These Are the Local, Artisan-Driven Markets to Shop At This Holiday Season
From One Of A Kind in Toronto to Souk in Montreal, these are the artisanal markets to hit up over the next few weeks.
One Of A Kind,
Toronto
This hotly anticipated biannual event brings Canada’s extensive community of makers, designers and creative entrepreneurs under one roof. With over 800 artisans showcasing creations ranging from jewellery and ceramics to stationery and food, the craft-focused show is organized into five categories: Flavours, Fashion District, Green, Original Art Gallery, and Rising Stars. Some of the standout vendors from this season’s showcase include Toronto-based jewellery designer Michelle Ross, who mixes semi-precious stones and metals with glass, ceramics and vintage findings; Hamilton-based skincare brand Artifact Skin Co, whose offerings include face masks, body oils and bath milk; and Toronto-based candle company Lohn, whose scents are inspired by the Amber Road, a historic trade route through Europe.
The event runs from November 21 until December 1 at the Enercare Centre in Toronto. Those outside the GTA, meanwhile, can head to the online shop, which carries goods by hundreds of OOAK exhibitors.
Christmas Market by Fabrique 1840,
Quebec City
Hotel Auberge Saint-Antoine in Quebec City is collaborating with Maison Simons’ artisan-focused platform Fabrique1840 on a 100% local Christmas Market. Featuring everything from home decor, ceramics and jewellery to toys and modern art pieces, the Quebec-based vendors at the market include jewellery designer Anne-Marie Chagnon, glass and ceramics homeware brand A + J Metissage, and artwork and stationery brand Laucolo. The market runs on Saturday, November 30th from 10am to 6pm and Sunday, December 1st from 10am to 5pm in the Auberge hotel lobby.
SOUK,
Montreal
This Montreal design event is back for its 16th edition with 95 designers, selected by a jury of experts for their aesthetic and design value. Products range from “eclectic curiosities” to ceramic creations, books, food, toys, clothes and more by brands like unisex sneaker brand Atelier Hotel Motel, jewellery brand Harakiri and perfumer Jazmin Sarai. SOUK runs from November 27 to December 1 at the RCA Building at 1001 Lenoir Street.
Pleasure Seekers Market,
Toronto
Hosted by The Lake, a recently launched community and online shop dedicated to finding more pleasure in one’s day, the inaugural Pleasure Seekers Market brings together “pleasure-seeking brands” like Seedlip, the world’s first distilled non-alcoholic spirit; Sharebloom, a plant and flower subscription service; Grape Witches, a duo of natural wine-focused sommeliers; and Ferly, a sexual wellness app. The market runs from 7pm to 11pm on December 6 at Lovt Studio at 888 Dupont Street.
Stackt Holiday Market,
Toronto
Stackt, Toronto’s open-air market comprising of shipping containers, is hosting a one-day holiday sale on November 30. Participating vendors—all proudly Canadian—include leather jacket brand Bano eeMee, jewellery brand Cat Janiga, and menswear designer Rhowan James. The Stackt Holiday Sale runs from 11am to 7pm on November 30 at Stackt Market Studio, 28 Bathurst Street. The sale is part of the market’s month-long Holiday Hills festival, which runs from November 22 to December 22.
Vancouver Etsy Collective Holiday Pop-up Market,
Vancouver
This one-day market features a curated selection of independent brands, artists, designers and Etsy sellers from across Vancouver. Over 90 vendors are coming together for the first time for this event, with handmade goods from a wide range of categories including home decor, children’s wear, pet accessories and artisanal food. The market runs from 11am to 6pm on November 24 at The Pipe Shop Venue at 115 Victory Ship Way.
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