Get Started on Holiday Shopping with Holiday Craft Fairs

Portobello West 2009 Photo: Stefania Savluc Creative Commons Licensed via flickr

Thanksgiving week is upon us which means the kick off to the holiday shopping season. Shopping for gifts can be fun but it can also turn into time consuming task taking leading up to the holidays. With parties, decorating and of course shopping, it is easy to find all your time scheduled for holiday activities. Holiday craft fairs are a fun and productive use of limited free time in the holiday season providing a fun way to buy gifts with the added benefit of supporting local artisans. Right after US Thanksgiving, there are craft fairs in Victoria, Vancouver and Seattle that are definitely worth a visit. Find our rundown of some of the craft shows happening in the Northwest below:

Seattle Craft Fairs

etsyRAIN Holiday Homemade (Seattle, November 23-24)

etsyRAIN is bigger than ever and free to the public this year. Head to McCaw Hall in Seattle Center to see more than 100 vendors display their handmade goods. The first 100 shoppers through the door each day receives a free swag bag!

Urban Craft Uprising (Seattle, December 1-2)

Seattle’s largest indie craft show is December 1st & 2nd and expects over 10,000 attendees and over 100 crafters, artists and designers from around the world. Shop for clothing, jewelry, bags, accessories, toys, food and more at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall.

Victoria and Vancouver Craft Fairs

Out of Hand (Victoria, November 23-25)

Out of Hand is Victoria’s most prestigious artisan fair. Crafts, food and fashion will be displayed at the Crystal Garden. This year will feature the 3rd annual fashion show and Fashion in Action, featuring cocktails and appetizers from our partner, the Fairmont Empress.

Portobello West (Vancouver, November 24-25)

Portobello West is Vancouver’s premier fashion and art market held select dates each year. This year’s holiday market is November 24-25. Expect to find fashion, art, jewelry and accessories and see the latest Vancouver art and fashion trends.

For more information on planning a northwest holiday vacation, see our Seattle vacation packages, Vancouver vacation packages and Victoria vacation packages.