Get into the spirit of the season! This year's lineup of holiday markets and events includes winter markets, craft fairs, twinkling lights, seasonal parades, live theatre, and more. Whether you want to revel in festive finery, hit the shops, or indulge in seasonal treats, you'll find plenty to do this holiday season on the Sunshine Coast. 

Make sure to check our events calendar as more holiday markets and events are added throughout the season.
 

Plan Your Trip

Below, we've organized a list of holiday markets and events by date and community. Jump ahead based on when you're planning to visit, or peruse all events and see if anything strikes your eye. 

Need a place to stay during the holidays? Find a cozy place to stay and take advantage of all the season has to offer.

November

54th Annual Christmas Craft Fair, Roberts Creek

Friday, November 24 to Sunday, November 26
Roberts Creek Community Hall,1309 Roberts Creek Rd

Why we love it: This long-standing Christmas Craft Fair is in its 54th year and is a highlight of both locals and visitors alike. Expect to find an array of local goods and crafts from 30-plus vendors, including baked goodies, woodwork, handmade textiles (think knitted scarves or crocheted pot warmers), candles, and more. It strikes at the heart of what the holidays are about—gathering together, in shared spirit and celebration, with items that were made, baked, or grown right here on the Sunshine Coast.  

What to look for: Hot food from Organic Bannock and Semir's Hot Dog Cart, live music, and plenty of friendly faces! Plus, don't miss a stop at the beloved The Gumboot Cafe, conveniently located next to the outdoor "plaza" in Roberts Creek where you can shop for the gardener in your life at The Rusty Hinge, the clean living purist at Eco-Freako, and more.
 

Townsite Holiday Crawl, Powell River

Saturday, November 25
Historic Townsite District, Powell River 

Why we love it: This one-day, self-guided outdoor crawl in Powell River's Historic Townsite combines historic architecture, local shops and businesses, craft beer, and fresh food and veg. It's a one-stop-shop for all your holiday needs, whether you're looking to purchase goodies to impress your dinner guests, or pick up those one-of-a-kind gifts for the loved ones in your life. 

What to look for: Transport yourself to a European winter market, courtesy of Townsite Brewing's tasty lineup of Belgian-inspired beers. You can either bundle up outdoors in the beer garden and keep the fresh air fun going, or opt to get cozy indoors in the lively and snug taproom.
 

Shop Hop, Downtown Sechelt

Thursday, November 30 & Thursday, December 14
Downtown Sechelt, along Cowrie Street

Why we love it: Grab a hot chocolate and a friend and cruise around downtown Sechelt in this cheerful, self-paced Shop Hop event. Sechelt's stores offer an inviting atmosphere for holiday shopping with lights, music and treats, and of course, a wide array of clothes, home goods, vintage finds, fine foods, and more. You're likely to cross something off your list, and you might even find something to take home for yourself, too.

What to look for: Beachcomber Coffee and local jams, jellies and more at Plethora Fine Foods, clothing and jewelry at Fort, which stocks indie women's clothing labels from Canada and afar, and pre-loved items at Redecor Sechelt.

December

Winter Market at the Gibsons Public Market

Saturday, December 1 & Sunday, December 2
473 Gower Point Rd

Why we love it: A family-friendly venue that brings yuletide community cheer, seasonal pop-up events like the Winter Festival & Market, local food, and kids' activities together in one place. In the upstairs atrium of the market, you'll find a local artisan market, plus the Nicholas Sonntag Marine Education Centre, a must-visit for curious minds of all ages. Downstairs, food vendors selling produce, bread, and fish, plus other artisanal items, will help keep your pantries stocked for festive feasts.

What to look for: Fun workshops throughout the weekend. Last year, workshops included a holiday cocktail making class and baking class. This year promises to deliver even more holiday fun. Stay tuned for the announcements of those workshops here.
 

Festival of Lights, Downtown Sechelt

Saturday, December 2
Cowrie Street

Why we love it: There's just something about fresh air, thermoses of hot chocolate, and a wondrous display of twinkling lights that gets us in the holiday spirit. The annual Festival of Lights takes over downtown Sechelt in a dazzling display of light. It's fun for the whole family!

What to look for: Don't miss the Sechelt Winter Market, along with marshmallow roasting, hot chocolate stands, and live music; kids crafts at Trail Bay Centre; Light the Lights at Rockwood Lodge; and the parade down Cowrie Street. 
 

Cheer Fest, Powell River

Sunday, December 3
Downtown Powell River, along Alberni Street and Marine Ave

Why we love it: It's all in the name! Cheer Fest brings the good vibes and good views to downtown Powell River. For kids, there's the Santa Parade, which starts at Duncan Street before winding along Marine Ave and ending at 32 Lakes Cafe & Bakery (perfect for a post-parade hot chocolate and treat). For adults, the street market offers the chance to peruse goods from local vendors, and for all ages—the annual lighting of the Christmas tree. 

