23 Hamilton craft markets for the holidays
We are heading into the shopping season and here are all the places you can cross names off your list and support local artists, artisans, and crafter at the same time.
Looking for a craft show near you? Specifically, here’s a list of art, craft, and vendor markets in the Hamilton-area for the holiday season. Shopping local benefits your community, now more than ever. Regardless of current politics, supporting the makers and small businesses in your own backyard has always been key to community building.
Fortunately, art, craft, and vendor events are more prevalent than ever this season. So, HAMILTON CITY Magazine compiled a comprehensive list, including everything from juried professional events to church bazaars and school fundraisers to make the process easier for you. (Apologies to those we might have missed).
Why not print this list and keep it on your fridge? Or simply visit the Ancaster Fairgrounds each weekend — basically, there’s a vendor show there every week during November and December.
Art, craft, and vendor markets in the Hamilton region
Ancaster Lions Fall Craft Show — Nov. 1 and 2
The Ancaster Lions Fall Craft Show is an annual popular event that fills the Ancaster Fairgrounds main building with more than 100 creators and vendors, most local and most handmade. The event is a significant fundraiser for The Ancaster Lions Club.
Where: Ancaster Fairgrounds, Marritt Hall, 630 Trinity Road S., Ancaster
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: $5
Delta United Church Christmas Bazaar — Nov. 1
The Delta United Church is hosting its annual Christmas Bazaar on November 1. Expect a bake table, crafts from local vendors and church members, books, and jewellery, along with an auction, deli, and lunchroom.
Where: 47 Ottawa St. S., Hamilton
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Admission: free
Potters Guild of Hamilton Fall Pottery Sale — Nov. 7 to 9
Members of the Hamilton Potters Guild gather for a semi-annual sale of handcrafted ceramic and clay creations. This show has been an annual tradition for pottery enthusiasts for decades.
Where: Dundas Lions Memorial Community Centre, 10 Market St. S., Dundas
Time: Friday 1 to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: free
Christmas Book Fair & Market — Nov. 8
Love books? Love arts and crafts? This one is for you. The Christmas Book Fair & Market combines local writers (many books self-published) with local artisans and crafters. Come for the books, but pick up book accessories like handmade book sleeves, tote bags, and bookmarks. Rumour is that Santa will make an appearance.
Where: Ancaster Fairgrounds, Marritt Hall, 630 Trinity Road S., Ancaster
Time: 10:30 am to 4 p
Admission: $2. Children under 12 free.
Holly Jolly Craft Show — Nov. 8
The Holly Jolly Craft Show is a popular annual event, so much so it’s doubled its size this year. More than 40 local artisans are here offering gifts, stocking stuffers, baked goods and more. Note this sale is handmade only, no other vendors. Please bring a donation for Hamilton Food Share.
Where: St. Andrew’s United Church, 479 Upper Paradise Rd., Hamilton
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission: free
Makerfest — Nov. 8
The Makerfest, hosted by the Hamilton Public Library, is a celebration of the maker community within Hamilton by offering workshops, demonstrations, and a vendor’s market.
Where: Hamilton Public Library, Central Library, 55 York Blvd., Hamilton
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: free
St. David Christmas Makers Market — Nov. 8
This is the second annual St. David Christmas Makers Market and fundraiser for school activities. Expect a magical holiday shopping experience featuring 70 local artists, baked goods, raffles and door prizes, and more. New this year is live entertainment.
Where: St. David Catholic Elementary School, 33 Cromwell Cres., Hamilton
Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Admission: $3.50
Little Bethel Community Church’s Christmas Bazaar — Nov. 8
Join the vendors at the Little Bethel Community Church for their annual bazaar where you’ll find local artisans selling food, art, crafts. Pictures with Santa optional but encouraged. Please bring an item to donate to the food drive.
Where: Little Bethel Community Church, 320 Paling Ave., Hamilton
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission: free
Vendor Market & Penny Sale — Nov. 8
Organized by Shopping Made Easy, and presumably also a promise, the Vendor Market & Penny Sale offers the opportunity to shop from the local vendors and raise money for Interval House of Hamilton.
Where: Chedoke Church, 865 Mohawk Rd. W., Hamilton
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Admission: $2 suggested donation
Ancaster Christmas Village — Nov. 15
The Ancaster Christmas Village is another holiday event at the fairgrounds. And this one promises holiday magic along with a winter wonderland of handmade one-of-a-kind gifts. This event is organized by All Canadian Events.
Where: Ancaster Fairgrounds, 630 Trinity Rd. S., Ancaster
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: $5 (cash only). Kids under 10 free.
Handmade Hamilton — Nov. 15 and 16
The 13th annual Handmade Hamilton is a one-of-a-kind show celebrating almost 40 local makers of arts and crafts. Everything handmade and created locally. Half of the vendors are new to the show this year.
