I've now lived in Vancouver for 2.5 years, and I've attended this holiday festival/market three times. My friend and I have an annual tradition of going to this Circle Craft event (as well as the Make-It festival, held at the PNE); for us, it's a great way to welcome in the holiday period and, also, to soak up the creative energy here in the city. We really like how they feature a diverse array of local artisans: jewelry makers, knitters and clothiers, art pieces, ornaments, skin care and beauty products, glasswork, woodwork, metalwork, toymakers, fashion accessories, pet items, baby and kid stuff, and a ton of amazing gourmet foods - chocolates, honey, spices, drink syrups, bakery goods, oils and vinegars, and everything in between, from soups to nuts (literally!). It's a fabulous way to get one's holiday shopping done and to support local artisans and small businesses, too. And for my friend and me, we enjoy getting inspiration from the creativity in products and marketing out there. Some years this Christmas market is better than others, as there are more vendors at times, or more contemporary or unique artisans some years. This year, for example, we found this event to be way better than last year (and it was pretty good last year! Hence, we returned!). For some reason, this year there were a ton more artisans that catered to our personal aesthetic. This is totally subjective, of course, but we visited last night (got a 1/2 price ticket to attend after 5pm. Note the event runs to 9pm in the evenings), and we liked so many artisans that we only made it halfway through the convention hall. (This has never happened before!). Luckily, you are able to get a "free re-entry pass", so we can come back again and not have to pay entry. Bonus! (I plan to return tomorrow, to see the rest of the exhibits). I see one reviewer noted that you cannot take photos here. That's not totally true. Some vendors encourage you to take photos; just ask them first! (One artisan who makes amazing handbags and purses out of rubber tires suggested we take some pictures of the items we like, to give to "Santa" for our wish list, with a photo of his booth, too, so family members can find him the following day). I think it's reasonable that some artisans prefer their work not be photographed for fear of others duplicating their unique creations. Again, it's common courtesy to ask before taking pictures of other people's homemade works. We love how most of the food venders dole out samples of their treats! It's like a gourmet Costco here! We sampled some of the most delicious cakes and fudge and nuts and beverages. Of course, this is great marketing, as we ended up purchasing a lot too. There is a coat check available ($3), and there's always a raffle to win a huge prize (remember to fill out the raffle form and put it in the big lucite box by the exit door). My only gripes? The waiting area outside the convention hall is huge and cavernous and many of us are always waiting for our friends to arrive - but in total there are two tiny benches to sit at, at the far end of the hall (by the washrooms), each able to accommodate two people. For such a huge space, they really need to get more seating. Many of us were standing quite a while, waiting on friends - and some of those standing were elderly people. Not cool. Also, the have a food area in the rear of the convention, where we usually get a light bite. The dining options are scant, with few meals to choose from, and all are mediocre at best, and very much over-priced. And the seating areas have always been dirty when we've eaten here, with food crumbs all over the long tables and chairs, and napkins left on tables and spills on the floors. This area really needs to be cleaned up more. (At least they provide free cold drinking water in the center. Look for the water coolers and disposable cups). read more

This is my first time at the Circle Craft Christmas Market. Its quite interesting. But You also have to be really into craft to really love this place. Funny enough, I loved the food section. Guess that explains it all what kind of person I am. You would end up spending hours here. I mean eventhough I am not artsy and didn't spend money on buying their craft work. I did end up spending 3 hours there. As a tip, go online and get their after 5pm admission ticket, its half price and if you google, you will find a $1 off coupon. So admission becomes $6. Also before you leave, remember to grab a reentry ticket. You might need to come back to grab a few more things (like from their food section) I enjoyed being at the Christmas Market. read more

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Love craft markets but I find the ones in vancouver are mediocre at best... The states especially sfo has way better crafts, home made goods and awesome ideas. Also the vendors in vancouver don't even allow people to take photos... Seriously do they not know the power of free social media advertising? This market does have varied items from clothing, art, food etc. my fav part is the gourmet alley of this market since the rest if the stuff I'd just ok.. Vancouver should hold a gourmet market in this huge scale! Aldo hate that you have to pay to go spend money... What? Value 2/5 Atmosphere 3.5/5 Service 3/5 Quality 3/5 11.5/20 read more

