Holiday markets aplenty in the capital ahead of Christmas day

With Christmas drawing near, plenty of shoppers are searching for gifts at Ottawa’s holiday markets. CTV’s Camille Wilson has the story.

With the holiday season well upon us and less than two weeks to go until the big day, Ottawa is buzzing with holiday markets.

Shoppers brought their pets along for the third annual Pet Day and Holiday Market at Robert Plante Greenhouses on Saturday.

The market featured more than 200 local vendors, over 40 of which were pet themed.

“We have artisans that sells all kinds of stuff for pets, like little cookies for dogs or little outfits. You can find all kinds of nice stuff for pets,” says Line Plante, co-owner of Robert Plante Greenhouse.

Shoppers had the chance to celebrate holiday memories with their furry friends by getting Santa photos with their pets, and vendors sold cozy pet wear, treats, toys, and custom gifts.

Marketgoer Soundarya Srinivasagan says she brought her dog Mila for a photo with Santa last year and is back for a second year to bring her other dog, Isla as well.

“This pet fair has been really nice. We’ve been here quite a few times. We came here last year and was really good,” Srinivasagan said.

Srinivasagan says she plans to make the Pet Day Holiday Market a yearly tradition.

“Every single year we come back and we go back with loads and loads and loads of really good treats for them. They’re so unique. You probably never find them in regular stores. They’re also handmade and very good. Good naturally sourced ingredients as well, which is what we love,” Srinivasagan said.

“I got some of my really good winter gear here. They’re really good quality as well. I love the handmade stuff here.”

Other local vendors will offered festive décor, baked treats, jewelry and more. Food trucks will also be on-site.

“Our customers come and shop locally because all our vendors are from the area,” says Plante.

The Pet Day and Holiday Market is open until 4 p.m. Saturday.

At the Originals Christmas Craft Sale at the EY Centre, 100 per cent Canadian-made crafts were available for purchase.

“This is the perfect place for people to come and to shop Canadian Handmade goods,” says Francine Leduc, show director of The Originals Christmas Craft Sale. “I think there’s an inclination to shop local and to shop made in Canada - this year more than ever.”

The craft marketplace was filled with more than 200 artisans & makers and shoppers had the chance to look through clothing, bags, body care, jewelry, home décor, live artist demos and more.

For Nancy and Luke Lebrun, the craft sale is a holiday tradition.

“It’s our Christmas tradition. We come every year. We look forward to it,” Nancy said.

“So much to see, so much to buy,” Luc said.

The Leduc’s say the quality of the goods are more elevated at the craft market than typical big box stores.

“We’re very committed to supporting handmade and small business in Ottawa and all of the people that shop here are as well,” says Carol Lavender Devine, vendor at The Originals Christmas Craft Sale.

The Christmas Craft Sale runs until 5 p.m. on Sunday.

The Ottawa Christmas Market at Lansdowne Park is also this weekend.

Marketgoers will have the chance to visit Santa’s workshop, shop local vendors and get their fill of food and beverages.

The Ottawa Christmas Market runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

For a comprehensive look at all the festive and fun events happening this weekend, visit this link.

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