Have a holly jolly Christmas—it’s the best time of the year! There may not be much snow, but there’s plenty of market cheer!
The festive season is officially in full swing, and the buzz around Christmas markets, craft nights, unique gift ideas, cozy holiday drinks, and more is all over social media. We don’t know about you, but we’re ready to dive into the holiday fun.
If you haven’t already heard, there are tons of amazing markets happening around Victoria, featuring everything from artisanal goods and homemade treats to beautiful local art and much more.
We get it, though—keeping track of them all can be tricky. Which market was where again? How much does it cost to get in?
Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! We’ve put together a handy guide to some of the best holiday markets in and around Victoria.
So whether you’re celebrating Christmas or just soaking up the seasonal vibes, throw on your coziest Christmas sweater and get ready to shop ’til you drop at these 18 fantastic markets in and around Victoria:
Bastion Square Holiday Market Series
The Bastion Square Holiday Market Series is back for another year in downtown Victoria!
It kicked off on Saturday, November 9th and will run every weekend as well as Monday, December 23rd and Tuesday, December 24th—giving you plenty of time to soak in the Bastion Square magic.
The market is both indoors and outdoors, so make sure you treat yourself to a good wander while enjoying live music.
- Where: 18 Bastion Square
- When: Kicked off on Saturday, November 9th and runs every weekend until Tuesday, December 24th
Yuletide Market at Bilston Creek Farm
Bilston Creek Farm’s beloved Yuletide Market series is returning for another year!
Featuring over 90 local businesses showcasing their beautiful products across seven different holiday markets, their 2024 Yuletide Market is not one to miss.
Designed as a retail pop-up store, the markets have a rotating list of vendors, ensuring you will find something new and unique each weekend. This is a fantastic opportunity to support and shop local leading into the Christmas and holiday season.
The first market weekend will run from Friday, November 15th to Sunday, November 17th. Entry is $5 per person.
Check their Facebook page for when their other market days are!
- Where: Bilston Creek Farm, 4185 Metchosin Road, Metchosin
- When: Friday, November 15th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Magic of Christmas Artisan Market
Magic of Christmas is back for their 10th annual Holiday Artisan market at Eagle Ridge community centre in Langford!
This year they’re are adding an extra shopping day to make it a three-day event—much more time to browse over 130 handmade artisans all under one roof.
Come join them from Friday, November 22nd to Sunday, November 24th. $3 admission for adults and children 12-years-old and under get in for free.
- Where: Eagle Ridge Community Centre, 1089 Langford Parkway
- When:
- Friday, November 22nd from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Saturday, November 23rd from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday, November 24th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Owl Designer Fair
Come and check out one of Victoria’s finest holiday fairs!
All items are handmade or upcycled by local artists and designers. Live music, food truck eats, and free craft workshops along with unique gifts make this show a must for anyone looking for some style in their Christmas shopping.
You will find handmade soaps, art & cards, local fashion designers, wood toys, fine woodworking, upcycled vintage creations, leather goods, handmade jewelry, home decor and much much more!
Admission for adults is $5, and kids under 12-years-old get in for free.
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- Where: Fernwood Community Centre, 1240 Gladstone Ave
- When:
- Saturday, November 23rd from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday, November 24th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
West Coast Winter Market
Support over 60 local vendors at the West Coast Winter Market!
Organized by the Oaklands Sunset Market and Oaklands Community Association, it will be held at Oaklands Community Centre on Saturday, November 23rd.
There will be live music to enjoy while you browse handmade art, textiles, crafts, food and many more amazing goodies.
Admission is by donation, $5 is suggested but no one will be turned away.
- Where: Oaklands Community Centre, 1-2827 Belmont Avenue
- When: Saturday, November 23rd from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Esquimalt Farmers Holiday Market
As described, the Esquimalt Farmers Holiday Market is where food lovers do their Christmas shopping!
Showcasing over 90 beloved vendors from their summer and fall markets, as well as other sweet finds, it’s always worth the trek.
Find gourmet treats, artisanal condiments, culinary-inspired gifts, linens, handcrafted pottery and more foodie finds, as well as a wide variety of artisan crafts!
While you shop, enjoy live music and indulge in a delicious selection of bites from their curated food trucks, offering flavors as unique as the gifts you’ll find.
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- Where: Esquimalt Recreation Centre, 527 Fraser Street, Esquimalt
- When: Sunday, November 24th, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Out of Hand Modern Market
It’s time to welcome the 35th annual Out of Hand Modern Market!
Popular on the island for a reason, you’ll find gems and neat finds, including the perfect piece of gorgeous jewellery, pottery, woodwork, art, home decor and more.
And in our Gourmet Market sample and buy delicious sweet and savoury foods and wine and spirits for your holiday entertaining.
With so many beautiful handmade goods plus live music, onsite coffee bar, and the beauty of Crystal Garden, this is a holiday market you do not want to miss!
- Where: Crystal Garden, 713 Douglas Street
- When:
- Friday, November 29th from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Saturday, November 30th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday, December 1st from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
WinterFest 2024
Grab your winter jackets, this outdoor market is one you won’t want to miss!
The Royal BC Museum invites you to experience their celebration of culture, arts, and community with a mix of warm drinks, local vendors, performances, and more.
The event will occur over two days, from Saturday, November 30th to Sunday, December 1st.
Find the perfect gift for someone or stop by for a warm drink and a show—either way, you’ll have a wonderfully festive time!
This event is free to attend.
