The Christmas shopping season kicks off for many at the annual Christmas Chaos craft fair at the Cowichan Community Centre, this year scheduled for Nov. 16 to 19.
This is the 43rd year for the event, and includes vendors, Santa’s Workshop for kids, daily raffles and more.
On Thursday, Nov. 16 it runs from noon until 7 p.m. On Friday, Nov. 17 it runs from noon until 8 p.m. On Saturday, Nov. 18 it runs from 10 a.m to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, Nov. 19 it runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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The Honeymoon Bay Outdoor Market will be getting folks into the Christmas spirit this weekend with the annual Honeymoon Bay Christmas Craft Fair.
The event will be toasty warm inside the Honeymoon Bay Community Hall, Saturday, Nov. 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“Come one, come all to the Honeymoon Bay Hall for our Christmas Craft Fair!” reads the announcement on Facebook. “There will be many amazing handcrafted items and delicious homemade treats from your favorite local vendors. There will be a concession with coffee tea and hot chocolate as well as hot dogs, wraps and more!”
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Blue Grouse Winery and Vineyard gets the Christmas cheers started early with three days of ‘Festive Lights and Tasting Delights with their holiday open house, which will take place in their tasting room from Nov. 17 to 19. Attendees can enjoy live music while bringing pleasure to their palate. The event will run from 2 to 6 p.m. for all three days. From Nov. 24 to Dec. 10 Blue Grouse will be holding their winter holiday market from 12 to 4 p.m. where attendees can purchase products from various vendors, and get into the holiday spirit with sips of hot cocoa or mulled wine.
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Happy birthday Union 22! In celebration of 10 years Union 22 will be holding their holiday extravaganza from 10 a.m. til 6 p.m. on Nov. 18. Sip, shop and hang out with Santa. Along with giveaways, and prizes there will also be a mini market with local charcuterie by South Island Small Batch.
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Vendor spots are sold out for the annual Deck the Hall Christmas Market at the Cowichan Exhibition. It runs Friday, Nov. 24 from 1-7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This is the 12th year of this market and it has grown from 50 vendors to more than 120 artisans with everything from jewelry to woodworkers and food. Admission is free, there will be Christmas tunes by local musicians and a concession on site.
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Dinter Nursery is hosting their annual open house and local makers market on Nov. 25, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“Enjoy a stroll amidst the Christmas trees with twinkling lights and good cheer!” the nursery says. For a full list of vendors, check out the Facebook page for the event.
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Sunrise Waldorf School in Cowichan Bay will be hosting their 2023 Winter Faire on Nov. 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., an event that is sure to spread the spirit of the season to children of all ages. People will get whisked away by the magic of this day with festive favourite activities such as cookie cave, enchanted garden, candle dipping and blow the boat. This event will cater to all the senses with delicious local treats and good from the artisan market, and music to get all in a merry mood.
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South Cowichan Healthcare Auxiliary will be having their Christmas Craft and Gift Fair on Nov. 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Mill Bay Community League Hall at 1035 Shawnigan-Mill Bay Rd. The promise baking, sewing and other crafts by local artisans, along with a raffle and homemade soup, bun, tea, coffee and snacks. Admission is free. All proceeds will go to Cowichan Hospice, Cairnsmore, Cowichan District Hospital and other healthcare facilities.
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Queen Margaret’s School is hosting their Holiday Market & Fair on Nov. 25, beginning at 10 a.m. and running until 2 p.m. Featuring local vendors, there will be lots of stocking stuffers and a silent auction, along with a sweet treat booth, and activities for kids.
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Come celebrate ‘Christmas On The Farmstand’ on Nov. 25 at 1511 Cowichan Bay Rd. from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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The Shawnigan Lake Community Centre will be hosting their Artisan Christmas Craft Fair on Nov. 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This holiday event showcases more than 50 tables of creative designs by local crafters and artisans. Admission is free, and for those looking to set up a table the cost is one for $35 or if needed two for $70. There will concessions and live Christmas music to get everyone in the holiday spirit.
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Get merry at the Malahat Legion Christmas Market on Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This festive fundraiser will be donating all of their proceeds from the vendor table rental to the Wounded Warrior Run BC, which is scheduled for February 2024, and all donations stay in British Columbia. There will be various vendors with something for everyone, as well as coffee and muffins to enjoy for a small price.