What to look for: Marine Avenue, aka Powell River's main street, is home to great local businesses and restaurants. There's shops selling everything from curated selections of tea from around the world to outdoor sporting goods. Need to refuel for the day's events? Costa Del Sol brings warmth and heat to cold December days, courtesy of their Latin-inspired menu.

 

The Nutcracker, Presented by the Sunshine Coast Youth Dance Association

Wednesday, December 6 to Monday, December 11| 
The Heritage Playhouse, 662 North (N) Road

Why we love it: Embrace the community atmosphere at the Heritage Playhouse, Gibsons' much-loved local theatre venue. This six-night run of the holiday season's most famous ballet, The Nutcracker, is presented by the Sunshine Coast Youth Dance Association. Already a beloved holiday tale, it's hard not to be charmed by this community-run adaptation, featuring budding dancers of all ages on the Coast. And like all versions of the play, this one features an exciting twist you won't want to miss.

What to look for: Make it a dinner and a show with a pre-performance visit to Persephone Brewing, for a hearty pint of stout and a menu that packs a punch.
 

HMB Holiday Market & Kids' Craft Fair, Halfmoon Bay 

Friday, December 8
Halfmoon Bay Elementary School, 8086 Northwood Road

Why we love it: This one is all about the kids. At the HMB Holiday Market & Kids' Craft Fair, budding artists can sell their creations alongside established Coast vendors in a collaborative, inclusive, and heartwarming space in Halfmoon Bay. If you're looking for a feel-good gift to give, don't miss this market. You can also expect to find hot chocolate, kids games, Santa's mailbox, a gift basket contest, and more.

What to look for: Bring your icing A-game to the Gingerbread House decorating contest and refuel post-construction with snacks from food trucks parked on-site. 

 

Carols by Candlelight, Powell River

Friday, December 8 & Saturday, December 9
Dwight Hall, Walnut St, Powell River

Why we love it: This is a favourite stop on the holiday circuit for many Powell River locals. Live carol music, performed by the Academy Chamber Choir, brings an even more festive atmosphere thanks to the presence of beautifully lit candles that gently flicker throughout historic Dwight Hall.

What to look for: Post-performance, head to Townsite Brewing, home to another warm and inviting atmosphere and plenty of fellow like-minded revelers.  
 

The Kube Studios' Christmas Market, Gibsons 

Saturday, December 9
#104, 875 Gibsons Way 

Why we love it: The Kube is a must-stop for shoppers looking to cross discerningly curated items off their gift list—think a gorgeous selection of ceramics, jewelry, textiles, art, vintage clothing, apothecary (beeswax candles, perfumes, and soaps), art and more—but their one-day annual holiday market ups the ante, thanks to local and visiting vendors. Expect even more gorgeous goods, live music, snacks, and yummy treats on-hand. 

What to look for: Ceramics from local potters, greeting cards, tableware for your holiday spread, cookbooks, and Sunshine Coast-themed goodies like Anto Yukon soap (try the Roberts Creek and Gibsons scents for locally-themed stocking stuffers).

 

Winter Market, Powell River

Saturday, December 9 and Sunday, December 10
Springtime Garden Centre, 5300 Yukon Ave

Why we love it: This Winter Market features 20+ Powell River-based vendors all situated in one location. That location? The covered greenhouse (and outdoor tents) of Springtime Garden Centre, which have already been conveniently visited by "Santa's elves," transforming it into a festive winter workshop. Also on-site are food trucks, where you can snack mid-shop, and craft beer from local favourite Townsite Brewing, available in the beer garden. 

What to look for: The children's station where kids can get crafty, and the on-hand photographer who will snap family photos worthy of your next holiday card mailout. 
 

Pender Harbour Winter Festival 

Saturday, December 16
Millennium Park (Gov't Wharf), Madeira Park

Why we love it: The Pender Harbour Winter Festival is an outdoor event featuring live music, local vendors, and Santa's workshop with treats and crafts for kids.

What to look for: Don't miss the annual Christmas Boat Parade, where ships all decked out in lights will follow a route from Madeira Park over to Garden Bay, Hospital Bay, Irvines Landing, Lee Bay (weather permitting), Whiskey Slough, and back to Madeira.

Weekly Markets & Other Holiday Fun

The holiday fun doesn't stop here. Don't miss checking out weekly farmers' and winter markets, holiday flicks on the big screen at local movie theatres, and live music at breweries and taprooms in Gibsons, Sechelt and Powell River.  

View the full calendar of events here.