Oh holy night market!
Christmas, Hanukkah and Festivus are coming up fast!
Thankfully, there are so many splendid markets on the immediate horizon that specialize in locally made items – because, when it comes to local gifts, Winnipeg puts the “tis” in artisanal. (Like, if we were a bourbon, surely we’d be Maker’s Mark. Or, our gifts aren’t just handy, they’re handcrafted #thesejokesarentmarketfresh)
What we’re trying to say is: if you want to really enjoy your shopping experience this holiday season, all while supporting locals who make amazing stuff, then these are the spots for you.
Third + Bird Christmas Market - November 24-25 at Hudson’s Bay Downtown (450 Portage Avenue); Popup @ The Forks, December 8-9, 15-16, 22-23. For a complete list of times click here.
Bird has been the word of local makers’ markets for ten years now, as it was back in 2009 that Third + Bird co-founders Chandra Kremski and Charla Smeall first brought together some of Winnipeg’s best makers for a market.
A decade on, Third + Bird has outgrown two locations and is now nestled in the basement of the city’s famed Hudson’s Bay Downtown location (early bird tickets have already sold-out too, while tickets at the door are $10, which gets you unlimited re-entry – with kids under 12 being free), where thousands of shoppers will congregate to generate over $500,000 for local artisans.
To add to the atmosphere, musicians from the Winnipeg Symphony will be performing on Saturday – along with live music throughout the weekend – while they also have a liquor license and bar, meaning you can shop with a cocktail in hand. Plus, they will have an onsite café stocked with food from Bernstein’s Deli, Baba D’s Perogies, Cho Ichi Ramen, Green Carrot Juice Co., Dave’s Juice, Popcart popsicles, Red Lake Coffee Co., Prairie Kitchen Catering, and, a personal favourite of ours, The Penny Loaf Bakery. Oh, and there will be a free photo booth too from 6 Degrees Photobooth Co.
On top of this, you can also find select Third + Bird vendors at The Forks Market on weekends throughout December. A full list of vendors can be found here.
The Forks Holiday Bazaar – The Forks Market, November 30, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The Forks Market is always a great place to shop – plus, with The Common located right in the middle of the market, you can also do some first-floor shopping with a wine or beer in hand (did someone say shopping saison? Or how about #shopwithsémillion)
During the Bazaar, along with vendors from Third + Bird, they also have some hands-on opportunities, including a dream catcher workshop from Teekca’s Aboriginal Boutique ( book online here), and a custom script and artwork pop up by famed local artist, Kal Barteski.
As well, they’ll be slinging mimosas and mulled wine from The Common while parents, get this: there will be a Holiday Bazaar Kids Party (featuring the fantastic four: that being crafts, games, snacks and dancing) in the Royal Dance Studio (so you can shop, while your kids party it up – all under adult supervision of course #whoneedsasitter?).
The full details can be found here.
Lucky Girl Pop Up Shop – December 7-9, Hut K (200 Princess Street).
Excellent vendors in a setting that’s a bit more intimate is the name of the game at the Lucky Girl Pop Up Shop, where you’ll be able to find excellent artisans selling ceramics, art, jewelry, candles, beauty products, culinary goodies, and hundreds of other things.
This year there will be two completely different vendor lineups – one set on Friday and Saturday, and one on Sunday, with admissions just $5 for the whole weekend.
Here's the Facebook page deets.
Signatures Craft Show and Sale – November 22 – 25, RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg.
The Signatures Handmade Market brings in both local talent, and artisans from coast to coast, with over 150 vendors – many of whom will be making their wears onsite.
They’ll have everything from home décor, to metal crafts, wool, art, organic skin care, beet ketchup (pretty much a standard these days because Dr. Beetroot is so awesome), stained glass, to leather work and art.
Best of all for shoppers, Signatures has FREE admission. Here’s the full list of vendors.
Christmas Market at Chocolatier Constance Popp – December 2, noon to 5 p.m., Constance Popp Chocolates (180 Provencher Boulevard)
Gourmands will love this 4th annual event.
Not only will there be an incredible array of creations from Constance and her team ready for all the stockings on your list (including samples to try), but you’ll also get to meet (and purchase products from) many of the artisanal producers whose products can be found in Constance’s creations, including Rocky Lake Birchworks (who make birch syrup), Wendell Estate Honey and Solberry (who make fantastic beverages from sea buckthorn), along with goods from Bliss Gourmet baked goods and Chez Mémère, live wreaths from Sage Garden Greenhouses, and more.
Winnipeg Handmade Vegan Market – December 8, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Robert A. Steen Community Centre (980 Palmerston Avenue).
Plant power makes for the best presents – it’s a fact. This is a great market for all things vegan (obviously), featuring a bake sale going in support of animal shelters, super cool crafts, gourmet goods, art, and so much more.