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.
Be sure to check our events calendar as more holiday markets and events are added throughout the 2024 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, and don't forget to check out our deals & packages page.
November
Weekly Sechelt Winter Market
Saturdays from November 2 to December 21
Seaside Centre, 5790 Teredo St, Sechelt
Why we love it: What's better than one holiday market? A weekly one! This recurring Winter Market sets up shop in the Seaside Centre every Saturday, and runs until December 21st. Each week, you'll find a rotating selection of food and artisan vendors selling everything from fresh baked breads and cookies to local crafts and more.
What to look for: Take a post-shopping stroll next door to the Sechelt Visitor Centre where you can continue your gift shopping by snagging local and Coast-themed merch, including t-shirts, toques, cards, and more.
Early Bird Christmas Market, Sechelt
Saturday, November 9 to Sunday, November 10
Sechelt Seniors Centre, 5604 Trail Ave, Sechelt
Why we love it: This market's for all the holiday fans out there who mark the start of the season the day after Halloween. Get a head start on your shopping at the Early Bird Christmas Market and avoid the rush and stress of last minute gift giving. Hosted by the Sechelt Seniors Centre, this community-oriented market offers a ton of giftable wares, including edible (and drinkable) presents like preserves, jams and pickles, bottles of Bruinwood Estate Distillery gin, and spice mixes, shrubs, and hot sauces. You'll also find beautifully crafted charcuterie boards, along with knitted wear and soaps.
What to look for: Friendly locals and early holiday cheer!
Townsite Holiday Crawl, Powell River
Saturday, November 16
Historic Townsite District, Powell River
Why we love it: The Townsite Holiday Crawl is a one-day, self-guided outdoor crawl in Powell River's Historic Townsite. It combines historic architecture, local shops and businesses, craft beer, and delicious food. 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: Book a room at one of Townsite's historic hotels—the Rodmay Heritage Hotel or the Old Courthouse Inn. Both are within walking distance of Townsite's shops and restaurants.
55th Annual Christmas Craft Fair, Roberts Creek
Friday, November 22 to Sunday, November 24
Roberts Creek Community Hall, 1309 Roberts Creek Rd
Why we love it: This Annual Christmas Craft Fair is in its 55th year and 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, grown right here on the Sunshine Coast.
What to look for: Hot food from Mama Musey's Pierogies and Semir's Hot Dog Cart, live music, and plenty of friendly faces!
Sunnycrest Mall Annual Holiday Market, Gibsons
Saturday, November 23 to Sunday, November 24
Sunnycrest Mall, 900 Gibsons Way, Gibsons
Why we love it: This two-day Annual Holiday Market makes Christmas shopping easy, thanks to its location in Sunnycrest Mall. Not only can you check out 35+ vendors featuring the Coast's best makers, growers, crafters, and small businesses, but you can shop for your big meal at the SuperValu, pick up holiday wine at the BC Liquor Store, and stock up on coffee for cozy mornings at Beachcomber Coffee—all conveniently located inside the mall.
What to look for: Don't forget to enter the market's holiday raffle—winner takes all!
A Rocky Mountain High Christmas, Powell River
Tuesday, November 26
Evergreen Theatre, 5001 Joyce St, Powell River
Why we love it: A Rocky Mountain High Christmas features musical performances of John Denver's beloved Christmas music. Featuring Canadian recording artists Rick and Steve Worrall, accompanied by a children's choir, a Canadian allstar band, and a symphony ensemble, you can expect to sing along to plenty of classic John Denver tunes and Christmas songs.
What to look for: Head out for a delicious dinner before the performance. Check out Coastal Cookery, Blue Agave Tequila Grill, and more—click here for more ideas.
Gather: a Winter Yuletide Feast, Pender Harbour
Saturday, November 30
Pender Harbour (exact location available upon ticket purchase)
Why we love it: Get ready for a magical winter dining experience. Gather: a Winter Yuletide Feast takes place in the quiet winter forest surrounded by enchanting twinkly lights, candlelight, and blazing fires. Dig into a five-course, family-style meal where you'll sample seasonal and local produce—Gather is hosted by Harvest Heart which aims to celebrate the Coast's rich community of farming and food. You'll dine in the company of friends old and new, including local farmers and growers, and listen to stories and poetry throughout the evening.
What to look for: The exact location of this Yuletide feast takes place within the Madeira Park forest (address is sent to ticket holders upon purchase), but first make a day of it by checking out local shops and galleries or spending the afternoon soaking in the hot pools of the Painted Boat Resort's outdoor spa garden.
December
Santa in the Creek, Roberts Creek
Sunday, December 1
xwesam-Roberts Creek Community Hall, 1309 Roberts Creek Rd, Roberts Creek
Why we love it: Holiday photos with the big man, himself. Don't miss Santa for his yearly photo-op at the Santa in the Creek event. From 1-4pm, families and kids can pose for this year's holiday card. Different sessions will be held throughout the day, including sensory-friendly photos, pets, and family photos. Hot chocolate and apple cider is available by donation.
