The Deer Lake Craft Fair is a Christmas-themed artisan market at Burnaby’s Shadbolt Centre in November. It’s one of several craft fairs in Metro Vancouver.
In 2022 the market runs from November 18 to 20.
If you like Christmas shopping and artisan markets, other events you’ll want to check out include the Vancouver Christmas Market, New West Holiday Market and Shipyards Artisan Market. There is also the All About Christmas Gifts Expo which is a huge event in Chilliwack.
To learn about these and other similar markets this time of year, click Vancouver Christmas Craft Fairs.
Deer Lake Craft Fair
Hosted by the Burnaby Arts Council, the Deer Lake Craft Fair is a free event that usually features more than five dozen vendors. The vendors sell everything from Christmas ornaments to fancy soaps, homemade chocolates, pottery and handmade glassware.
The craft fair takes place at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts at 6450 Deer Lake Avenue (at the edge of Deer Lake Park) in Burnaby. Between about 3000 and 4000 people attend the event each year.
Dates and Hours
In 2021 the market celebrated its 50th season, which makes it one of the Lower Mainland’s longest running events of its kind. In 2022 the event returns from November 18 to 20. Hours of operation this year are the following:
- Friday, November 18, 2022 – 11 am to 7 pm
- Saturday, November 19, 2022 – 10 am to 5 pm
- Sunday, November 20, 2022 – 10 to 5 pm
To give you an idea of what to expect, the performance and entertainment lineup from 2018 is listed below. As of mid-November, 2022 entertainment details are to be confirmed.
Friday (November 16th, 2018)
On the first evening there was a Live Paint Off event where artists had an hour to paint after which (and for the rest of the weekend) visitors to the craft fair could vote for their favourites and bid on the artwork.
The Live Paint Off ran from 6 until 7 pm on the Friday in 2018. Participating artists included Kwakwee Baker, Honeytta Eyvany, Sandra Trubin, Jesse Wamboldt, Jessica Wiebe and Juan Pablo Vega.
Saturday (November 17th, 2018)
On the Saturday performances took place on the hour every hour. Here’s who was on stage and when:
- 10 am – Jeff Neufeld
- 11 am – Michele Schmidt & Ken Cade
- 12 pm – BELIEVE Entertainment (the Snow Queen)
- 1 pm – John Gonzalez on the accordion
- 2 pm – Carolyn Neapole
- 3 pm – Rocket Fuel Band
Sunday (November 18th, 2018)
Performers at the craft fair on the Sunday included the following:
- 10 am – Eddie Lam on guitar
- 11 am – Smile Band (a young and fun girl band)
- 12 pm – Nicole Scofield on the fiddle
- 1 pm – BELIEVE Entertainment (Beautiful Belle)
- 2 pm – The Crossing playing Celtic tunes
- 3 pm – CHUMS singing and on ukulele
What to Expect
At the Deer Lake Craft Fair you can expect to see holiday decorations, lots of people and up to 60 or so local artists selling all kinds of wonderful items. If you’re looking for Christmas gift ideas, it’s a great place to visit.
In addition to market vendor stalls, at the fair there is also live entertainment. At the fair there are also usually activities for children including face painting, crafts and free Christmas cookies to decorate.
Tips and Advice
Below are some tips and suggestions to help you make the most out of your experience at the Deer Lake Craft Fair.
TIP #1: If you like craft markets, go to this one. It’s a good one!
TIP #2: If you want some exercise and fresh air, combine your trip with a walk around Deer Lake. It’s a beautiful spot! In good weather the park is also a great place for picnics.
TIP #3: There is a fair bit of free parking in the area (although it does fill up). There are 200 stalls both underground and right outside the building plus more along the street. There is also free parking at Burnaby City Hall just up the street, but only after 5 pm on the Friday and all day on the Saturday and Sunday.
TIP #4: The craft fair is a good-sized one and usually takes place in the Atrium, Room 101 and Room 103. Be sure to explore all three rooms.
Other Information
For further details about the event click Deer Lake Craft Fair.
For information about similar events at other venues check out our list of Lower Mainland Christmas Craft Fairs.
To learn about the area click Deer Lake Park or see our article about the City of Burnaby.
Other articles that might be of interest include the following:
- Vancouver’s November Calendar
- Vancouver’s December Calendar
- Festivals & Events
- Best Christmas Activities
