The 42 days left until Christmas Day may give shoppers just enough time to browse through Tri-City arts centres and holiday markets this and next month.
Luckily, there are a few places now open offering unique, handmade wares for gift receivers of all ages.
In Coquitlam, Place des Arts (1120 Brunette Ave.) officially launches the festive season on Friday night with its annual Christmas Boutique.
The reception coincides with the start of the yearly Positively Petite miniature show and two visual arts exhibitions, by the Kovan Photo Club and Judy Villett.
A cash wine bar will be available for guests at the reception, which runs from 7 to 9 p.m. Refreshments will be served and music students will also perform. Call 604-664-1636 or visit placedesarts.ca.
Meanwhile, The Tri-City News is a sponsor of the 37th annual Coquitlam Christmas Craft Fair, where more than 100 B.C. artisans will sell products — including decor and prepared foods — on Dec. 1, 2 and 3 in the Poirier Forum (618 Poirier St., Coquitlam).
Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for seniors (no cost for kids under 12). Visit coquitlamcrafts.ca.
Over in Port Moody, the Port Moody Arts Centre last Thursday unveiled its annual Winter Treasures sale — as well as the 21st annual Blackberry Christmas Marketplace, organized by the Blackberry Artists Society that runs the gift shop in PMAC (2425 St. Johns St.).
Among the 60 artists featured in the Winter Treasures show are Maria Batista (blown glass); Sara MacLellan (jewellery); Kimberly Blackstock (poured acrylic); Valerie Parrish (ceramics); and Yara Pyrozhok (wool painting). Visit pomoarts.ca.
On Dec. 9, Port Moody’s Elle Brovold is co-organizing the second annual Christmas Craft Fair, in the Galleria at PoMo city hall (100 Newport Dr.) — with 100% of the proceeds donated to Share Family and Community Services (last year, they gave $1,750 to the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation).
More than half of their 40 vendors are from the Tri-Cities, she said. Visit pmcraftfair.com.
And, in Port Coquitlam, the Winter Artisan Market runs at Leigh Square Community Arts Village (beside PoCo city hall) on Nov. 24 and 25.
Featuring the work of more than 40 vendors, the market will be held in conjunction with the annual Christmas in Leigh Square event.
On the Saturday, the 4th Port Coquitlam Scouts will host a pancake breakfast from 9 to 11 a.m., with proceeds going to Scouting activities, while the Lighting of Leigh Square will wrap up the activities at 5 p.m.
“We are very excited to host the Winter Artisan Market at Christmas in Leigh Square this year,” said Tabitha McLoughlin, co-event co-ordinator, in a news release, adding, “There is a diverse range of high quality products for shoppers to peruse as well as activities for the kids, which makes this a fun event for everyone.”
Admission is free. Visit pocochristmasfair.com.
