‘Tis the season for holiday shopping, winter festivals, charitable giving and treats of every shape and size, so we’ve created this go-to guide, which will be updated as more events are announced. And, with the Canada Post strike still ongoing, there’s no better time to shop local.
If you have a holiday market, event, light display or charitable undertaking you’d like to add to this list, please drop an email to [email protected].
Gibsons
Sea of Lights, a fundraiser for the Salvation Army Food Bank
Nov. 29 starting at 5:30 p.m.
Gibsons Marina
Enjoy free hot chocolate and Tim Bits, while checking out the Coast’s tallest Christmas tree. Please bring a perishable food item or unwrapped new toy.
Christmas Market: Fundraiser for Kenya & Rwanda
Nov. 30: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Christ the King Church: Gower Point Road
Offering Christmas shopping, music, gift wrapping, baking, local vendors and much more.
Fridays through December: 3 to 7 p.m.
Kinsman Hall: Gower Point Road
This December, the Hall transforms into a lively gathering spot for foodies, artisans and small business lovers. Enjoy delicious treats, browse unique handcrafted goods, and support local talent — all in one cozy location.
Gibsons Public Market: Winter Festival & Market
Winterfest Neighbourhood Night
Dec. 6: 4 to 8 p.m.
Childcare is available and the movie Elf will be playing, so enjoy happy hour from Emelle’s Market Bistro and shop at your leisure. What more do you need?
Winter Market & Festivities
Dec. 7: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Artists, bakers and makers take over the market and pictures with Scuba Claus are available from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Free admission to the Tide Pools Aquarium from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. compliments of BC Ferries.
Winter Market & Live Music
Dec. 8: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Get your groove on with live music by Douglas Campbell from 2 to 4 p.m., TidePools Aquarium is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Mamma Musey’s Pierogi is taking over the Community Kitchen. Holiday Kids Crafting sponsored by SuperValu Gibsons takes place from 1 to 4 p.m., by donation.
Gibsons Elementary Holiday Market
Dec. 7: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Gibsons Elementary School, 783 School Rd.
More than 50 vendors, free face painting, 50/50 draw, silent auction and cafe seating will make this market one the entire family will want to attend.
Dec. 21: 2 p.m.
Heritage Playhouse
Get ready for an afternoon filled with wonder and excitement as Craig the Magician returns with new, amazing tricks and illusions for the whole family to enjoy. This event is perfect for kids and adults alike, so bring your loved ones and experience the magic together!
Sechelt
Every Saturday until Dec. 21
Seaside Centre (the visitor centre building on Teredo Street)
You can find local food and artisan vendors offering amazing eats and endless ideas for your holiday gift giving.
Christmas Crafts and Baking
Nov. 29 and 30
Trail Bay Centre
Find one-of-a-kind crafts and home baking from the women of St Hilda’s Church.
Nov. 29: 4 to 8 p.m.
Fresh from the Coast
Trail Bay Centre
Meet James Bennett, potter; Matt Boismier, ‘the Tooninator,’ enjoy a watercolour demonstration; Leonard Brett, painter, and hot chocolate tasting by Christopher Norman Chocolates. Tea sampling by Davis Bay Tea Company.
Talewind Books
5494 Trail Ave.
The community is invited to keep Bev Shaw’s legacy alive by participating in the Book Giving Tree. Select a name tag from the tree and purchase a pre-selected book for a child in need.
New Holiday Market & Festival of Lights Parade
Dec. 7
Holiday Market on Cowrie: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Look for vintage items, clothing, jewellry and gifts.
Kids Make and Take Crafts: 2 to 4 p.m.: Trail Bay Centre
Rockwood Light the Lights: 5 p.m.
Festival of Lights Parade: 5:45 p.m. on Cowrie Street
The market also runs Dec. 8, 14, 21, 22.
Shop Hop
Dec. 5 and 8: 5 to 8 p.m.
Downtown Sechelt
Enjoy late night shopping, live music, treats and festive light displays, while shopping in the boutique shops in Downtown Sechelt and Trail Bay Centre.
This year the focus is on stocking stuffers because the best things come in small packages.
Elder Christmas Craft Fair
Nov. 30: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
At the community hall behind the McDonalds in Sechelt
Almost 30 vendors are taking part in this craft fair, so there is literally something for everybody.
Roberts Creek
Roberts Creek Community Market
Wednesdays: 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Indoor and outdoor market with a broad diversity of local vendors, growers, food, artists, crafters and makers.
Boutique in the Creek: Holiday Sip and Shop
Dec. 6: 6 to 8 p.m.
1059 Roberts Creek Rd.
Get ready for an evening of holiday cheer, shopping, and community fun. This year, they’re bringing even more magic with live music, tarot readings, a taco truck, freshly spun cotton candy, and special in-store promotions and more.
Pender Harbour
Gather: A Winter Yuletide Feast
Nov. 30
Pender Harbour (exact location available upon ticket purchase)
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.
Pender Harbour Christmas Market
Dec. 14: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Community Hall in Madeira Park.
Dec. 14: 3 to 7 p.m.
Have fun with games, food and a bonfire. Santa arrives at 4 p.m. and will be available for photos. Meanwhile, the adults can enjoy live music and bar until 9 p.m.
Carol Ship Viewing: Carol ships will be parked at the dock for the evening for viewing. The Carol ship Parade is scheduled for the following evening. Free moorage overnight for Parade Entries! Millennial Park (Madeira Park Government dock). Bring the family and enjoy a fun, festive Friday night.
Dec. 8: 2 p.m.
School of Music
Vocalist Dawn Pemberton and bassist Jodi Proznick, two of Pender Harbour’s favourite musicians, bring joy and soul to your most-loved classics.
Dec. 15: 2 p.m.
School of Music
Dec. 17: 7 p.m.
Sunshine Coast Botanical Gardens
The Pender Harbour Choir presents their holiday gift of music in two performances.
Tickets: $30 at door, through a member of the choir or at EarthFair Store.
Halfmoon Bay
Third Annual HMB Holiday Market & Kids Craft Fair
Dec. 6: 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Halfmoon Bay Elementary School Gym: 8086 Northwood Rd.
Check out the creative kids from Halfmoon Bay Elementary, West Sechelt Elementary, Roberts Creek Elementary, Cedar Grove Elementary, Spider and Chatelech, Pender and Elphinstone Secondary Schools. The first 300 visitors to the event will receive free Sunshine Coast Credit Union “Kidpreneur Cash,” to buy from the youth vendors. This guarantees sales for the kids and makes it a successful night for everyone.
While you’re there, sip on festive sparkling water at the Bubly Bar, or enjoy a hot chocolate topped with a swirl of whipped cream (suggested donation $2) served by the HMB Student Council kids.
e.b.’s Ice Cream Shop will be scooping their delicious ice creams and the local Halfmoon Bay Girl Guides will be selling their popular cookies. Don’t miss authentic Mexican cuisine made fresh by Heart & Sol Coastal Farm, and Semir’s Hot Dog Cart.
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