3 Christmas Market Mavens Tell Us Where To Shop and What To Buy
With so many markets to choose from, Veronica Murphy, Kait Kucy and Jennea Frischke help us focus by sharing their favourites
Market Collective
Veronica Murphy, owner, Stash Needle Art Lounge
Veronica’s favourite sale: Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Association Holiday Gift Market
(Nov. 28, Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Hall, 1320 5 Ave. N.W.)
Why it’s great
“They have free hot cocoa and cider and the vending is a little more old school,” Murphy says. “It has everything from your granny’s mittens to handmade terrariums. There’s a charming, neighbourly feel to it.”
What to buy
Murphy recommends the large selection of knitted goods, as well as handmade pottery.
Craft sale tips
Murphy says a craft sale is best enjoyed with friends. “I always make it a friend date, and we often go for lunch beforehand. It’s become a tradition.”
Kait Kucy, freelance writer
Kait’s favourite sale: Market Collective
(Dec. 5 to 7, 12 to 14 and 19 to 21, Chinese Cultural Centre, 197 1 St. S.W., marketcollective.ca)
Why it’s great
“The best part is discovering new artists and designers,” Kucy says. “It is so exciting to follow an artist from the beginning of their career.”
Who to buy
Kucy loves Van Charles‘s contemporary landscapes on wood, and she recommends keeping an eye out for unique, limited-edition terrariums by Kyle Chow.
Craft sale tips
Kucy says to trust your impulses. “Too many times I‘ve said to myself that I would do a quick loop around the market and come back and buy something – by the time I get back, it’s gone!”
Jennea Frischke, designer and owner, Jennea Frischke Jewellery
Jennea’s favourite sale: Handmade Here
(Nov. 15 and 16, Triwood Community Hall, 2244 Chicoutimi Dr. N.W., handmadehere.ca)
Why it’s great
“Most everyone at the sale is a member of the Alberta Craft Council, so they have to be local artisans or makers,” Frischke says. “It’s about 25 vendors, so it’s smaller and intimate.”
Who to buy
Frischke recommends Jill Nuckles‘s quirky felted stuffed creatures and monster pillows for an original gift idea.
Craft sale tips
Arrive early on the first day so you don’t miss out on one-of-a-kind items. But, Frischke says, “If I’m indecisive about something, I’ll go back on the last day, and if that item is left, then I know it’s meant to be.”
Hidden craft market gems
Edgemont Community Association Craft Fayre
Edgemont’s annual craft fair is a classic Calgary sale, with more than 20 years of history.
(Nov. 15, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Edgemont Community Hall, 33 Edgevalley Circle N.W.)
Market YYC, run by University of Calgary students, sells a variety of handmade goods.
(Nov. 29 and 30, Eau Claire Market, 200 Barclay Parade S.W.)
This cross between a vintage and handmade sale pops up Sunday afternoons every few months.
(Dec. 12, Commonwealth Stage and Bar, 731 10 Ave. S.W.)