Whether you like it or not, the holiday season is upon us – cue festive music, eggnog-themed beverages, and the romanticizing of chunky sweaters and cozy fireplaces. With the festive season, so too comes an assortment of craft and holiday markets sure to put anyone in a gifting mood. Here at Blu, we love locally made goods and will jump at the chance to support other small buisnesses. For that reason, we have carefully curated a few of our favourite holiday markets for the 2015 season, with a focus on the ones happening in and around the East Van ‘hood. Without further adieu:

Kensington Community Centre – Holiday Craft Fair

Saturday December 5th, 10:00am – 4:00pm

5175 Dumfries Street

This one is your good old-fashioned community centre craft fair, folks. You can expect locally made crafts ranging from jewellry to clothing to pottery. Check out the Facebook event here.

TOQUE – Western Front’s Annual Holiday Craft Fair

Friday December 4th, 6:00pm – 10:00pm

Saturday December 5th, 11:00am – 5:00pm

Sunday December 6th, 11:00am – 5:00pm

303 E 8th Avenue

Toque is the crème-de-la-crème of Vancouver craft fairs. As one of the most well curated craft markets, you can expect to see top Vancouver artists, artisans, and designers among the Toque ranks. Proceeds support the year-round music and art programs at Western Front. Get the scoop here.

The 3^rd Annual East Van H.A.M (Holiday Artist Market)

Saturday December 12th 12:00pm – 6:00pm

1739 Venables Street (at Commercial Dr)

This East Van holiday market tickles our fancy in all the right places (60 local artists, live DJ’s, wintery refreshments).  If the tongue in cheek hipster humour found on their website is any preview, we think we’ll love spending an afternoon here. More deets here.

Vancouver Farmers Market – Holiday Market

Saturday December 12th, 10:00pm – 4:00pm

3250 Commercial Drive 

More than 60 vendors who regularly sell at the summer Vancouver Farmers Market will be showcasing their festive finest at the Croatian Cultural Centre. Whether you’re looking for crafts, artisanal foods, or even some locally made alcoholic-indulgences, you’ll find it all here. Admission is $3 – more info can be found here.

Eastside Flea Holiday Market

Saturday December 19th, 10:00am – 4:00pm

1882 Adanac Street (Wise Hall)

Come to Eastside Flea for the best of locally and handmade goods, vintage finds, vinyl records, and other oddities and collectables. You’ll find a gift for even the most hip of hipsters at Eastside Flea. For more details visit their website.

Image courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/KensingtonCraftFair

Image courtesy of http://front.bc.ca

Image courtesy of http://bazaars.ca

Image courtesy of http://eatlocal.org/markets/holiday-market/

Image courtesy of http://eastsideflea.com/