Manitoba Christmas Market Guide: Where to shop local, artisanal treasures this holiday season

Canada's oldest German Christmas market has been running in Winnipeg since 1985, put on by the German-Canadian Congress. (Source: Dan Timmerman, CTV News)

It may not be looking much like Christmas in most of Manitoba, but the day of merry and bright is fast approaching.

For those looking to shop local this holiday season, here’s a roundup of some of the province’s upcoming Christmas markets and sales.

Winnipeg Christmas Market

Running from Nov. 27 to 30 at the RBC Convention Centre, the Winnipeg Christmas Market boasts 130 Canadian artisan vendors.

Details are available on the market’s website.

Winnipeg Christkindlmarkt

The German-Canadian Congress is back with its annual market—the longest-running German Christmas market in Canada.

It will feature German favourites like Stollen and mulled wine, entertainment, and over 60 Manitoba crafters and vendors.

Winnipeg Christkindlmarkt runs Nov. 28 to 30 at Fort Garry Place Mall.

Pine Ridge Hollow Holiday Markets

Pine Ridge Hollow hosts a series of holiday markets on Dec. 6, 7, 12, and 14.

In addition to over 30 local artisans, attendees will be treated to live music and a warm holiday drink.

Details are available on Pine Ridge Hollow’s website.

Santa Shops Local

A pop-up coming to Kildonan Place welcomes shoppers to browse local makers, bakers, and small businesses galore.

The Santa Shops Local pop-up runs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until Dec. 21.

Lower Fort Garry Holiday Market

The sixth annual Lower Fort Garry Holiday Market returns Nov. 29 and 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The historical site on Highway 9 will be teeming with arts, crafts, and an artisanal holiday shop. Shoppers can enjoy Santa photos, a pancake breakfast, food and drinks.

Admission is free but the pancake breakfast is a ticketed event.

Details can be found on Friends of Lower Fort Garry’s website.

Winterpeg Holiday Craft Sale

Makers, bakers, artists and vendors will take over the Notre Dame Recreation Centre gym on Nov. 29 for the Winterpeg Holiday Craft Sale.

Admission is free and nonperishable food donations are being accepted. There will also be a 50/50 draw in support of St. Boniface Street Links.

Details can be found on the market’s Facebook page.

Corydon Community Centre Holiday Craft Sale

The annual craft sale returns to Corydon Community Centre’s Crescentwood site on Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A slew of local vendors will have their wares ready to buy.

Admission is free.

The Kid Boss Market

The Kid Boss Market deals exclusively in products sold by kid entrepreneurs.

Head on down to 1188 Dakota Street on Nov. 30 at 8 a.m. to browse the kids’ self-made products, enjoy a family photoshoot, and meet Santa.

The event is free to attend.

Southdale Community Centre’s Holiday Market

Over 45 vendors await you Nov. 30 at the Southdale Community Centre’s Holiday Market.

The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is free to attend.

Warm & Bright

If you want to put an artistic spin on this year’s gifts, the Warm & Bright market is for you. Featuring the works of over 45 Manitoba artists on three floors of space, Warm & Bright runs Dec. 6 and 7 starting at 10 a.m. at 618 Arlington Street.

There will also be wandering musical performances by Anne-Marie Williot from 12 to 2 p.m. on both days.

This is a free, non-ticketed event.

Oseredok’s Christmas Fair

The Oseredok Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Centre presents its Christmas Fair on Dec. 6 and 7.

An array of gifts, ornaments, decorations and food, all with a Ukrainian flair, are up for grabs.

Admission is free.

Dalnavert’s Christmas Craft Market

The Dalnavert Museum will be transformed for its annual Christmas Craft Market on Dec. 6.

Attendees can browse Christmas-themed, handmade artisan and craft goods made by local vendors.

Admission is by donation or a pay-what-you-can basis.

It runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Robert A. Steen Community Centre’s Handmade Winter Wonderland Craft Show

Head down to Robert A. Steen Community Centre on Dec. 6 for a market filled with handmade treasures.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free to attend.