A long-standing Vancouver tradition, the Circle Craft Christmas Market returns this year featuring over 300 artisans (more than 50 new to the Market) — clothing designers, potters, wood and metal workers, glass blowers, jewellers, toy makers, candle and soap makers and more!
Circle Craft is a BC-run artist cooperative dedicated to providing opportunities for craftspeople to connect with the community. Members of Circle Craft exhibit at the Market; they also play host to makers of fine crafts from across Canada.
In true coast-to-coast fashion, 2016’s show includes artisans from Victoria, BC to Charlottetown, PEI.
[Sartoria Designs; photo by Ariane Colenbrander, 2011]
Just a few long-time favourite exhibitors:
– Gordon Hutchens (potter)
– Adhesif Clothing
– Chloë Angus Design (button wraps)
– The Wrestler and the Needle (dolls)
– Lilliput Hats
– Brian Hoyano (jewellery)
– Morin Tardif (wood)
– Sartoria (upcycled cashmere and merino undergarments)
– dconstruct Jewellery (a personal fave: I own one of their beautiful eco-friendly resin bracelets)
New exhibitors include Here&Now Botanicals (skincare), Honey Canada (felt decorations), Fidoodle (wooden toys), Sinbi Collection (clothing), Majesty Industries (accessories), Strathcona Stockings, HEN Jewelry + Bear Hardware, Allyson Simmie (jewellery), RAW Eco Jewellery, FeltCandy (felt bowls) and Banquet Atelier and Workshop (paper & textiles).
Also new for 2016: 10 craft distilleries and wineries in the Gourmet Alley, including Dragon Mist Distillery and Montakarn Estate Winery.
Each year, Circle Craft attracts some 40,000 people eager to discover the creations of hundreds of Canadian artisans, all of whom are jury-selected based on talent and diversity.
To round out the experience, you’ll find entertainment by local performers, craft technique demos, contests and the “Budding Artists” open area where emerging artists introduce exciting and innovative new work.
[Toad’s World Dolls; photo by Ariane Colenbrander, 2011]
Though the Circle Craft’s moved locations throughout the decades, the show retains both its unique character while showcasing high-quality products.
Vancouverscape has teamed up with Circle Craft to offer a pair of market tickets AND $100 in Circle Craft dollars that can be spent at any booth during the Market.
All you have to do is 1) follow Vancouverscape and Circle Craft on Twitter, and 2) comment below on your favourite holiday tradition.
We’ll draw a winner at random on November 4 at 5 pm. Congrats to Libby Henderson! We hope our prize pack makes your season extra merry!
Winner (and guest) must be able to collect their tickets and $100 Circle Craft dollars at the show’s Will Call area between November 9 and 13.
Good luck to all entrants!
Circle Craft Christmas Market
Dates: November 9 to 13; Weds. through Fri.: 10 am – 9 pm; Sat.: 10 am – 7 pm; Sun.: 10 am – 5 pm
Venue: Vancouver Convention Centre West, 1055 Canada Place Vancouver
Tickets: $15 adults; $12 seniors and students; $10 each for groups of 10 or more
2-for-1 after 5:00 pm; Children under 12 are free
*Save $2 on advance tickets when purchased online or at Circle Craft Shop & Gallery, 1666 Johnston Street, Net Loft, Granville Island before November 9
Note: Your initial ticket purchase entitles you to unlimited re-entry on any day of the 2016 show. Please pick up and validate your re-entry pass as you exit. Offer is non-transferable and applies to ticket purchaser ONLY.
Where not expressly mentioned, photos by Tim Matheson.