This is my first year attending this market, as being presented many new looks on things from my partner who I tagged along with. It is always nice to go to these 'fairs' to see things that would be usually missed if you went into the major brand consumer conscious malls. I can say that not everything is for everyone but there is something there that will warm to you that you won't find anywhere else. There are tons of local, small market, designers, ranging from jewellery, art, clothing, food, etc. ready to answer all your questions about their product and business, and to see some new ideas in things is special, but to also have a market like this going into the Christmas season gives you ideas of presents for people, or just things that you would want yourself, and could purchase at this market yourself is always a good option. I personally enjoyed looking at the real life dried fruits and vegetables used as art for picture frames and trays. There were too many different items that I could talk about, but as I said, there is something there for you that you will find special. read more

this is usually a really good event. This year, many of the best artists were not there. I am not sure if the jurying process was in place, but the calibre of the work had slipped. Hopefully next year things will be better. Came back empty handed this year. read more

Our family looks forward to this event every year. We like the fact it is indoors and has a very warm and inviting atmosphere. I enjoy seeing the variety of artistic and unique booths. The cost of the items are a bit pricey but there are very unique gift ideas that can be found and i love to be able support local artisans. Food samples in the food/beverage vendors is always fun.And by paying entry fee to one day gives you entry for the remaining days if one just fills out a re-entry form at the information booth. read more

I love going to Christmas markets and circle craft was an interesting find. We went on their last day and there were many people but not crowded. The shopping experience was relaxing, with nice Christmas decor all around and live music (piano performance by a super cute kid!). Complimentary water provided, which was big for me cause I just came from a salty lunch. The vendors are interesting and talking to some of the artists was such s great experience. I particularly enjoyed the stamps booth, handmade vegan soaps, and the okanagan vinegar company! There were all sorts of sweets (chocolates and butter creams) to try as well (yummy). However, I was expecting more arts and craft or handmade items. There are a few very nice handmade booths but many of them have a higher price range. read more

Circle Craft Christmas Market - Christmas trees all around - Local Flavor Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

This year, 2021, the Market is run by Signatures. It would be great if they figured out the business they're in. The vendors were good, and we liked the COVID routines in place, which made it less crowded and easier to get at and see the merchandise. We spent about 3 hours there and a lot of money, as they had really good artists. However, ticket purchase on the website won't let you but both senior and adult tickets at the same time--has to be two purchases. Also, when you exit at end of day, they shovel you through one entrance on the west side of the building, which means if your parking was on the east side, as ours was, you get to walk around the whole building, after just walking all day, instead of a 50 metre walk to the adjacent escalator and out the door at the bottom of it. Stupid. Will not attend any future event organized by Signatures, that's for sure. read more

Sorry to rain on Nancy H's parade but I was extremely disappointed with this year's Circle Craft Christmas Market. I have attended this event for the past several years and have always, always, always found way too much to look at, way too much delicious food to sample, way too many interesting artisans to talk to and many beautiful items to choose from. I have always considered this event the "kick-off" of my Christmas shopping spree and have had a wonderful (albeit exhausting) time. I always like to attend on the first day, early in the morning to enjoy fresher air and smaller crowds. This year, many of the regular vendors had returned (albeit in smaller booths with less inventory) but many had not. I found some really interesting jewelers and a few local artists that I will be visiting with at their studios here in Vancouver where I can enjoy looking at their artwork and talking with them in a more relaxed atmosphere. In the past I've averaged about 3.5 to 4.5 hours and spent anywhere from $100 to $1000. In summary, I was really disappointed with the quality and lack of variety of many of the goods for sale, and found the prices of many of the items to be ridiculously high. A lot of the stuff seemed to be basic DIY for anyone who is the least bit crafty, and I was disappointed that many vendors were selling their version of same thing as the guy next door. It reminded me of the PNE (minus the "Pink Solution", beer-flavoured ice cream and deep fried dill pickles)--but hey, they DID have mini-donuts. Maybe I have just exhausted my interest in Circle Craft and need to find a new Christmas market (there are so many to choose from). At least if need live-edge wood, "Stevie Nicks" style silky stuff, "Vancouver-ware", re-purposed vinyl or beer bottles I'll know where to go. I don't mean to offend anyone, just to let those who think they might be missing something if they miss it this year, know that they can find many of the items they might be looking for at Circle Craft Granville Island or in the artisans' studios (or online stores). read more

