As the holiday season approaches, local market vendors and community artisans are gearing up for a busy season of fairs and markets.

There are many opportunities for residents to support local businesses this winter.

Read on for a list of what’s happening in Burnaby this year.

If you would like to add a holiday event or craft fair listing, email Burnaby Now reporter Lauren Vanderdeen.

Burnaby Artists Guild: 2024 The Art Affair

Visit the Shadbolt Center for the Arts to see beautiful works of art created by local artists from Burnaby Artists Guild. Whether you want an original piece of art for your home or office or a unique gift for the holidays, this exhibition will offer a wide selection of affordable art in many different styles, subjects and sizes.

When:

• Friday November 8 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (official opening at 7 p.m.)
• Saturday November 9 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Sunday November 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Or: Shadbolt Arts Center (6450 Deer Lake Avenue)

Cost: FREE ENTRANCE

Nikkei Craft Fair 2024

With more than 80 craft and food vendors, this market is the place to find unique Japanese-inspired gifts and treats, from Japanese wares and pottery and candles to fashion, textiles and knits, art and delicious food.

Sellers include Art cards by Valérie, Chicworks, Cat Breath, Eggman comics, Mom Katakana, Artistic design by Murasaki, Beauty secrets from Japanand many more.

A children’s booth offers the opportunity for children to write letters to Santa, and adults can pre-register for a wreath making workshop or a temari workshop (as long as tickets are available).

When: Saturday November 16 and Sunday November 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Or: Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Center (6688 Southoaks Cres.)

Cost: $5 at the door; free for NNMCC members, seniors aged 65 and over and young people under 18

Swedish Christmas Fair 2024

Are you ready to celebrate Julmarknad? Check out these local sellers (including Maureen Dooley, The Mudplayer, Pottery by Jessie Tse, Finntrade, FinnGoods Nordic Foods by Timo and Henna, Nordic Jul Decorations with Tina Praegel, Arendina’s Studio and more) and head to the Swedish café with open sandwiches, glögg, hot dogs and sweets.

There will be a variety of Swedish products and items for family, home, celebrations and gifts.

When: Saturday November 16 and Sunday November 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Or: Scandinavian Community Center (6540, rue Thomas)

Cost: FREE ENTRANCE

Scandinavian Crafts Fair

Organized by the Vancouver Finlandia Club, you can immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Nordic creativity at this craft fair, whether you’re looking for artisanal treasures or Scandinavian tastes.

Sellers include Anne’s Nordic vintage, Finnish products, Carla’s candles, FinnFun Finnish School in Vancouver, Lefse Etc. Handmade Norwegian cookies and more.

When: Sunday November 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Or: Scandinavian Community Center (6540, rue Thomas)

Cost: FREE ENTRANCE

Greentree Village Christmas Market

Visit the Greentree Village Community Center in November and discover the beautiful products at this maker’s market, including local artisans offering a variety of handmade items for sale. Vendors will include Whisks and Wands Bakery, Bake Daddy, Prairie Pines Paper Co., Fresh Suds Soapery and more.

When: Saturday November 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Or: 4295 Garden Grove Drive (Greentree Village Community Centre)

Cost: FREE ENTRANCE

Seaforth Elementary School Holiday Market

Seaforth Elementary School PAC is hosting a Holiday Market with gifts, games, crafts, concessions, raffles, prizes and tons of fun activities to support various school programs.

When: Friday November 29 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Or: Seaforth Elementary School (7881 Government Road)

Cost: FREE ENTRANCE

Knights of Saint-Thomas More Christmas Market

Come to St. Thomas More Collegiate for an afternoon filled with holiday treats, photos of Santa, a Christmas train, lighted trees, and tons of delicious, freshly baked treats, all hosted by the parents’ association.

When: Saturday November 30 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Or: STMC Court (7450, 12th avenue)

Cost: FREE ENTRANCE

Saint-Alban Christmas market

This annual Christmas market is sure to delight with a mix of local vendors and produce from parishioners.

Of note is the huge pastry table with items such as Christmas pudding, cakes, fresh tarts and many, many biscuits, all made in house. The preserves table will be filled with jams made from British Columbia fruits.

Don’t forget to check out the raffle gift baskets, books, puzzles and knitted items, and lunch will be provided in the lobby café.

When: Saturday December 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Or: St. Alban’s Anglican Church (7717 19th Avenue)

Cost: FREE ENTRANCE