Shine at Giving this Holiday Season
We’re officially entering tinsel season, and the brainstorming has likely already begun to find the perfect gift that will thrill the special someone in your life, something with a story to tell that you can’t find in any box store.
Finding one-of-a-kind gifts with stories to tell can be as easy as heading to a local seasonal craft market, where you can find fresh, hip products made by creative makers for everyone on your list. This holiday season, don’t sweat the small stuff and head to a craft market to browse beautiful, handmade pottery, leatherworks, stained glass, knitted goods (and more), then relax in a cozy café with a steaming cup of holiday goodness to congratulate yourself on your excellent finds.
Prepare to be wowed at one of these 10 craft markets (hint: add your name to your list and Santa might be good to you, too!).
Market in the Village - Stirling
When: Nov. 3, 2023, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Covered Bridge, Stirling
The 4th annual Holiday Market in the Village is coming to you on Nov. 3! This holiday market will include shops open in the downtown, along with vendors featuring handmade and artisanal products to browse. Chat with a local maker and learn more about their craft while wandering downtown Stirling. After shopping head to Springbrook Diner right in Stirling. Pro tip: try their schnitzel sandwich.
Cheerfully Made Holiday Market
When: Nov. 4 and 5, 2023, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 14 Bridge St., Almonte
This market is like an Etsy shop on steroids! Head to Almonte for Cheerfully Made's 14th annual holiday market and visit with more than 40 different makers each day. Admission is $5; kids 14 and under are free. Once you've browsed and shopped your way through this market head to Tea and Cake for a well deserved cuppa and a slice of cake.
Christmas in the Valley Artisan Show
When: Nov. 4 and 5, 2023, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 182 Bridge St., Almonte
Discover fun and unique gifts at this long-running craft market – with more than 30 years under its belt this is where creativity lives. And did someone say door prize? You could win a lap-sized quilt by filling out a ballot at the show. Look for the holiday cards printed with photos of the area’s beautiful scenery – and see if you can spot the same locations on the way home. Make time to wander downtown Almonte and take a wintry pic in front of Almonte’s iconic waterfall, then relax with a hot toddy at The Sterling.
Renfrew Armouries Craft Show
When: Nov. 10 to 12, 2023
Where: Renfrew Armouries, Renfrew
Wear your walking shoes to this event – you’ll have three days to explore the creations of more than 60 vendors. Admission is free, but you’ll want to bring a few dollars to refuel yourself with some hot foot and cold drinks so you can get back to it. The Renfrew Armouries is a beautiful building owned and operated by the Renfrew Agricultural Society and is the perfect historic backdrop for an old-fashioned craft show.
Wilberforce Christmas Craft Sale
When: Nov. 11, 2023, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Lloyd Watson Centre, Wilberforce
Combine a flea market with crafts vendors and baked goods and you have a unique spot to find Christmas gifts you can't find anywhere else. Stop into Agnew's General Store in Wilberforce and browse their clothing and gifts section, or indulge in a Kawartha Dairy ice cream before you leave town.
MERA Christmas Fair
When: Nov. 18, 2023, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: McDonald's Corners Elphin Recreation & Arts, McDonald's Corners
Find one-of-a-kind handmade gifts at MERA's annual Christmas crafter's fair. Browse local artisans including a chocolatier, blacksmith, card creator, textile artist, basket maker, and more. After you've crossed off everyone on your list head to Highlands Country Store to see what they have to offer and pick up a bite to eat.
Perth Christmas Farmers' Market
When: Nov. 18, 2023, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Crystal Palace, Perth
Browse the wares of more than 40 local vendors, all featuring handmade and unique products. Expect to find craft wines, handmade jewelry, local honey, and more. The Crystal Palace in downtown Perth will also feature Christmas trees and holiday music to get you into the festive spirit.
Christkindlemarkt
When: Nov. 24 to 26, 2023, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 25-26
Where: Germania Club, 15 Bennett St., Pembroke
This event gives one-of-a-kind a whole new meaning! Explore a German-inspired makers market for a fun twist on your typical craft show. Be sure to bring your appetite because catering of German fare like Bratwurst, Schnitzel, sauerkraut and potato salad will keep you going all day long. If you still have some energy after the show (and want to work off some German indulgence), do some geo-caching and see what treasures you can uncover (for free!).
Arnprior Christmas Craft Show
When: Nov. 25, 2023, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Nick Smith Centre, Arnprior
Brows the work of local artisans to find the perfect gift for friends and family, then pick up something to go from one of the on-site bake tables. You can even get lunch here from the lunch counter by Sandee's Kitchen. All proceeds from this event support the Arnprior Braeside McNab Seniors at Home program.
Nick of Time Artisan Show
When: Dec. 2, 2023, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: McMartin House, Perth
Unique woodworking, beeswax candles, paintings, jewelry, it’s all to be found at this long-running craft show in the town of Perth. Stop and do some craft shopping before hitting the downtown to pick up anything you missed at the market. Bring a friend (or two) and plan for lunch at Gather (pro tip, their soup is amazing). Free admission, and visitors to the craft show are entered into a draw (it could be your lucky day!).
Taste of the Valley Holiday Market
When: Dec. 16, 2023, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Germania Club, 15 Bennett St., Pembroke
Celebrate local foods, products, art and culture during the "Holiday Edition" of the popular Taste of the Valley event series. These events bring together makers and growers from across the Ottawa Valley, and is a great way to find local gifts, close to home.
