Shop ‘til Snow Drops at these Xmas Markets
Montréal during the holidays is like a real-life snowball. Falling snow, twinkling lights, ice skating in the Old Port and cheer on every corner… what better place to fill your stockings? Montréal’s 2017 indie winter fairs and Xmas markets guarantee all your gifts will be unique, with offerings ranging from décor to soaps, jewellery, fashion, bags, Christmas cookies and more – something to please everyone on your list.
Marché des ateliers Capitol
November 16 and 17, 2017
Get your fash on at this market uniting 30 local designers in the Capitol building, in a two-storey space in the heart of Mile End. Capitol regulars will be on the spot, including women’s wear designer Betina Lou, unisex accessories brand Cantin and kids brand Romarine, and plenty of guest designers.
Marché Nënë
November 18 and 19, 2017
Welcome to family fest! This market dedicated to goods for the whole family brings together over 30 designers (including Poterie Bonmatin, Clair de Prune and Coton Mouton), 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 25 and 26, 2017
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, Véhicle Press and Oie de Cravan. So many gift ideas!
Marché de l’école nationale de meuble et de l’ébénisterie
November 25 to December 4, 2017
This exciting designer furniture market is a highlight on design fans’ calendar, if only for the eye candy. 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.
The Nutcracker Market
November 30 to December 10, 2017
Help support the Grand Ballets while shopping the items on your lists at this bustling philanthropic, 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.
Souk@SAT
November 29 to December 3, 2017
The fanciest designer craft fair you’re likely ever to see happens annually at the Société des arts technologiques on St-Laurent, where you’ll find artfully appointed booths filled with fashion (Litige), avant-garde jewellery (Catrie), stunning lamps (Studio Botté), tasty syrups (Djinn) and sweet, sweet honey (Alvéole) by some of Montréal’s most famous and to-be-discovered brands.
Le Grand Marché de Noël de Montréal
December 1 to 24, 2017
Mixing holiday traditions from around the world, the Grand Marché offers all kinds of locally made gift items, gourmet food and drinks. Be sure to try an array of creative food truck fare, plus take in free live shows and family-oriented outdoor activities to complete the experience.
Salon des Métiers d’Art
December 7 to 17, 2017
Walk among Christmas trees and historical holiday displays as you peruse the handiwork of Québec artisans, artists and craftspeople at the impressive Place Bonaventure downtown. Find cozy clothing, children’s toys, decorations and home decor, stand-out jewelry, Québécois food and drink (sampling before you buy is part of the fun here), and more for yourself and everyone on your gift list.
Marché Artisanal de Montréal
December 9 and 10, 2017
This market in Little Italy 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.
Puces POP
December 9 to 11 and 16 to 18, 2017
For over a decade this super popular fair has been filling 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.
Etsy Montréal Holiday Market
December 16 and 17, 2017
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, in the east end of town.
Merry Montréal
December 21, 2017 to January 1, 2018
This celebratory event in Old Montréal’s Place Jacques-Cartier 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 brings them back on December 31 for the biggest New Year’s Eve party in the neighbourhood.
Isa Tousignant, blogger
Isa Tousignant is an art and lifestyle writer based out of Montréal’s ecclectic 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.