations around Vancouver, and stately dinnerware at booth #D14

If you are attending Circle Craft this year, it is suggested that you prepurchase your ticket online, as this year Circle Craft is releasing timed tickets for the duration of the event being November 10 – 14, 2021.

Have a favourite artisan that is not on the list? Tell us who you’re visiting at Circle Craft in the comments below.

The Big List of Holiday Markets In East Van 2021

7 Nov

It’s that time of year again where the opportunities to shop local are abundant and in light of the pandemic, more important than ever for our local economy. Although there are some markets that have been cancelled this year due the pandemic, there are still many going ahead. We encourage you to stop by those that are proceeding and show your support. Whether you are shopping for Christmas, a birthday or yourself, there are so many opportunities to support your local community.

When you buy from a local maker, you’re supporting your neighbor next door, your co-worker working full-time and holding down a side gig, moms carving out some extra income while still being home with their families. All have created a business doing something they love and are passionate about.  We are 100% behind supporting those local dreamers and makers. Also, what is making the rounds on social media is that buying local is better for the environment. Items at markets are not being shipped in containers lost at sea, not to mention less packaging involved as a result of not travelling long distances. To make it easy to shop local, we have again created a list of Holiday Markets In East Van for 2021.   We hope you will show your support for local this holiday season.

NOVEMBER 2021

Nov. 6-Apr. 23: Riley Park Winter Farmers Market – 30th & Ontario 10 – 2

Nov. 7-Apr.24: Hastings Park Farmers Market – Hastings Park 10 – 2

Nov. 6-7: Make In The 604 – Heritage Hall 11-5

Nov. 12-14: Eastside Culture Crawl – Various Locations

Nov. 14: Indigenous Maker Pop Up Shop – Iron Dog Books 6-9 pm

Nov. 18-21: Eastside Culture Crawl – Various Locations

Nov. 18: Pancakes & Booze Art Show – 147 East Pender St. 7 pm

Nov. 27: Makers Market – Coho Commissary

Nov. 27: Christmas Bazaar – St. Thomas Anglican Church, 2444 E. 41st Ave 10-2

DECEMBER 2021

Dec. 1: Makers Market – Coho Commissary

Dec. 1-5: Toque Craft Fair by Western Front Online Marketplace

Dec. 3: Krampus Market – Strange Fellows Brewing 6-10 pm

Dec. 4: Krampus Market – Strange Fellows Brewing 11 – 6

Dec. 5: Krampus Market – Strange Fellows Brewing 12-4

Dec. 4: Tugboat Landing Artisan Market – 2010 East Kent Ave. S. (at Victoria) 11-4

Dec. 4-5: Crafty Affaire – Croatian Cultural Centre
Dec. 4-5: Eastside Flea – 550 Malkin Avenue 11-4
Dec. 4-5: Weirdos Holiday Market – The Venables Hall, 1739 Venables St. 10-6

Dec. 11-12: First Pick Handmade Holiday Market – Heritage Hall 11-6

Dec. 11-12: Eastside Flea – 550 Malkin Avenue 11-4

Dec. 12: Christmas Market – Il Centro (Italian Cultural Centre) 11-7

Dec. 18-19: Eastside Flea – 550 Malkin Avenue 11-4
Dec. 18-19: Got Craft – Croatian Cultural Centre 10-5

Did we miss one? We will be updating this list as we learn of other markets so check back for updates. Feel free to drop us a note with any market you think should be added at ILiveInEastVan@gmail.com.

Photo Credit: Kristina Paukshtite

Made In The 604 At The Heritage Hall October 24th

17 Oct

Made In The 604 is back at the Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, with a Pop Up Market for the first time in almost 2 years. Sunday, October 24th the Heritage Hall is transformed again into a space that showcases handmade items produced by local makers, creatives and the small business community. The event gets under way at 11:00 am and all Covid protocols will be in place including vaccine passports and masking to keep things safe for everyone. Admission is by donation. There are not quite as many of these markets this year as in past years, but it a great opportunity to get a jump on your Christmas shopping.

Great Places To Shop Local This Holiday Season

16 Dec

BuyLocalWe are big supporters of small business. They are the heart of our respective communities. They are opportunities to connect, support other local makers, keep money in our community, a more eco-friendly way to shop which includes less travel time and often less packaging. It’s all around win win in our eyes.  We’ve set out a list of some of our favourite stores for shopping local. One of the many reasons we likes these stores is because they all support other local artisans, makers and small business.  So visit them in person or online and see what items they have that will make that perfect gift for someone special this holiday season.

Bird On A Wire Creations

Bird on A Wire Creations has been a long time supporter of local artists and have gathered quite a collection of beautiful items from a variety of artisans around BC.  If you haven’t checked out this space, we encourage you to stop by. They are located at 2535 Main Street near Broadway.

Doctor Vigari Gallery

Doctor Vigari Gallery is a great space at 1816 Commercial Drive supporting visual artists.  You can find array of items perfect for gift giving including pieces of art from one of our favourite artists June Hunter.

Second Nature Home

Second Nature Home is a home décor boutique located at 3565 Commercial Street in Cedar Cottage.  The store has a wide range of items outside of home décor including  jewellery, gifts for the foodie in your life, something cute for the new baby or new mom and much more. They currently have extended hours running up to Christmas. December 17-23rd they are open until 9:00 pm and Monday, December 24th they are open 11:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Plenty + Spare

Plenty + Spare is located at 2168 East Hasting Street. It’s easy to miss by the smells of their neighbour East Village Bakery which can draw you in by your nose literally, but do stop into Plenty + Spare. They create an array of beautiful handmade bath and beauty products along with a few other items brought in for the holiday season.

Giving Gifts

Giving Gifts is a very cool space located at 4570 Main Street. The store tucked between 30th & 29th Avenue is made of up 5 rooms packed with items from 100 local as well as fair trade artists from around the world.  It is a gift giving boutique so you will easily be able to pick up a few gifts for just about any age.

Tiny Finery

Tiny Finery is a sweet little shop located in Hastings Sunrise at 2629 East Hastings Street that features jewellery as well as local pottery, leather work, prints and some greeting cards.  They also do custom jewellery work if you have something specific in mind.

Jackson’s General Store

Jackson’s General Store is new this year and located at 1490 Kingsway (at Dumfries) near Knight Street. Don’t be fooled on the new, this is an old store reworked and owner, Mike Jackson, has 30 years of business under his belt and eclectic mix of cool and unique items in store. Here you will find a large array of items for gift giving and lots of edibles as well as vintage and retro items. To get a sense of what they have, visit them on   Instagram.

Why we should Shop Local.

For every $100 you spend with a local business, $46 is re-circulated back into the BC economy (vs $18 for multi nationals). Small business re-circulates 2.6 times more revenue in the local economy as do chains.