- Where: Royal BC Museum, 680 Douglas Street
- When: Saturday, November 30th and Sunday, December 1st from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A Touch of Saltspring
Don’t miss the island’s largest winter market show—featuring over 175 local crafters and artisans from across BC!
A Touch of Saltspring is an annual holiday market and is highly-anticipated by locals and visitors alike.
It will take place at the Saanich Fairgrounds, and includes a full kitchen serving hot and cold meals, snacks and beverages.
It’s $7 for a three-day pass, and kids 12-years-old and under get in for free.
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- Where: Saanich Fairgrounds, 1501 White Road
- When:
- Friday, December 6th from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Saturday, December 7th and Sunday, December 8th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Nerdy Days of Christmas
This is for all of the lovely nerds out there—ourselves included!
Get ready for the 11th annual Nerdy Days of Christmas market and find a gift or treat that truly speaks to your inner geek.
This galacticly fantastic craft market is held in Market Square on both Saturday, December 7th and Sunday, December 8th in Market Square.
Entry is by donation and all of the proceeds go to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation!
- Where: Market Square, 540 Johnson Street
- When: Saturday, December 7th and Sunday, December 8th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Millstream Elementary Winter Market
Featuring over 30 vendors, Millstream Elementary is thrilled to invite everyone to join them at their annual Winter Market!
A concession will also be available, provided by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 91.
Admission is by donation and all of the proceeds go to Millstream PAC.
- Where: Millstream Elementary School, 637 Hoylake Ave, Langford
- When: Saturday, December 7th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Christmas Market at Patio Gardens
Join Patio Gardens as they welcome back their annual Christmas Market!
They’ll be filling the greenhouses with over 80 local vendors, and the Victoria Conservatory of Music fills the air with festive tunes.
Eat, shop and enjoy the music!
Admission is by donation, with the proceeds benefiting Living Edge Food Bank.
- Where: Patio Gardens, 6536 West Saanich Road
- When: Saturday, December 7th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Dickens Fair
This fair is described as one of the oldest and most beloved in Victoria!
This year the Dickens Fair by the James Bay Market Society is celebrating their 43rd year of bringing holiday joy.
There will be over 60 vendors selling handmade and affordable goods for a wonderful Christmas shopping experience!
Shop around and chat with the artisans and creatives at the booths—they’d love to talk to you about what they do, their inspirations, and why each item is unique.
Admission is $3 for adults if you’re paying with cash, and $3.50 with card. It’s free for kids under 12 if they’re accompanied by an adult.
- Where: James Bay Community Centre,140 Oswego Street
- When: Saturday, December 7th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hillside Christmas Market
Hillside Shopping Centre is hosting a two-day Christmas Market on Saturday, December 7th and Sunday, December 8th.
The local vendors will be scattered throughout the mall, adding to the magical holiday atmosphere that Hillside is known for.
Bring the whole family and enjoy the festive experience they’ve created just for you!
- Where: Hillside Shopping Centre, 1038 Hillside Avenue
- When:
- Saturday, December 7th from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sunday, December 8th from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Last Chance Christmas Craft Fair
The third installment in the JLee Creations’ Christmas Craft Fair at the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney and it runs for three days!
Between Friday, December 13th and Sunday, December 15th, you and your fellow attendees will get a final look at what’s being offered this year—including loads of stunning jewelry, art, cards, candles, and so much more.
All of the artisans present have put their heart and soul into each piece, so it’s a guaranteed special gift for your special someone!
- Where: Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Avenue
- When:
- Friday, December 13th from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Saturday, December 14th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday, December 15th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Very Merry Makers Market
Metchosin Arts is thrilled to announce the return of their annual Very Merry Makers Market on Saturday, December 14th and Sunday, December 15th, at the Metchosin School!
This family-friendly community event will feature over 70 local vendors, along with delicious hot drinks, tasty food, and even a visit from some adorable pups courtesy of the Victoria Humane Society.
There will be exciting door prizes and, who knows, maybe a surprise appearance from Santa himself!
Entry is free, but visitors are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food donation to help support the local food bank. If you do wish to leave a monetary donation, all proceeds go towards supporting arts and culture in the Metchosin community.
- Where: Metchosin School, 4495 Happy Valley Road, Metchosin
- When: Saturday, December 14th and Sunday, December 15th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Coastal Bead Collective: Indigenous Holiday Market
Coastal Bead Collective and friends are hosting an Indigenous Holiday Market, featuring around 20 vendors from various territories across Turtle Island!
This wonderful community event is to uplift talented Indigenous artists and bring everyone together for festive fun.
If you’re able, they ask that visitors bring a small contribution for the local food banks within the Lekwungen territory.
- Where: Fernwood
- When: Saturday, December 14th from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Punk Holiday Market
The Punk Holiday Market is back for their third year!
There will be over 40 different vendors and a rocking band to rattle the floors starting at 8 p.m.
The evening will feature local bands bringing you that punk holiday goodness. Featuring Toy Tiger (Vancouver) and a heavy hitting list of Victoria’s best: Hung Up, Bug, Concrete Grave and Crosshairs.
Separate tickets for the bands are required and can be purchased here.
Come and mingle with your friends before the holidays, rock out, and shop from a fabulous group of makers to round out your holiday gift giving!
General admission is $5 at the door and kids 12 and under get in for free. A portion of market admission will be donated to the Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association!
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- Where: Da Vinci Event Centre, 195 Bay Street
- When: Saturday, December 21st from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Did we miss one? Let us know in the comments below or email tips@victoriabuzz.com!
