Best Christmas Markets in Abbotsford
The season for warmth and giving is fast approaching and among the holiday shopping, work hours, after-school activities, and general mayhem, you may want to find time to relax and unwind. Why not do it in the most magical way possible at one of these awe-inspiring Christmas markets in and around the Abbotsford area? Warm-up by an interactive light garden or with the charm of a Christmas cottage in the Abbotsford countryside. One way or another, you’ll find the Yuletide spirit at one of these highlighted festive and family-friendly events happening this year.
CHRISTMAS GLOW ABBOTSFORD
First launched in 2017 near Vancouver, Canada, this holiday jubilee has grown to become one of the world’s largest indoor Christmas festivals, featured in 11 cities in 3 countries. An indoor wonderland of light and entertainment, Glow will have you walking through interactive light gardens surrounding by illuminated structures or dining on delicious food and festive seasonal drinks. For the Instagram artists, hanging picture frames under the glow of thousands of twinkling lights will be the perfect romantic image for your feed this year.
Kids will bounce their way to the North Pole on Glow’s exclusive Bouncy Reindeer where they can help Santa discover new ways to deliver presents—all while you shop at the tremendous Vendor Market, featuring over 30 local artisans and businesses. LED swings and a ‘Glow-comotive’ trackless train will provide fun and entertainment for the entire family. It’s all the wonder of an outdoor winter festival, hosted entirely indoors in a spacious and cozy venue and it happens from December 5 to January 4.
Glenda’s Christmas Cottage
The perfect place to shop for Christmas decorations, gifts, ornaments, treats, and more, Glenda’s provides the warmth and coziness of a well-lived countryside cottage. Since 1974, this 10-acre farm has been the go-to spot for Christmas shoppers in the Abbotsford area and its seasonal openings have people marking the days on their calendar each year. As you step in the door, you are greeted by the sweet scent of hot spiced apple cider, as the sights and sounds of Christmas surround you from every corner.
Authentic Dickens Village collectables, snow-globes, and rustic cottage signs provide a sense of Christmas nostalgia not often found in big department stores. And there are a number of activities that happen at the cottage too! A local pop-up artisan market takes over the cottage on December 7th, visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus while you decorate cookies and do crafts on November 3, and so much more. Glenda’s is open now until December 22 and it is certainly worth a trip at least once before the big day.
The Olde Farmhouse Vintage Market
Keeping in the spirit countryside Christmases, The Olde Farmhouse Vintage Market offers a limited time “home for the holidays” experience you won’t want to miss. Presented by Leah Faulkner, a self-professed lover of all things vintage, her Vintage market is the go-to place for finding unique items from all over—and she goes out of her way to embrace the holidays come November.
On November 23 and 24, an exciting weekend of treasure hunting will befall the market for two full days of antique junking. With over 140 vendors presenting upcycled, refinished, repurposed and handmade items, you’ll be hard-press to not find something you’ll fall in love with. Kids 12 and under get into the Christmas market for free, but prices for adults remain inexpensive for the season at around seven and nine dollars. Get all your unique Christmas decor and gift-shopping done in one spot on November 23 and 24.
Christmas Gift Expo
Also only on for a limited time, this 3-day Christmas Expo returns for its 6th year as it quickly grows in tradition and popularity. Just a short drive from Abbotsford, this Chilliwack event showcases local businesses from the Fraser Valley, with over 200 vendors featuring handmade clothes, decor, ceramics and an array of seasonal food and drink. As a special perk, the first 100 ladies through the door each day receive a Carnation to wear throughout their visit and afterwards.
Face painting and pictures with Santa will keep the kids occupied while parents shop in peace and secrecy. Best of all, whether it’s rain or shine, this indoor market will keep you from the cold, taking over two floors of the SureStay hotel. It will be easy to spend an entire day exploring all this Expo has to offer from December 6-8.