Craft Culture's holiday market returns for its ninth year in Kelowna

One of the biggest holiday shopping markets in the Okanagan will return to Kelowna this weekend.

For the ninth year, Craft Culture’s Holiday Market at Prospera Place in downtown Kelowna will go Dec. 2 to 4 and feature close to 200 vendors, offering hand-made and locally produced products, including soaps, pottery, clothes, food, ornaments and toys to name just a few.

“We’re delighted to be back and this year will be the first in a three years with no restrictions,” says show organizer Karalyn Lockhart. “We’re really excited.”

Lockhart said the entire arena - including the concourse - will feature vendor booths, making the market a destination stop for those looking for unique Christmas gifts for themselves and others.

The market, will run from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday Dec. 3, and Sunday, Dec. 4, and will feature goods produced mainly by B.C. and Alberta vendors.

“It really is a shopping extravaganza,” says Lockhart, who advises those who attend to give themselves plenty of time to see everything.

“I would say two to three hours,” she suggests.

While market organizers are always looking to bring in new vendors, there will also be plenty of familiar faces in the vendor stalls too, providing a good mix of established brands from local vendors and from other areas as well as new vendors appearing at the market for the first time.

“We have vendors who have been staples at the market over the years and we like to support new and upcoming vendors too,” adds Lockhart.

Last year, the market moved to three days from two in an effort to help alleviate the crowds that take in the popular seasonal event. Last year, an estimated 8,000 people passed thorough the doors of Prospera Place over the first three-day run of the market.

While it is no secret the event draws a large crowd, Lockhart wants to ensure customers there will be quieter times to shop.

“We would like to remind customers we rarely see lineups after 3 p.m., she says. “If at all possible, we encourage customers to arrive later in the day. We do have to comply with capacity regulations, and unfortunately are not able to let all of our eager and loyal customers in at once. If you would like to avoid crowds, afternoons and evenings are the best time to visit our event.”

Like so many events nowadays, the market has pivoted to make sure as many people as possible can take it in and enjoy the experience.

“It’s a big show and as a result we can get the best of the best. It’s also a fun thing to come to.”

Attracting a wide demographic from far and wide, the market is a must see for many.

Tickets for the Craft Culture Holiday Market are $7 each and priority tickets can be purchased online at craftculture.ca. Walk ups are also welcome, and customers can purchase cash tickets at the door.

For those not quite ready to visit in-person markets, Craft Culture has launched another round of its popular Holiday Local Boxes.

The Craft Culture Local Box is the perfect solution for gifting this holiday season for anyone who enjoys the simplicity of shopping online and supporting local. Each Local Box is curated with handmade items and treats, packed up and shipped straight to your loved one's door. Local pick up is also available in Kelowna and Penticton.

The Foodie Box, the Holiday Box, and the Pamper Me Box makes it easy to shop for anyone on your Christmas list. Limited quantities, order online today at local-box.ca.

This year Craft Culture and Castanet have teamed up on a contest, where one person will win a Foodie Box and two tickets to the Holiday Market. You can enter here. The contest will close Nov. 30.

This article is written by or on behalf of the sponsoring client and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.