I first attended the colossal Circle Craft Christmas Market last year to visit my Uncle's Anvil Island Design metalwork's exhibit and I had to tear myself away for fears of imminent bankruptcy should I stay and satisfy my every whim. This year, there are 263 Artisans from all over Canada selling everything your heart or your gift-receivers hearts should desire from incredible jewellery, dolls, toys, men's, women' and children's clothing, clay art, glassware and designs, metal sculpture and the like, along with a drool-worthy food section where you will notice everyone seems to flock to and is certainly the busiest of the Market stations. The Market runs over Remembrance Day weekend, this year from November 11-16, with 6 full days of crafty goodness. Although to call this a 'craft' market truly doesn't do it justice. Whether edible or wearable, everything is a work of art. Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for seniors, while 12 and unders get in for free. Your ticket is good for all 6 days, you can come or go as you please so long as you validate your ticket. The website has printable coupons for $2 off or 2 for 1 during the week. read more

It's been almost 3 years since I last went to a Circle Craft fair convention. I was over it for the reasons expressed by others on Yelp as "over priced and pretentious." The alternative to Circle Craft was Got Craft and Make-It which caters more toward the hipsters and the mid 30's kitsch crowd. This time it seemed as though The Cicle Craft took a lot of those complaints into consideration. I will admit that this was a better show than in previous years: 1. The vendors are friendlier. 2. They rotate their vendors each year. If you're debating on buying something, best to buy it this year. I am still not sure how I am going to live next year without my gluten free fruit cake. 3. They threw in some more hipster booths in the mix to entice a different demographic. 4. They now have a "budding artists section" which is like the Make-It craft fair but on a way smaller scale in the center of the room. 5. The price is still expensive at $14 per person, however, they've offered 2 for 1 deal after 5 pm with the option of re-entry. 6. They've avoided the competition of the other major craft fairs by starting the fair in mid November running for an entire week. The only suggestion I can make is that they should have an adult craft section for some DIY craft time fun. I wasn't planning on spending money, however, was surprised I did since certain things were very reasonable in price. List of cool things I bought. Classic Christmas Cake = One of the primary reasons I came out to the fair in the first place. I love my fruit cake, however, I eat gluten free, therefore, it's hard to find a GF Christmas cake. The cost of these fruit cakes are a very modest and reasonable at $12 for an actual aged rum fruit cake. In addition to gluten free they also have vegan. Just a heads up that these guys will not be here in 2015, therefore, if you happen to get down to the fair this year pick up a pre-order book. Even though it's mid November it officially feels like the holidays now that I have my fruit cake. These cakes are 5 lbs each. I bought 2, therefore, if anyone was planning on attacking me on the way home my fruit cakes were heavy enough to be weapons. HanHan Shop = He travelled a long way to sell cards. These cards are worth buying. He makes the best, most intricate 3D pop up cards. I make home made cards, however, they're not nearly as awesome as his. The prices range from $5 - $7. I spend more money on buying a flat generic card at Hallmark. Not only are these priced right, they're home made with love and uniqueness. I bought a few cards for myself. I've been buying a lot of craft gifts for myself today, therefore, it's only right that there be a card to accompany the gifts. Smell The Soap = I am a huge fan of their cold press soaps. I am a huge fan of anything that smells like food. For someone like myself who is on Weight Watchers, it's nice to get the sensation of my favorite desserts in a calorie form platform. Instead of having the sensation inside me, I can rub it all over on the outside (to get clean). I am addicted to the bubble gum and orange creamsicle soap. It brings me back to my childhood. The prices are very reasonable. At the craft fair she does give a discount for large purchases. read more

