It's Christmas craft market season in the Okanagan

Winter craft markets are returning to the Okanagan after a hiatus due to the pandemic.

The markets provide a great chance for residents to get an early start on Christmas shopping while supporting local crafters and artisans.

Here is a rundown of the upcoming markets in the Okanagan.

The first major market of the year takes place this weekend in the South Okanagan, running Nov. 5 to 7, at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre. Admission at the door is $5 per person for all three days, or $3 per day. Kids under 12 are free. A portion of all admission proceeds will be donated to BC Cancer Society.

On November 7, Winfield is hosting its 32nd annual Christmas Craft Sale at the Winfield Memorial Hall at 10130 Bottom Wood Lake Road in Lake Country. The event runs 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The first East Kelowna Country Christmas market takes place Nov. 14 at 2704 East Kelowna Road from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Additional markets are being hosted Nov. 28 and Dec. 12.

Vernon celebrates their 20th annual winter Festival of Crafts on Nov. 19 and 20 at Kal Tire Place. The first event goes from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., while the second is from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The tradition of donating a portion of the proceeds from every admission to the Hospice House will also continue.

Also on Nov. 19, the "It's Christmas at the Red Barn" three-day market returns at the Okanagan Mission Community Hall in Kelowna. Nov 19. the event is open from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m., Nov. 20 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is free and family friendly.

The Glenmore Winter Market makes a return for the first time in two years to 228 Valley Road on Nov. 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the event is still accepting new vendor applications. Eight-foot table rentals are still available, and the organizers are thrilled to see everyone back.

“It's really exciting,” said organizer Amy Russo. “Just to get some normalcy back will be so good to see.”

“It's definitely time to have the markets back again, I’ve missed it for sure,” added organizer Tamara Adams.

Also on Nov. 20, the Ponderosa Fibre Art Guild is hosting its annual artisan sale at the Kelowna First Baptist Church at 1309 Bernard Avenue in Kelowna. Holiday gifts for all ages hand crafted by talented artists are being sold between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

That same day in the South Okanagan, Nov. 20 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., the Progressive Winter Market in Kaleden is offering a self-driven holiday shopping experience. Crafts, pottery, jewellery and more will be available at 320 Lakehill Road.

If you're in Naramata, you'll have the chance to take in live music, food from local farmers, drinks and a wide variety of local vendors, twice. The first winter market happens on Nov. 26 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., and again on Dec. 3 at those same times. The markets can be found in the heart of Naramata Village on the Lower part of Robinson Road by 2nd Street.

The International Holiday Market at the IPE Fairgrounds in Armstrong goes from Nov. 27-28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and it features indoor and outdoor vendors. This event is also free.

The 12th annual "Touch of Christmas" craft sale takes place in Kelowna on Nov. 27, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the New Life Centre, 2041 Harvey Ave.

That same day, Nov. 27, the 12th annual Christmas Extravaganza takes place in Kelowna from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Rutland Centennial Hall, 215 Shepherd Rd.

A Christmas Craft Fair is also being held Nov. 27 Centre Culturel Francophone, 702 Bernard Ave in Kelowna from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Peachland Christmas Craft Fair gets underway on Nov. 27 at the Peachland Wellness Centre, 4450 6 Street. Volunteers are still being accepted.

The Kettle Valley Steam Railway in Summerland is hosting an artisans market Dec. 2 and 3.

The Craft Culture Market at Prospera Place in Kelowna takes place Dec. 3-5. The first event will run from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., then again from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., and lastly from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission is $5 per person at the door, while kids 12 and under will be free. Craft Culture is proud to support Mamas for Mamas for the 8th year in a row. A portion of all admission proceeds will be donated to this local non profit organization. To date, Craft Culture has raised over $20,000 for local charities.

The Beacon & Friends Winterfest and Holiday Market is running at Grizzli Winery in West Kelowna from December 4 -19.

On Dec. 4 and 5, the Magical Christmas Market at 421 Cawston Avenue in Kelowna offers free entry, with donations going towards the Canadian Cancer Society. This market will offer a wide variety of local artisan, farm and specialty food producers. Be advised, it's both an indoor and outdoor market so dress accordingly.

The Last Chance Holiday Market takes place at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre Dec. 11 and 12. Entry Fee at door $5 per person for both days or $3 per day.

A variety of Okanagan wineries are also hosting their own craft markets throughout the fall and winter. Full event listings are available on Castanet's events page.