Where: Theatre Aquarius, 190 King William St., Hamilton
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: free
Pawsome Artisan Market — Nov. 16
The Pawsome Artisan Market is for everyone, but especially those who love dogs. And guess what? You can bring your dog along. This is the second year for this annual market benefitting the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides. More than 50 great vendors, many selling dog-related products, but not exclusively. Take photos of your pet with Santa. Plenty of parking.
Where: Copetown Community Centre, 1950 Governors’ Rd., Dundas
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: free and dog-friendly
Mistletoe Bazaar — Nov. 22
The Mistletoe Bazaar is a traditional church market event. Enjoy craft vendors, a bake table, cookie walk and tearoom. But you’ll have to get up before noon.
Where: Melrose United Church, 86 Homewood Ave., Hamilton
Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Admission: free
Sleigh the Season Market — Nov. 29
Organized by The Events Hub, Sleigh the Season Market promises unique gifts, handcrafted items, and seasonal treats and baked goods all in a festival atmosphere that includes music and a visit from Santa. Please bring an item for the food drive.
Where: St. Gregory’s Great Church, 125 Centennial Parkway N., Hamilton
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: free
STUFFED! Hamilton — Nov. 28 and 29
STUFFED! Hamilton promises to be Hamilton’s one-stop shop for local stocking stuffers. You’ll find handmade stuff along with new stuff (some items not handmade), all local and all thoughtful. Plus, there’s a DJ and special pop-up entertainment. Organized by Blue Key Events.
Where: Collective Arts (Bier Garden Entrance) 207 Burlington St. E., Hamilton
Time: Friday night, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: $5 in advance. $7 at the door.
Christmas in Ancaster Craft Show — Nov. 29 to 30
The Christmas in Ancaster Craft Show is a curated creators show hosted by Artisan Bazaar. This popular annual show fills the main hall of the Ancaster Fairgrounds with local and regional handcrafted merchandise.
Where: Ancaster Fairgrounds, 630 Trinity Rd. S., Ancaster
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: $7 cash at the door. Free for children under 12
Magic of Midwinter — Dec. 6
Organized by Events in Synergy, the Magic of Midwinter is a collection of crafters, bakers, authors, and others selling holiday products.
Where: Courtyard Marriott Hamilton, 1224 Upper James St., Hamilton
Time: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: free
Pet Lovers’ Market — Dec. 7
Once again, the fifth annual Pet Lovers’ Market is a shopping event where you can bring your dog along. This market is all about your pet – think custom collars, dog treats, toys, outfits, home décor and more, all inspired by a love of pets. Handmade items, along with other pet products and services.
Where: Ancaster Fairgrounds, Concession Building, 630 Trinity Rd. S., Ancaster
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: $5 (cash). Kids under 12 free. Dogs welcome with signed waiver.
Fairweather Holiday Market — Dec. 6 and 7
The annual Holiday Market at Fairweather Brewing Company continues, this year for two days. Enjoy the festive vibe, shop at the local vendor tables, and enjoy some good beer.
Where: Fairweather Brewing Co., 5 Ofield Rd., Unit #1, Hamilton
Time: Noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday. Noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday
Admission: free
Ancaster Christmas Crafts & Vendor Show — Dec. 13
The Ancaster Christmas Crafts & Vendor Show is half crafters and half vendors, meaning there will be some manufactured gifts and multilevel marketing (MLM) brands present. Small businesses are the focus of this event, two weekends before Christmas.
Where: Ancaster Fairgrounds, 630 Trinity Rd. S., Ancaster
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: free
541 Holiday Market — Dec. 13
The 541 Eatery & Exchange is sponsoring a fundraiser to support community members in need called the 541 Holiday Market. Only vendors selling handcrafted items are participating in the event selling crafts such as jewellery, candles, prints, knits, and food items for both people and pets.
Where: The Westinghouse, 286 Sanford Ave. N., Hamilton
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: free
Craftadian Hamilton — Dec. 13 to 14
Craftadian Hamilton is the Hamilton version of Craftadian’s organized artisan markets (the other is in Burlington Nov.1 to 2). Craftadian is a juried show of professional artisans, and all products are handmade in Canada. More than 150 unique vendors fill this popular show offering a variety of items from body care to home décor. Quality is key at this event.
Where: McMaster Innovation Park, 175 Longwood Rd., Hamilton
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: $5 online and $6 at the door. Free parking.
Christmas Fest Vendor Market — Dec. 21
Christmas Fest is a family-focused (last-minute) Christmas market with 70 participants — some artisans and crafters, but mostly food vendors, small businesses, MLM brands, 3-D printing, and collectables. Organized by This Great City Small Business Network.
Where: Ancaster Fairgrounds, 630 Trinity Rd. S., Ancaster
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: free
If you have a local holiday craft market to add to our list, email meredith@hamiltoncitymagazine.ca with the details.
