One of the best places to shop is at a craft market: dozens of different vendors share a single walkable space, you’re keepin’ it local, and you get to interact with the very people who made the gifts you’re buying. It doesn’t get more rewarding than that.
This year, holiday markets just aren’t possible. While many have been cancelled completely, others are going virtual - meaning you can still have an incredible holiday shopping experience browsing local sellers from the comfort of your own home.
Here are seven upcoming virtual holiday markets in Winnipeg for all your holiday shopping needs:
Virtual Christkindlmarkt November 25 to December 15
Inspired by German tradition, the fun and festive atmosphere of the Winnipeg Christkindlmarkt has been around since 1985. Here you’ll find German baking (think items like stollen, a traditional German bread, and glühwein, a spiced mulled wine), local artisans, imported German goods and plenty of entertainment. This year’s event is going virtual, but vendors are available online starting November 25. Funds from the Winnipeg Christkindlmarkt help support German culture, education and events in Manitoba.
Uncover Local virtual market series ongoing
Uncover Local is a Canada-wide virtual market with vendors participating over four weekends in November and December. A full vendor lineup will be released soon, but Manitoba makers so far include North Designs and Mugging Wales Coffee—the latter of which donates 10 tins of coffee every month to Main Street Project, which is a business model you can feel good about supporting.
St. Norbert Farmers' Market Online ongoing
Did you know your favourite farmers’ market finds are available to pre-order and pre-pay online before picking up each Saturday or Sunday at the winter market through December? They’ve made it super easy with both a contactless drive-in or walk-up option for pick up. Themed holiday gift boxes are also available with a mix of items from local producers and market vendors that make for an quick and appreciated gift idea (each box even includes a card telling the recipient how many small Manitoba businesses were supported by your purchase of the gift!).
Scattered Seeds Craft Market ongoing
The Scattered Seeds annual market was cancelled this year (it’s usually held in October), but the site still offers an easy-to-browse listing of its 150+ local makers if you’re missing your faves. The market’s 2021 dates have been tentatively announced as well—here’s hoping!
Forks Trading Company FaceTime shopping appointments ongoing
We love this virtual holiday shopping idea from the Forks Trading Company. Schedule a FaceTime appointment with the store’s friendly staffers to take you around the store, whereby they'll show you any items you’re curious about and offer gift suggestions. With a robust and constantly rotating selection of locally made goodies and a huge store area to wander around, we can’t think of a better way to make your holiday shopping stress-free. The store’s website also has an incredibly user-friendly listing of local makers in their shop and the ability to easily shop online.
Shop Indigenous Women's Holiday Market ongoing
This virtual market on Facebook has over 29,000 members, where hundreds of Indigenous artists across Canada have moved online to sell their beadwork, clothing and handmade gifts this year. This Facebook group is a great place to connect with Northern artists who may be limited to selling their items in a smaller local market.
Luckygirl (virtual) Pop Up December 1 to December 7
Browse through more than 100 talented local makers and support small businesses, as one of the city's favourite pop ups goes online. Sort through vendors by categories or alphabetically, peruse their shop pictures and be directed to each maker's website for easy ordering.