My friend and I were very disappointed this year with the Circle Craft show. The lack of decor, entertaiment, food vendors, no music playing, no gift bags upon entry and especially the lack of overall happy staff to make you feel welcome. The lighting was to bright which took away from the little ambience there was. We didn't feel very happy here so we walked the floor once and left. I bought a couple of food items (that I didn't even want to buy) as I always have in the past, but no crafts this year, they are too ridiculously over priced didn't. I think the owner cheaped out and raised vendor fees which made for a not so happy enjoyable time. Too bad because this has always been a amazing show that I came to support. I won't be coming back next year unless they announce something to the affect that it will be a lot better than this one. read more

yay fun fun! It's such a good idea to have a centrally organized pre-Xmas shopping fair, to bring all the local vendors and the consumers together just about a month before the crazy holiday season. I took advantage of their buy-1-get-1 offer ($12 for tickets) and went after 5pm on the first day, this gave me an overview and I had a chance to check out the 2 rubber stamp vendors I was specifically looking for. Then I went back again over the weekend and thoroughly enjoyed the other food/craft/jewelry/whatever booths. There were a few creative things there I really would've bought if I had room in our current apartment. Then there are always those super over priced booths. :) still, it was fun, and the food vendors are the busiest because their "gifts" are most practical. A few vendors' booths I really enjoyed: -- local rubber stamp king -- rubber stamp island ($5 foam backing sheets are awesome, not easy to find everywhere) -- cheese booth -- loved their truffle cheese (though not vegan) -- Xmas fruit cake -- I have never had these before.. -- chocolate o chocolate!! -- almond toffee candies/bars.. -- heavenly and definitely NOT healthy. ;) -- pebble art (shadow framed images made of pebbles) -- several "multi-wear" booths selling these 4-in-1 or 7-in-1 summer dresses, cheap material but they are asking for $195!!! (I think I will get myself another pair of Tieks at that price) read more

it was my first year going to the christmas market. we went in right when the market opened, and lucky we did, because after the first round of walking and deciding on what to get, the crowd thickened like you wouldn't believe it. the products sold there are definitely unique. are they worth the money on some things? some people would think so. i found the clothes a bit on the pricer end. but the edibles (the cheeses, the dips, the pinot noir balsamic vinaigrette, the smoked salmon pate, the fudge, the roasted almonds, etc etc etc) were well worth it. i could be saying this because i'm more of a foodie than a fashionista at heart. stocking up for a year's worth of gourmet food at home?? yes ma'am! read more

Every year hundreds of craft persons get together in one place just before Christmas, what a concept. Some of the booths are selling larger volume products and some are one off items. This is the place to go to get that hard to buy for niece the perfect ........... she will love it. read more

Went on a Wednesday afternoon, the place was empty! Only downside is the vendors seemed bored and unenthusiastic. Lots to offer, homemade goods, and foods. A good place to be if you're looking for a unique gift or stocking stuffer. There is usually a discount if you pre purchase your ticket online. read more

I guess it was a little misleading.. when hearing the circle craft Christmas market you assume it'd be about Christmas.. nope! It was like walking through a boring PNE exhibit or the Health and Wellness exhibit but worse! Everything was overpriced.. yes I get it, it was hand made but don't expect me to pay $60.00-$120.00 for a kid's wooden toy or spend $100.00 on a old lady looking scarf.. Idk was disappointed it wasn't like anything I haven't seen.. very little Christmas displays.. so sick of the handmade soaps, make your own moisturizers, weird chewy food and old lady clothes and such... can't wait for Germany Christmas market though they never seem to disappoint.. this place for me was a major disappointment! read more

Loved the local arts and crafts. Only downside is parking in this location is very expensive.

I was admittedly worried that this major annual craft event was going to overwhelm me ( too many people, too many booths, too much repetition) but am pleased to report it was a very nice evenly spaced and somewhat varied event. The coat check line ( with cold temps requiring extra bundling) was about the scariest of line ups. They definitely had at least 3 of everything but they were well distributed so you weren't tripping over same item. I always feel sympathy for the somewhat empty vendors, especially if their goods are really not so different from someone who is cleaning- house in customers. I also wonder how the straight art-sales fair at those kind of events. My friends and I are usually looking for quality gifts under $50 but clearly there must be some major shoppers intending to to spend spend spend. As some gorgeous art-like clothing and accessories start at $200 and up. Glad for the entertainment and many many chairs to take a break. The concession area was ample but needs some extra effort for cleanliness on the tables-yuck. Bathrooms were plentiful and clean and the room temp ran a bit hot for such a busy location. All in all a very meet holiday outing! read more