Get into the spirit of the season with these holiday markets and events happening across the Sunshine Coast. Here are the details on where to head when you're looking to revel in festive finery, shop for that last-minute Christmas gift, take in twinkling lights, or indulge in seasonal treats.
Dec 1 - RC Legion Christmas Night Market
Event details & location: 3064 Lower Rd, Roberts Creek - click here for details.
Why we love it: The Roberts Creek Legion is an institution on the Sunshine Coast and the venue for this community-oriented market. Here, you're bound to find a cast of colorful characters along with clothing, jewelry, ornaments for the tree, botanicals, art, and more.
What to look for: Head around the corner to pick up coffee and a treat from The Gumboot Cafe and continue your shopping — the outdoor "plaza" in Roberts Creek is home to a few charming shops where you can shop for the gardener in your life at The Rusty Hinge, the clean living purist at Eco-Freako, and more.
Dec 2 & Dec 9 - Sechelt Shop Hop
Event details & location: Downtown Sechelt - click here for details.
Why we love it: Grab a hot chocolate and a friend and cruise around downtown Sechelt in this cheerful, self-paced 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, plus the just-opened Fort store, which stocks indie women's clothing labels from Canada and afar.
Dec 3 - Pierogi & Beer Night at the Gibsons Public Market
Event details & location: 473 Gower Point Rd, Gibsons - click here for details.
Why we love it: Here's your chance to kick off holiday eating with pillowy soft pierogies from local pierogi guru Mama Musey and pints of craft beer from Batch 44 Brewery in Sechelt. There's no need to agonize over which choice of pierogi to get — this Friday-night event pairs each variety of pierogi perfectly with Batch's selection of ales, lagers and seasonal faves.
What to look for: Stop by neighbouring stalls to stock up on more holiday goodies like delicious cheese from Fromagerie De Baie, smoked salmon spread from the Fisherman's Market, and cured meats from The Butcher.
Dec 3 - Powell River Chorus Christmas Concert
Event details & location: Dwight Hall, Walnut St, Powell River - click here for details.
Why we love it: There's nothing like live music to get us in the mood for the holidays. Sing along to traditional and contemporary holiday favorites with fellow Coasters right in the heart of the city's historic Townsite district.
What to look for: Continue the festivities by popping into Townsite Brewing, located just around the corner, for a post-concert cheeky pint. Their Belgian-style beers and cozy tasting room will have you feeling like you've transported yourself to a European pub.
Dec 4 - The Kube Studio's 4th Annual Holiday Craft Fair
Event details & location: 875 Gibsons Way #104, Gibsons - click here for details.
Why we love it: This thoughtfully curated retail space is both a working studio space home to 11 artists and an art gallery. Their annual market features vendors from the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver, all offering a gorgeous selection of ceramics, jewelry, textiles, art, vintage clothing, apothecary (think beeswax candles, perfumes, and soaps), and more. There will be music, yummy eats, pour-over coffees on the Saturday, and other like-minded shoppers who are here to mingle in The Kube's gorgeous space and take in the drool-worthy goods.
What to look for: Ceramics from local potters, greeting cards, tableware for your holiday spread, and Sunshine Coast-themed goodies, like Anto Yukon soap (try the Roberts Creek and Gibsons scents).
Dec 4 & 5 - The 15th Annual Arts & Crafts from the Hood
Event details & location: Sechelt Seniors Activity Centre, 5604 Trail Ave, Sechelt - click here for details.
Why we love it: As the name implies, this all-local artisan market means you get the chance to meet local coasters and fellow neighbours while browsing through a dizzying array of goodies from bath and body to baking. Provisions Bistro will be dishing out hearty, belly-warming food including burgers, tacos, and more.
What to look for: The infamous Senior's Centre sign — beloved for its weekly rotating jokes — which has a devoted local following.
Dec 4 - Cheer on the Pier in Powell River
Event details & location: BC Ferries Westview Terminal Pier, 4465 Willingdon Ave, Powell River - click here for details.
Why we love it: Gather outdoors in this festive holiday event located on the pier in downtown Powell River. There will be artisan crafts, food vendors, live music, and a beer garden. Don’t miss the Santa Claus Parade happening earlier in the day (along Marine Avenue), and for an extra dose of seasonal cheer, lace up your skates for the Winter Wonderland Skate at the Powell River Complex.
What to look for: An appearance by the man in red himself, handmade items like soaps and candles, and gorgeous work from local crafters.
Dec 10 - WinterFest Finale
Event details & location: Carlson Community Club, 4463 Joyce Ave, Powell River - click here for details.
Why we love it: This is your last chance to snag one-of-a-kind goods from local makers and artists in the Powell River region. The last in their lineup of three holiday markets, WinterFest Finale will have an assortment of crafts from reclaimed wooden Christmas trees and charcuterie boards to soap and locally-made bath products.
What to look for: Just around the corner lies a caffeine pick-me-up courtesy of Basecamp Coffee. Bonus: they also stock local art and goodies from Powell River-based makers, along with an assortment of baked goods.
Dec 11 - A Merry Christmas Faire
Event details & location: Pender Harbour Community Hall, Madeira Park Rd, Madeira Park - click here for details.
Why we love it: There are plenty of talented makers, crafters, and artists in the Pender Harbour area and you can become well acquainted with their work at this holiday market. Listen to live music and chat with vendors while you shop for that special something.
What to look for: Friendly faces welcoming you to this corner of the Coast, homemade baked treats, and marine-themed gifts (Pender Harbour is home to numerous lakes as well as its namesake harbour) for the sailor in your life.
Dec 17 to 19 - Winter Market at the Gibsons Public Market
Event details & location: 473 Gower Point Rd, Gibsons - click here for details.
Why we love it: Mark your calendars for this one! A three-day affair that kicks off on Friday evening with an apres-ski themed night market. Bust out your coziest sweaters and toques and don't miss the holiday cocktail workshop from 4-5pm – it’s sure to put you in a festive mood for the rest of the weekend. The all-day Saturday market is when to do your shopping while the Sunday features a kids holiday baking class.
What to look for: If you've got kids in tow, pop into the Nicholas Sonntag Marine Education Centre for an educational-themed break. This catch-and-release aquarium houses marine life from nearby Howe Sound.
For more markets and holiday events happening throughout December, check out Suncoast Arts.
