The Deer Lake Winter Festival is a Christmas-themed artisan market at Burnaby’s Shadbolt Centre in November. It’s one of several craft fairs in Metro Vancouver.
In 2024 the craft fair takes place on the last weekend in November. Other markets happening at the same time elsewhere in the Lower Mainland include the Shipyards Christmas Market on the North Shore and Vancouver Christmas Market outside the Vancouver Convention Centre.
This article includes the following information about the Deer Lake Winter Festival:
Dates and Hours | What to Expect | Tips and Advice | Other Information
Deer Lake Winter Festival in Burnaby
Hosted by the Burnaby Arts Council, the Deer Lake Winter Festival 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.
In 2024 the festival runs from November 22nd to 24th. At the event, there’s live entertainment with local performers and admission is free.
If you like Christmas shopping and artisan markets, other events you’ll want to check out include Hycroft for the Holidays, the Vancouver Christmas Market, Shipyards Christmas Market, New West Holiday Market and Shipyards Artisan Market. There is also the All About Christmas Gifts Expo, Made in the 604 Markets, North Delta Artisan & Gift Market, Coquitlam Christmas Night Market and a variety of others.
To learn about these and other markets happening at this time of the year, click Vancouver Christmas Craft Fairs.
Dates and Hours
In 2024 the market celebrates its 53rd season, which makes it one of the Lower Mainland’s longest running events of its kind. This year the Deer Lake Winter Festival takes place from November 22nd until the 24th. Hours of operation are the following:
- Friday, November 22nd, 2024 – 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Saturday, November 23rd, 2024 – 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Sunday, November 24th, 2024 – 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
What to Expect
At the Deer Lake Winter Festival 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 Winter Festival.
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 Winter Festival.
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
