‘Tis the season to give back to our local arts community.
The Chilliwack Christmas Craft Market, a Fraser Valley holiday tradition and the Chilliwack Community Arts Council’s most festive annual fundraiser, returns for its 43rd year of inspired gift giving this Nov. 17-19 at Chilliwack Heritage Park. Showcasing more than 175 artisans from all over British Columbia under one roof, the market is the perfect way to complete that holiday gift-giving checklist in one weekend.
Beginning their holly jolly shopping adventure, guests will be welcomed by a display of artwork evoking the festive season. Masterfully created by the Chilliwack Floral Art Club, the imaginative designs will showcase the group’s flair and passion for floral arranging.
Entering the expansive market floor, shoppers will stroll wide, welcoming aisles filled with endless gift-giving ideas. The sparkle of handmade jewellery and festive ornaments, tantalizing aromas and flavours of edible treats and libations, soft touch of fibre creations, aesthetic beauty of fine art and home décor, and unexpected delight of everything in between will envelope shoppers in the spirit of the holidays.
Adding to the festive experience, guests will have the opportunity to chat with local performing arts groups including the Chilliwack School of Performing Arts, Chilliwack Players Guild, Secondary Characters, Chilliwack Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, and Chilliwack Metropolitan Orchestra. These vibrant community groups will have tickets to upcoming concerts and stage performances for purchase; creating the perfect experience-based gifts to complement all of the wondrous, handmade items.
Making their way through the market, shoppers will delight in modern and whimsical, woodland inspired visual displays coordinated by the experts from Gatherings West Event Design and Décor. With their contemporary edge and eye for detail, this passionate team will ensure a warm and welcoming atmosphere for every guest to enjoy.
Giving back to the artists who call our cities home, shopping at the Chilliwack Christmas Craft Market is a way to celebrate the talent and imagination of artists, making it possible for them to continue creating and sharing their passion and expertise. As the Chilliwack Community Arts Council’s largest annual fundraising event, proceeds from the market help to ensure the continuation of community events, subsidized art classes for all ages, and three annual scholarships for local arts students.
The Chilliwack Christmas Craft Market is an annual market drawing over 9,000 visitors each November. The Market features one-of-a-kind, high quality, juried items produced by artisans from all over British Columbia. The Market is organized and hosted by the Chilliwack Community Arts Council and serves as its largest yearly fundraising event.
Join the Chilliwack Community Arts Council in ringing in the 43rd year of the Chilliwack Christmas Craft Market Nov. 17-19. Hours are: Friday from 12 to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $4 per person; children ages ten and under are free.
Please visit the event page on chilliwackartscouncil.com for more details and a list of this year’s artisan vendors. Additional information is available by calling 604-769-2787 or visiting the Chilliwack Community Arts Council (20-5725 Vedder Rd.).
