Coquitlam Christmas Craft Fair

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.

This event was cancelled for 2020. It returned in 2021 from December 3rd to 5th. In 2022 the event runs from December 2nd to 4th.

OTHER HOLIDAY MARKETS

In addition to the Coquitlam Christmas Craft Fair, a number of other great artisan markets happen on the same weekend in 2022. They include the following:

Coquitlam Christmas Night Market (which is at the fabulous and free Lights at Lafarge event on December 3rd & 4th).
Made in the 604 Markets (at both North Vancouver’s Shipyards and Heritage Hall in Vancouver on December 3rd & 4th, and it’s also part of the Spirit of the Season Festival which is a fabulous, free and family-friendly event).
Kensington Christmas Craft Fair (at Vancouver’s Kensington Community Centre on December 3rd).
New West Holiday Night Market (featuring over 50 artisan vendors at the River Market in New Westminster on December 3rd).
Vancouver Christmas Market (which is the famous German-themed market which runs daily until December 24th at Jack Pool Plaza).

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. Had it not been cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic, it would have been celebrating its 40th year in 2020.

When it does take place, at the event you can expect to see handmade goods like ceramics, clothing, glasswork, woodwork, jewelry, beauty products and food items. There are also vendors selling paintings, honey, soaps, toys and everything you can imagine being sold at a Christmas artisan market.

Where and When

The Coquitlam Christmas Craft Fair runs over three days in early December. In 2021 the dates were December 3rd, 4th and 5th. In 2022 the event takes place on December 2nd, 3rd and 4th.

Hours of operation are from 4:00 to 9:00 pm on the Friday, 10:00 am to 6:00 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 about $5 for adults and $3 for seniors. Children ages 12 and under enter for free.

Artisan Market Honey Vendor — Jane’s Honey Bees at the Craft Fair

Tips and Advice

Below are some tips and suggestions to help you make the most out 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.