What to look for: Post-photo, stroll down to the heart of Roberts Creek where you can refuel at The Gumboot Cafe, shop for the gardener in your life at The Rusty Hinge, or check out holiday books at the library.
Shop Hop, Sechelt
Thursday, December 5 & Thursday, December 12
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: Curated goods and souvenirs from Local Tourist, clothing and jewelry at Fort, which stocks indie women's clothing labels from Canada and afar, and pre-loved items at Redecor Sechelt.
HMB Holiday Market & Kids' Craft Fair, Halfmoon Bay
Friday, December 6
Halfmoon Bay Elementary School, 8086 Northwood Road, Halfmoon Bay
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.
Winter Festival & Market at the Gibsons Public Market
Friday, December 6 to Sunday, December 8
Gibsons Public Market, 473 Gower Point Rd, Gibsons
Why we love it: Each day of this jam-packed Winter Festival & Market weekend event promises holiday fun. Kick things off on Friday night in the market's upstairs atrium, starting with happy hour at Emelle's Bistro, followed by live music and a visit to the all-ages friendly Tidepools Aquarium. The market's childcare room offers free daycare for families with toys, books, games, and a festive movie-and-popcorn night starting at 6pm. On Saturday and Sunday, vendors take over all levels of the market. Shop, eat, and peruse a variety of local makers, including the market's permanent vendors.
What to look for: Scuba Santa! Rumour has it everyone's favourite festive diver will make an appearance in the market's signature tank on Saturday.
Festival of Lights Parade, Downtown Sechelt
Saturday, December 7
Cowrie Street, Sechelt
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 Parade takes over downtown Sechelt in a dazzling light display.
What to look for: Santa, of course! Keep your eyes peeled for a sneak peek of the big man himself.
The Kube Studios' Christmas Market, Gibsons
Saturday, December 7
#104 - 875 Gibsons Way, Gibsons
Why we love it: The Kube is already 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 (like 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).
Klah ah Men (Lund) Winterlude
Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8
Lund
Why we love it: On December 7th and 8th, the community of Lund is coming together to welcome winter at local shops, galleries, and restaurants. In addition to open studios and holiday discounts during the Klah ah Men (Lund) Winterlude, you'll find special activities including a Christmas photo shoot, a mini coastal Christmas buffet feast put on by the Boardwalk Restaurant, and more.
What to look for: Embark on a holiday scavenger hunt hosted by Terracentric Coastal Adventures for the chance to win gift cards from Winterlude's participating vendors!
Winter Market, Powell River
Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8
Springtime Garden Centre, 5300 Yukon Ave, Powell River
Why we love it: This Winter Market features 30+ 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 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 enjoy 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-site food court where you can tuck into a hot meal in a festive environment.
8th Annual Arts & Crafts from the 'Hood
Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8
Sechelt Seniors Activity Centre, 5604 Trail Ave, Sechelt
Why we love it: This long standing arts and crafts-focused market is entering its 18th festive year. This season, 40+ vendors promise a wide selection of wares, including jewelry, baked goods, woodwork, fibre arts, and more! Save your appetite for lunch from EATSwest before shopping local. Even better, bring non-perishables with you and give back to local charities including the Gibsons Rehab Centre, Wildlife Rescue, and the food bank.
What to look for: The Seniors Centre is located an easy walk to downtown Sechelt where local boutiques and shops are decked out in festive cheer and offer a wide range of gifts from books, souvenirs, clothes, coffee and more.
Carols by Candlelight, Powell River
Friday, December 13 and Saturday, December 14
Dwight Hall, 6274 Walnut St, Powell River
Why we love it: This is a favourite stop on the holiday circuit for many Powell River locals. Carols by Candlelight features live carol music performed by the Academy Chamber Choir against a festive atmosphere 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 Nutcracker, Presented by the Sunshine Coast Youth Dance Association
Wednesday, December 11 to Monday, December 16
The Heritage Playhouse, 662 North (N) Road, Gibsons
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.
Pender Harbour Winter Festival
Saturday, December 14
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 Park.
Sunday Cider Holiday Market
Saturday, December 14 & Sunday, December 15
Sunday Cider, 1632 Sunshine Coast Highway Gibsons
Why we love it: This Holiday Market is a great opportunity to relax and enjoy some cider while also getting some of your holiday shopping done. With just over a dozen vendors on site, you can shop for handmade jewelry, vintage clothing, ceramics, books, and more.
What to look for: ANAM Kitchen and Sea Monkey Coffee will be serving up delicious eats, so you'll want to save room for some special holiday Indian food and coffee and pastries.
Solstice Celebration
Saturday, December 21
Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden, 5941 Mason Road, Sechelt
Why we love it: The Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden's Solstice Celebration marks the seasonal shift from fall to winter and celebrates the return of the sun's light, and the ever-brighter days ahead. Visitors are encouraged to dress warmly, wear boots, and bring a homemade lantern (LED or battery-operated lights only, no flame). Admission (and apple cider) is by donation, and baked goods will be available for purchase.
What to look for: This family-friendly event features a shadow puppet theatre, a lantern processional through the garden, and music by the fire—making for an evening full of good cheer.
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.
