Getting into the Holiday Market Spirit in Whistler
When the trees start to don fairy lights, and family and friends want to know whose turn it is to cook the turducken, I know it’s time to turn my attention towards the festive season. With a mixture of childish excitement and adult anxiety, I take a look at what needs to be done to make things jolly and bright. The list is long, and unlike a certain someone, I don’t have a bunch of elves in my employ to make the task any easier. I do however have the Arts Whistler Holiday Market. That’s 120 crafting “elves” who will be displaying carved, knitted, baked, kilnfired, and painted wares on Saturday, November 25 (10 a.m. – 6 p.m.) and Sunday, November 26 (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) at the Whistler Conference Centre. The market is a true smörgåsbord of handmade goods from across the Sea to Sky, so you’ll find housewares inspired by the wilderness at Find & Forge Trading Co., soap that looks so good you could eat it at Oyama Soap Co., fun stuffies for the kids at Mimi and Mountain Monsters, and if you need a sugar boost there’s Short and Sweet Cookie Co. and Coconama Chocolate. The foyer and main room are packed with rows of artisans so it’s worth taking the time to do a few laps, indulge in the free samples at the foodie stands, and chat with the crafters and artists who pour their energy and passion into their work. For coffee aficionados, you could consider a bag of locally roasted Hammer Coffee served in a Mountain Path ceramic mug to fill out their stocking. If there’s a mantelpiece that’s begging for a piece of art, StarkART, Anissimoff Fine Art, and Ski Heaven have stunning collections. For fashionistas, there’s the distinctive indigo dye line created by Salt & Snow, and for those who shop with their noses, there’s the Hollow Tree candle range that aims to capture the scents of the forest. It’s not only a great place to knock items off the gift list, but with a visit from a special “you know who,” live music, and Canadian-themed décor, it acts as a jump-start to the festive spirit. Entry is by donation with all proceeds supporting Arts Whistler’s community programs and events. For more information about the Holiday Market, and additional Whistler events, visit whistler.com/events Let the shopping begin!