Kensington Holiday Craft Fair in Vancouver
The Kensington Holiday Craft Fair is a festive artisan market in December at the Kensington Community Centre in Vancouver. This free annual event is a great place to shop for handmade Christmas gifts, seasonal décor and gourmet treats while supporting local artisans.
The market takes place on a weekend in early December, attracting both neighbourhood residents and visitors from across the city. In 2025 it takes place on Saturday, December 6th, from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm.
Check out the Kensington Community Centre‘s website to learn more about the venue. For more details about the market, see the website VancouversBestPlaces.com.
Location and Venue
The Kensington Holiday Craft Fair takes place in the gymnasium of Kensington Community Centre, located at 5175 Dumfries Street in Kensington Park. The venue is near Knight Street and East 33rd Avenue. It’s easily accessible by car or public transit.
Kensington Community Centre is a multi-purpose facility with a swimming pool, dance studio, seniors’ centre, fitness centre, preschool, pottery studio and a skateboard park. It hosts recreational programs and community events year-round, with the holiday craft fair being one of its seasonal highlights.
A Holiday Market with Local Artisans
The craft fair showcases the work of around four or so dozen talented vendors offering a variety of handmade and locally produced goods. Shoppers can browse unique Christmas ornaments, greeting cards, crocheted items, wooden cutting boards and bath products.
Artisan stalls typically feature the following:
- Jewellery and ceramics
- Knitted toques, scarves and winter accessories
- Handmade stockings, festive gnomes, Santas and snowmen
- Art prints, keychains, magnets, bookmarks and bracelets
- Crocheted animal plushies and other handcrafted toys
- Body care items such as creams, bath salts and soaps
- Home goods including aprons, dishcloths and kitchenware
Food lovers can also find homemade cookies, macarons, dried candy and other treats which are perfect for gifting or enjoying on the spot.
The Kensington Youth Council usually runs a small concession stand with drinks and snacks, adding to the friendly community atmosphere.
Tips for Visiting
TIP #1: Entry to the fair is free, and so is the parking, making it an affordable outing for all ages.
TIP #2: Pair your visit to the craft fair with a swim at the pool or a workout at the fitness centre. You could also explore nearby attractions like Queen Elizabeth Park or Deer Lake Park, both just a short drive away.
TIP #3: The craft fair coincides with BC Buy Local Week, a campaign promoting local shopping. Purchasing your holiday gifts from the market is a great way to support small businesses and keep your spending within the community.
Other Information
The Kensington Holiday Craft Fair combines the charm of a traditional Christmas market with the warmth of a local community event. Whether you’re searching for one-of-a-kind gifts or simply want to soak up the festive atmosphere, this Vancouver holiday market is worth adding to your December calendar.
Visit the Kensington Community Centre‘s website to learn more about the venue. To learn more about the event, see the Kensington Holiday Craft Fair article on the Vancouver’s Best Places website.
For information about similar Christmas-themed markets, see our article about Vancouver Christmas Craft Fairs and Holiday Markets.
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