If you love Christmas markets and holiday events, then get ready for the most wonderful time of the year!
There are markets, bazaars, and craft fairs galore coming up in our region, from Spences Bridge to 70 Mile and from Lillooet to Savona (and beyond). They’re an excellent source of one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your Christmas list, as a notice in the Nov. 17, 1949 issue of the Journal noted: “Buy those Xmas gifts at the Clinton Memorial Hall on the evening of Dec. 2 from a wide selection, some of which are: aprons, fancy work, home cooking, knitted articles, toys, and candy.”
Here in 2024, the Journal has collected information about more than a dozen upcoming Christmas markets, as well as some other Christmas events in our area (plus one that is outside the region but is sure to appeal to those looking to step back in time). You can take it as read that all of these markets will feature home-grown and homemade arts and crafts, baking, toys, decorations, candy, and much more; many will also feature draws, gifts, raffles, concessions, and entertainment. And who knows? Maybe Santa himself will take a break from the North Pole and visit!
Contact information will be provided for those who are interested in being vendors, but be aware that some markets are already full. Unless otherwise noted, there is no charge for admission for any markets or events.
MARKETS
SATURDAY, NOV. 16
The Logan Lake Arts Council’s Christmas Market will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Logan Lake Rec Centre (31 Chartrand Avenue). The market will also feature a concession and a 50/50 draw.
The 29th annual Lillooet Advocates Animal Society Christmas Craft and Gift Fair will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lillooet Rec Centre (930 Main Street). All profits go to the society, and there will be a concession for lunch and snacks.
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, NOV. 16/17
The Kamloops Courthouse Gallery Co-op is hosting Christmas at the Courthouse (7 Seymour Street West, Kamloops) for two days (10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day). The event features two floors of unique, hand-crafted artisan items created by members of the Co-op as well as other local vendors.
The venue will be decorated inside and out for the holidays, and member artists dressed in beautiful period costumes will be on hand to help create a unique experience. There will also be live music, refreshments, and a gift basket draw.
SUNDAY, NOV. 17
The Savona Community Associations’s Christmas Bazaar is at the Savona Community Hall (6648 Tingley Street) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is by donation, and the bazaar will also feature a concession, a door prize, and a 50/50 draw. For more information contact Patti at (250) 674-1651.
SATURDAY, NOV. 23
The Ashcroft Legion Craft Fair is back at the Cache Creek Community Hall from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., and a concession will be available. All vendor tables have been taken.
SUNDAY, NOV. 24
The BC SPCA’s Kamloops Community Animal Centre’s Holiday Craft Fair will be at the TRU Campus Activity Centre (900 McGill Road, Kamloops) from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The centre will be transformed into a winter wonderland, with more than 120 vendors filling every room. Entry is $2 per person, with proceeds going directly to the Kamloops branch of the BC SPCA.
SATURDAY, NOV. 30
The Cook’s Ferry Indian Band’s Christmas Market runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Band Office (3691 Deer Lane, Spences Bridge). The market will also feature a concession offering squash soup or chili ($5 per person), with all proceeds going to support the Cook’s Ferry Elders’ Group. Vendor tables are $5 each; for more information contact Judy at (778) 253-0277.
The Royal Purple Christmas Bazaar is at the Cache Creek Community Hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and will feature face painting and a concession. Vendor tables are $15 each; for more information contact Marvene at (250) 612-2031 or email never2layte@telus.net.
The 70 Mile Community Club and 70 Mile Access Centre are hosting a Christmas Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the 70 Mile Hall (2585 North Bonaparte Road; doors open for vendors at 9 a.m.); there will also be a cash-only concession. Tables are $20 each; for more information contact Kathy Perrin at (250) 456-7681.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 4
The Savona Elementary School PAC Christmas Bazaar takes place in the school gym from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be a silent auction, door prizes, and lunch (provided by the Grade 7 class) by donation.
SATURDAY, DEC. 7
The Cache Creek Beautification Society’s 10th annual Christmas Market will be at the Cache Creek Community Hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and features more than 30 vendors. The Ashcroft and District Lions Club will be providing a concession. Tables are $10 each; for more information call/text Wendy at (250) 457-0245.
The Ashcroft HUB Christmas Market will be taking place at the HUB from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and features more than 70 tables of gift ideas, along with a concession, door prizes, and a 50/50 draw. There will also be an opportunity to have your picture taken with the Big Man himself, Santa.
