Growing up, I often found myself cheap when I asked for Christmas gift even if my parents or family were happy to give them to me. As we live in a weird society were children make toys for other children on the other side of the planet, more and more people are questioning the ethics and need for Christmas gifts. A simple question remains: Are Christmas gifts crucial to Christmas?
No… and… yes…
I really like the idea of gathering all my loved ones and giving them something special to let them know that I care and that I pay attention to their happiness. I also think there is a good way to do it. The next few Christmas series articles will let you discover my tips and tricks to have a stress-free gift giving Holiday season. Don’t forget to check out La Végé d’à Côté as she will also be sharing her ideas. Enjoy!
I hate shopping! Therefore, you won’t find me in any malls during Christmas season. Instead, I love perusing Christmas fairs and Market. They really are the best because most of the things you find in such events are unique, hand-made and local.
What else is there to ask?
This year Montreal has a ton of Christmas markets planned and announced, so I wanted to let you know about a few that are bound to be exciting! Here they are, but hurry because some are happening this week-end!
- Marché Haut + Fort
This is the place to go if you are a design or architecture fan. Taking place at Concordia University (represent!), this event will be on Saturday and Sunday November 21 and 22. A special book signing is also organized for Saturday afternoon and bring your kids on Sunday for an architecture workshop (Ted Mosby would die at this event!).
- Souk@Sat
This is also a place to find really unique gifts for the modern art lover in your crowd. Happening at the mysterious Société des Arts Technologique, this event goes from November 25 to 29, so you have plenty of time to figure out what some of these objects are. In doubt, you can always check out Rose Madeleine’s vegan cake and cookie mixes! Take note that this event is 18+ (some finds are that weird).
- Marché Prince Arthur
This is a new one this year! Starting on December 2, you will be able to buy your Christmas trees, and local crafts and food products. Organized in part with the Marché solidaire Frontenac, this will transform an iconic Montreal street in a Christmas market.
- Marché chez Rhubarbe
This is also a new Christmas market. Taking place in the bakery Chez Rhubarbe, you will be able to see ceramics, kitchen apparel, plants and the thing that I’m really looking forward to: Preservation society! Seriously, go taste their amazing jams, ketchup and pickles! This event will happen on December 3rd and 4th.
- Salon des Métiers d’Art de Montréal
This fair has a special place in my heart because I have been religiously going there with my parents every year. Starting on December 10, this is the best place to do all your Christmas shopping at once: you are bound to find something for everyone on your list as you will see 400 “crafters”. I’m very excited to see Mademoiselle Poire‘s umbrellas which are simply too joyful to use only when it rains.
- Le Grand Marché de Noël de Montréal
This too as a new comer to the Christmas market scene. ‘Go big or go home’ must have been their mantra while organizing this fair that will open on December 12. Not only will you find unique hand-made products here, but there will also be animations and shows during the day and night.
Fiou! That’s a lot, and still this list is quite incomplete. I suggest you head over to La Végé d’à Côté for her favourite Montreal holiday fairs, or check out Moi, mes souliers for a complete list of Quebec’s Christmas markets.
Finally if you are not in Montreal, there are usually a ton of craft fairs organized in every community. Poke around, ask friends and keep your eyes open for great finds!
Let me know if you know any other craft or Christmas fairs that I should check out!
My Lighthearted Kitchen 
Awesome, thanks for mentioning my article 🙂
Well, the list you made is quite extraordinary! 🙂