A three-day event, the Coquitlam Christmas Craft Fair takes place at the Poirier Forum in early December and features the work of over 100 local artisans.
The event runs from December 6th to the 8th in 2024.
OTHER HOLIDAY MARKETS
In addition to the Coquitlam Christmas Craft Fair, a number of other great markets happen around the same time each year. They include the following:
- Coquitlam Christmas Night Market (which is at the fabulous and free Lights at Lafarge event that happens on both December 13th & 14th, and 20th & 21st in 2024).
- New West Holiday Market (outside City Hall in New Westminster on December 14th and 15th, 2024).
- Made in the 604 Markets (at North Vancouver’s Shipyards that runs on December 6th and 8th in 2024, so at the same time as the Coquitlam Christmas Craft Fair. This event is also part of the Spirit of the Season Festival which is a fabulous, free and family-friendly event).
- Vancouver Christmas Market (which is the famous German-themed market that runs daily from November 13th until December 24th, 2024, at Jack Pool Plaza).
- Shipyards Christmas Market (a free European-themed market in North Vancouver that takes place from November 29th to December 24th in 2024).
Christmas Artisan Market at Coquitlam’s Poirier Forum
The Coquitlam Christmas Craft Fair is one of the Lower Mainland’s largest and most impressive holiday-themed artisan markets. It has been running since around 1980, so for over 40 years.
At the event you can expect to see handmade goods like ceramics, clothing, glasswork, woodwork, jewellery, beauty products and food items. There are also vendors selling paintings, honey, soaps, toys and everything you can imagine finding at a Christmas artisan market.
Where and When
The Coquitlam Christmas Craft Fair runs over three days in early December. This year, it runs from December 6th to 8th, 2024.
Hours of operation are from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm on the Friday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on the Saturday and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on the Sunday.
The event takes place at the Poirier Forum at 618 Poirier Street in Coquitlam. Admission to the craft fair is typically about $5 for adults and $3 for seniors. Children ages 12 and under have free admission.
Tips & Advice
Below are some tips and suggestions to help you make the most of your shopping experience at the craft fair in Coquitlam.
TIP #1: If you like Christmas-themed artisan markets, then be sure to go to this one. For both shoppers and vendors alike, it’s a very good one.
TIP #2: Unless it’s crazy busy and the vendors are being swept off their feet, chat with the artisans and learn about their products. Hearing the story behind what you buy and how it’s made enhances the experience!
TIP #3: Don’t forget to take your own shopping bags. Most vendors will have some, but it’s better for the environment if you bring your own reusable ones.
TIP #4: If you like this kind of market, but also ones where you can buy fresh produce, then you’ll also like the Port Moody Winter Farmers Market and the Poirier Street Farmers Market. The former takes place at the Port Moody Recreation Complex on Sundays between November and April. The latter happens on Sundays outside the Dogwood Pavilion in Coquitlam between May and October.
TIP #5: If you like Christmas lights, especially ones at venues that are free, then combine your trip to the Coquitlam Christmas Craft Fair with a visit to Lights at Lafarge at Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park. The holiday lights there are amazing and they run from the end of November until mid to late January.
Other Information
For more information about the holiday market at the Poirier Forum in December, click Coquitlam Christmas Craft Fair.
See our article about Vancouver Christmas Craft Fairs for a comprehensive list of other Lower Mainland winter artisan markets.
Other articles that may be of interest include the following:
- City of Coquitlam
- Lights at Lafarge
- December Calendar
- Best Christmas Activities
- Top Christmas Things To Do