SUNDAY, DEC. 8
The Spences Bridge Christmas Bazaar will be at Clemes Hall from noon to 4 p.m., and will also feature an auction, a raffle, and a concession. Please bring a non-perishable food item for the Helping Hands Food Cupboard. Tables are $10 each; for more information contact Mavourneen at (250) 457-1505.
SATURDAY, DEC. 14
Llenlleney’ten/High Bar First Nation is hosting a Christmas Market at the Clinton Memorial Hall (306 LeBourdais Avenue) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (doors open for vendor set-up at 9 a.m.). The market is open to all, and there will be a cash-only concession, with proceeds going towards supporting youth initiatives and programming. Tables are $20 each; for more information contact Cassidy Fletcher at (250) 459-2117.
MISCELLANEOUS EVENTS
Gingerbread House competition
Get ready to create a magical gingerbread house, and bring it to the Ashcroft HUB on Friday, Dec. 6 during business hours. There will be judging in four age groups: 0 to 6 years; 7 to 12 years; 13 to 18 years; and 18+. Judging will take place during the HUB’s Christmas market on Dec. 7.
Christmas sale
The Ashcroft and District Health Care Auxiliary Thrift Store is holding its annual Christmas sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15 and Saturday, Nov. 16 at the Ashcroft Community Hall (409 Bancroft Street). In addition to many new and lightly-used items, the event will feature lots of Christmas decorations for anyone looking to get into the holiday spirit.
Kids’ Christmas ornament class
Clinton Country Artists is hosting a free glass ball Christmas ornament class for kids only on Saturday, Nov. 30 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Clinton Seniors’ Centre (217 Smith Avenue).
This free class was a huge hit last year, and there is limited space, so reserve your spot now by contacting Dianne Ruthven on Facebook.
Ashcroft Santa Parade
The Ashcroft HUB is hosting the annual Santa Parade, which takes place on Friday, Dec. 6. The theme of this year’s parade is “A Gingerbread Christmas”, and community organizations and clubs, non-profits, sports teams, businesses, families, and individuals are welcome to enter a float or take part on foot.
The parade starts at 6 p.m. from the south end of Railway Avenue (near the community garden). If you would like to take part, contact the HUB at (250) 453-9177 or email ashcrofthub@gmail.com.
Late night shopping event
Embrace the holiday spirit by shopping local for some great gifts during the late night shopping event hosted by the Village of Clinton on Friday, Dec. 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. For more details, go to the Village of Clinton Facebook page.
Turkey bingo
The Ashcroft HUB and the Ashcroft and District Lions Club are giving you a chance to win Christmas dinner at the annual Turkey bingo, taking place on Saturday, Dec. 14 at the Cache Creek Community Hall (doors open at 10 a.m. and bingo action starts at 11 a.m.). The event will also feature a concession, door prizes, a 50/50 draw, and more.
Olde-fashioned Christmas
Step back in time to the Christmases of long ago at the Barkerville Historic Town and Park, which is hosting an olde-fashioned Christmas on Dec. 14 and 15. Visitors van browse a variety of unique gifts, handcrafted items, and seasonal treats while enjoying caroling on Main Street, fresh baking at the Goldfield Bakery, and chili at the House Hotel Saloon. There will also be live programming throughout the town, photographs with Father Christmas, and the chance to go for a horse-drawn sleigh ride; the blacksmith’s forge will be hot, and the press will be running at the Cariboo Sentinel.
Admission (at the gate and online) is $12 for adults and $10 for seniors; children and youth will be admitted for free with donation of a non-perishable food item to the Wells Food Hamper. For more details and advance tickets, go to http://barkerville.ca/christmas.
CPKC Holiday Train
The Holiday Train — recently voted the Best Winter Activity in the region — will be back on Wednesday, Dec. 18, pulling into Savona at 7:05 p.m. and getting to Ashcroft at 8:45 p.m. (times approximate); on Thursday, Dec. 19 the train will arrive in Lytton at 11:30 a.m. The featured performers will be Magic! and Sofia Camara, who will perform new songs and some old favourites. All events will benefit local food banks, and attendees are encouraged to bring donations of non-perishable food items.
Soup's On Christmas dinner
The Soup’s On program will be hosting a Christmas dinner on Friday, Dec. 20 at St. Alban's Anglican Church in Ashcroft. All are invited to a turkey and ham dinner with all the trimmings, with the by-donation meal served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
