Shop ‘til snow drops at Montréal’s holiday markets
Falling snow, twinkling lights, ice skating in the Old Port and cheer on every corner… time to fill your stockings! Montréal’s 2018 indie winter fairs and holiday markets guarantee all your gifts will be unique, with offerings ranging from décor to soaps, jewellery, fashion, bags, Christmas cookies and more. Everything for everyone on your list – and yourself.
Marché nënë
November 1 to 30, 2018
Welcome to family fest! Marché nënë, a market dedicated to goods for the whole family, brings together over 30 designers who create a range of kid-friendly gear, from clothes to toys. There are also tons of free workshops for kids happening over the weekend, as well as a café on the spot, storytelling hours and film screenings.
Expozine
November 24 and 25, 2018
An indie fair like no other, Expozine is an ode to the printed page that unites hundreds of tables full of zines, comics, novels, poems, postcards and posters by publishers including Drawn & Quarterly, Conundrum Press, Véhicule Press and L'Oie de Cravan. So many gift ideas!
Souk@Sat
November 28 to December 2, 2018
The fanciest designer craft fair you’re likely ever to see happens annually at the Society for Arts and Technology on Saint-Laurent, where Souk@Sat presents artfully appointed booths filled with fashion, minimalist jewellery, designer décor and tasty foodstuffs by some of Montréal’s most famous and to-be-discovered brands.
The Nutcracker Market
November 29 to December 9, 2018
Help support Les Grand Ballets Canadiens de Montréal while shopping the items on your list at the Nutcracker Market, a bustling philanthropic market named after their signature annual holiday production, The Nutcracker. You’ll find everything from locally made home décor to art, toys, accessories and things to munch on around the Christmas tree.
Marché de Noël de l’École nationale du meuble et de l’ébénisterie
November 30 to December 2, 2018
This exciting designer furniture market is a highlight on design fans’ calendar, for the eye candy as well as the gift ideas. See the creative ideas put forward by the next generation of Montréal furniture makers and wood workers, and get a piece for that very special someone on your list – or maybe you? Funds go towards the students’ annual exhibition.
Le Marché de Lëon
December 1 to 24, 2018
Head to Complexe Desjardins for a family-friendly Christmas party that starts on November 17 and lasts until December 30, with mini-train rides, makeup, choir shows, plays and special appearances by Santa Claus himself. Shoppers will love the Marché de Lëon, a special general-store concept in Santa’s village where you’ll find all sorts of thematic gift ideas in a chalet-like décor.
Museum of Jewish Montréal Hannukah Market
December 2 and 9, 2018
Munch on latkes and other traditional Hanukkah treats at Fletchers before (and after?) you shop at the annual Hannukah market held at the Museum of Jewish Montréal. The dozen vendors will include local jewellery designers, handmade reusable lunch and snack-bag makers, candlemakers and more.
Salon des métiers d’art du Québec
December 6 to 16, 2018
Walk among Christmas trees and historical holiday displays as you peruse the handiwork of Québec artisans, artists and craftspeople at Salon des métiers d’art du Québec, within the impressive Place Bonaventure downtown. Find cozy clothing, children’s toys, decorations and home décor, stand-out jewellery, Québécois food and drink (sampling before you buy is part of the fun here), and more for yourself and everyone on your gift list.
Holiday Edition of the Puces POP Fair
December 7 to 9 and 14 to 16, 2018
For over a decade, Puces POP has been a super popular fair that’s filled church basements with countless indie goods, including posters, cupcakes, soaps, syrups, jewels, clothes and knits. It’s a great one-stop shopping experience for everyone on your list, because you can find products for all ages and tastes.
Marché Artisanal Montréal
December 8 and 9, and 20 and 21, 2018
This market in Rosemont focuses on the handiwork of local artisans, so it’s your prime spot to find woodworking products, leather work, hand-mixed teas, artisanal soaps, kids’ toys – the works. There’s a special focus on sustainability, recycled materials and eco products here, too.
Etsy Montréal Holiday Market
December 15 and 16, 2018
Etsy is a global point of reference for all things craft, so you KNOW their holiday market will have something for absolutely everyone. See what over 100 of Montréal’s most creative makers have been up to since last year at Théâtre Denise Pelletier in the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve neighborhood, in the east end of town.
Merry Montréal
December 20 to 31, 2018
Merry Montréal in Old Montréal’s Place Jacques-Cartier is a celebration that features outdoor fire pits, food, warm drinks, music and free activities for the whole family. Plus, of course, an enormous Christmas market! Buy everything from yummy treats to candles to crafts and accessories for the people on your list, and then bring them back on December 31 for the biggest New Year’s Eve party in the neighbourhood.
Marché de Noël Bellechasse
December 21 and 22, 2018
Most artists have a sideline, and for some of them, it’s more art! Come discover the lesser-known productions of some of the city’s coolest visual arts creators and their friends at this small creative market (5217 Henri-Julien). From gorgeously carved wooden toy trucks to hand-printed art works to colour-filled jewellery, this is the spot for alternative, last-minute gifts.
Isa Tousignant, blogger
Isa Tousignant is an art and lifestyle writer based out of Montréal’s eclectic Park Ex neighbourhood. She is Contributing Editor for Canadian Art magazine and freelances full-time for a wide variety of magazines and brands. She’s also a jewellery designer and passionate about animal costumes and their role in contemporary art.
To see the list of our regular contributors, click here.