Holiday Shopping at Montreal Christmas Markets and Seasonal Fairs

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There’s all kinds of shoppers in this world.  The hunt and peck type constantly scratches about like a chicken grabbing this and that everywhere. The careful planning type lists everyone who requires a gift, considers potential gift options, follows the sales, and finishes ahead of time. The last minute type goes at the 11th hour and a gift from Loblaws or Shoppers is often an indication of what was open. The egoist type gives a gift that is less about the recipient and all about the donor.

No matter your gift buying style, Montreal has a market for you. In the months leading up to the Christmas/Chanukah/Kawanza holidays, we have dozens of bazaars and sales to pick from. This list is hardly static either. Expect to see updates as holiday season approaches.

Boîte de Noel
October 15-18
1350 Lakeshore Drive, Dorval

Over 50 artisans display their wares at this juried event. It’s one of the first to kick off the holiday season. Rumour has it there’s some pretty good buttercrunch to be bought. A few vendors also sell wares on good ol’ Etsy. $2 admission. More info HERE.

McGill Book Fair
October 20-22
Redpath Hall, 3461 McTavish

Book lovers should hit up Redpath hall to search through tens of thousnads of books in French and English. There are academic books, but plenty of regular books too since donations are accepted from everyone. You never know what you will find. Books are sorted by categories. There are also CDs and DVDs. Free admission. Street parking. Info HERE.

Baie D’Urfé Potters’ Guild Sales
November 1-3
20551 Bord du Lac, Baie d’Urfé
For some handmade pottery that looks better than anything you’ll get downtown at a department store, the potters of the Baie d’Urfé potters’ guild offer goods for sale. Pottery related to teatime is on sale the first week of November. free. See more HERE.

Gem and Mineral Show
November 6-8
800 de la Gauchetiere st W.
Pick up a unique gem and get it set at the show. Over 100 vendors will be selling stones, minerals, gems, books, jewelry, tools, sculptures, and all things related to rocks and fossils is available. $8/6. More info HERE.

Tibetan Bazaar and Cultural Fair
November 7-8
3535 Parc Ave
With goods from India, Nepal, and Tibet, the Tibetan bazaar is a chance to get handcrafts as well as enjoy Tibetan cuisine, dance, and music. $5/3. More info HERE.

Expozine
November 14-15
5035 St. Dominique
The small press and self-publishing communities come together at this celebration of all things written and arty. Zines, books, comics, posters, and other forms of independent expression are all here. Join the fun and check it out. Info HERE.

Art Etc.

November 14-15
50 Westminster Ave (at Avon Road)

Montreal West features over 35 local artisans vending their wares. Look for woodworking, gourmet foods, jewelry, fashion accessories, and painting. Parking is free. Info HERE.

Treats and Treasures Bazaar and Craft Sale.

November 21, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Centre Greene Community Centre, 1090 Greene Ave.

This annual craft sale and bazaar has over 30 tables. There is also a bake sale and a light lunch available. Money is raised to support Empty Bowls, a group that aims to raise hunger and food issue awareness. Admission is free. Parking is on the street. See HERE.

Weekend of Crafts and Fine Art

November 21 and 22
Dollard Civic Centre, 12001 de Salaberry Blvd, DDO

Dollard Centre for the arts has a juried craft fair with over 80 artisans offering works. The West Island Cake Club sells cupcakes as a charity fundraiser. Parking and entry are free. Info HERE.

Booksale by Friends of the Library

November 21 and 22, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Westmount Public Library

If buying used books is your thing, you won’t want to miss this. The annual bookfair is a browser’s paradise. Start looking early for what you want because most people walk out with boxes of books. Admission free. Street parking available. Info HERE.

OldWIG XMas Edition

November 20-22
Bain Mathieu (2915 Ontario E)

If you love vintage, you’ll love the OldWIG. Clothing, vintage jewelry, but also housewares and decorations of yesteryear are here. In addition, get ready for DJ guests and a bar for when you need that hot toddy to keep going. Check it out. More info HERE. 

Fall Bazzar
November 21, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre of Montreal

If Japanese goods are your thing, pick up what you need at this fall bazaar. Baked goods, of course, but also small and large gifts.

Christmas Bazaar at Alexander von Humboldt Schule

November 22, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Alexander von Humboldt Schule, 216 Victoria Drive, Baie d’Urfé

No one does Christmas markets like the Germans and Austrians do. Montreal’s German international school hosts an annual market that includes cards, soap, knits, glass, and more. The best part, though are the food for sale: sauerkraut and sausages, raclette, mulled wine, draft beer, and cakes. More info HERE.

Fair Trade Fair
November 22, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
St. John Brebeuf CHurch 855 Bishop Power Blvd

Sometimes buying a gift can be giving someone an opportunity around the world. Pick up your world gifts without worrying if it was made in a sweatshop, in unfair conditions, or by workers who are underpaid. Tea too.

The SAT Souk

November 25-29
SAT, 1201 St. Laurent

The SAT Souk feels super posh, but don’t let that put you off from visiting. There’s an initial selection of chosen products by jury, as well as two floors worth of wonderful products. Food, clothing, accessories, wallpaper… it’s such an eccentric collection of offerings that you are bound to find something. Entrance free. Street parking. More info HERE.

The Nutcracker Market

November 26-December 6
Palais des Congrès, 1001 place Jean Paul Riopelle

Pick up soap, jewelry, foodstuffs, home decor, skin care products, and clothing at The Nutcrakcer Market. This annual fair raises funds for Les Grands Ballets’ Nutcracker Fund for Children. Parking is not free, but admission is not. More info HERE.

Pop Up Book Fair

November 27-28
Atwater Library

Over 50 Montreal writers and 25 local publishers will be at this pop up book fair. Pick up all your reading for yourself or someone you love.

Marché des Deux Mains

November 28-29
Le Marché des Deux Mains (6421 1ere Ave)

At the heart of Rosemont, here’s a chance to fill your basket with works by artists and locals alike. 40 selected artists will be selling their products including The Lonely Pixel, Fotofibre, OmmaSae, and Le Bonnettier. More info HERE.

Holiday Artisanal Market at Le Milieu

Nov 28-25
Le Milieu (1251 Robin)

Local DIY co-op Le Milieu hosts a holiday market with seasonal food, knitted goods, illustration, and all the usual by local artists. Free. See HERE for more.

German Christmas Market
November 29, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Hemmingford Elementary School. 548 Champlain Ave.

If you missed your last chance to have a German holiday, you can do it again. This time for $12 you can get a German style meal and enjoy German chocolate and cookies (imported). Local crafts are available for sale.

Puces POP! Holiday Fair

December 11-13
Eglise st. Enfant Jesus (5035 St. Dominique)

With its usual free wheeling spirit, indie artists offer super stuff. Expect music at the opening party on Friday night and some delicious foodstuffs by Phyllo Bar Mélina on offer. Otherwise, pick up fashion pieces, handmade children’s toys, ceramics, jewelry, or ever more random goods. More info HERE.

Salon des Métiers d’art de Montreal
December 11-20
The Salon is a juried bazaar that focuses on craft products. Each piece is designed and made by top level artisans in their fields. The price is premium, but the goods are one of a kind, high quality items with gorgeous workmanship. True artistry! Find out more HERE.