Halifax 
It is time to start thinking about who is on your Christmas list and what you are going to buy them this year. Shopping local this year is more important than ever before. Luckily, HRM is home to great local crafters, artisans, and shops offering locally made goods. Here are the Christmas Markets and unique shops that you should check out this holiday season.
Christmas at the Forum
Christmas at the Forum is a little different this year, since it is being held over 7 weekends. Each weekend will feature 100 vendors. Christmas at the Forum presents the largest, most diverse selection of quality crafters and artisans that you can buy fantastic gifts from.
Details
November 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, &27-29, 2020
December 4-6, 11-13, &18-20, 2020
Windsor Street & Young Street, Halifax
Christmas in Spryfield Craft Fair
Over 30 talented local artisans and crafters will be coming together for this wonderful holiday event at the Spryfield Lions Rink.
Details
November 21, 2020 from 2 pm – 6 pm
Spryfield Lions Rink, 111 Drysdale Road, Halifax
Christmas Craft Fair
Do some of your Christmas shopping at this popular Christmas Craft Fair that is being held at the Eastern Passage Buffalo Club. There will be lots of unique crafters that you can check out to find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list.
Details
November 28, 2020 from 11 am – 3 pm
8686 625 Cow Bay Road, Easter Passage
$2 or non-perishable item for the Eastern Passage Food Bank
Evergreen Market
Sharing the spirit of the season with our community has never been more important—but safety is always first. Shopping local is still the name of the game and we’re finding ways new to make it safe and easy for everyone. Details
November 28 – December 20, 2020
Online
Free
Holiday Market at the Farm!
Get into the holiday spirit at this seasonal outdoor Pop-Up Market. Cozy up by the fire with a hot beverage, and then shop at the local vendors for gifts, decors, groceries and so much more.
Details
December 6, 2020 from 11 am – 3 pm
Meander River Farm, 906 Woodville Road, Ashdale
Urban Rustic DIY Studio
Make your own holiday gifts, or skip the hard work and pick up a pre-made item. Urban Rustic DIY Studio specializes in customized wooden signs and glass bottles. Learn how to make your own at their DIY workshops or with DIY projects to go.
Details
534 Sackville Drive, Lower Sackville
Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market
Many people think the best place to shop local is the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market. There are two floors of vendors to explore and find unique items made in Nova Scotia. Plan to spend some time browsing and seeing what the vendors have to offer.
Details
1209 Marginal Road, Halifax
Photo Credit: Made in the Maritimes Artisan Boutique
Made in the Maritime Artisan Boutique
There are two Made in the Maritime Artisan Boutique’s packed with the highest quality artisan products from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. You will find many ‘one of a kind’ items that will make the perfect gifts. They do have an online store with international shipping options that you can use if you don’t want to fight the holiday crowds.
Details
5527 Young Street, Halifax, and 1595 Bedford Highway, Bedford
Jennifer’s of Nova Scotia
Jennifer’s of Nova Scotia has been a staple for shopping local in Halifax since 1978. Everything they sell is 100% handcrafted by local artisans from Atlantic Canada. They do have an online store with Canadian shipping.
Details
5635 Spring Garden Road, Halifax
Photo Credit: Kept
Kept
A popular option for gift shopping, Kept highlights both local and international goods that include everything from clothing, toys, jewelry, home decor and so much more. They also have an online shop with Canada wide shipping if you choose to shop from home.
Details
75 King Street, Dartmouth
Inkwell Modern Handmade Boutique
Known for specializing in printed paper products, Inkwell Modern Handmade Boutique highlights the artwork from over 200 independent artisans, many being local. Inkwell is a great stop for art prints, cards, jewellery, and textiles. They offer shipping from their website, and local pickup.
Details
2011 Brunswick Street, Halifax
The Independent Mercantile
If you head into The Independent Mercantile, make sure you have plenty of time. The shop is a browser’s paradise. They offer a lot of home goods, decor, and books. They do have an online shop offering shipping across Canada.
Details
2091 Gottingen Street, Halifax
Crafty Fox MakerSpace
Get craft this holiday season. Crafty Fox MakerSpace has all the craft supplies you will need, plus a cafe with a crafting space so you can work on your projects. They also special weekends with local crafters and artists selling their work.
Details
56 Supreme Court Halifax
Sparkles n’ Sawdust
An independent creative haven, Sparkles n’ Sawdust offers great gift ideas. Make your own gifts this year by learning a new skill at one of their workshops or explore the boutique of carefully curated local handmade products.
Details
1574 Argyle Street, Unit 4, Halifax
Halifax Forum Farmers’ Market
The Forum’s Bingo Hall on Saturday mornings is turned into a farmers market with local vendors. These vendors offering local produce, beer, cider, crafts, and more.
Details
6205 Almon Street, Halifax
Sweet Spot Chocolate Shop
If you are looking for a sweet gift idea, look no farther than Sweet Spot Chocolate. Made from real chocolate, these treats are super flavourful. They offer lots of beautifully shaped chocolate pieces, boxed chocolates and other chocolate items. You can order online and pick up at their shop.
Details
601 Highway 2, Unit 3, Elmsdale
Nova Scotia’s Community Haul
This a wonderful gift idea. The Community Haul is a box packed full of local luxuries you can find across Nova Scotia. Each box can feature grab-and-go items that you can find at the farmer’s market to handmade crafts. They have two plans, a 12 month subscription and a monthly subscription.
Details
1687 Bedford Highway, Suite 2A, Bedford
Eastwood Pottery
Making handmade ceramic pottery, Eastwood Pottery offers wonderful pieces that are truly beautiful. All their pieces are food, dishwasher, and microwave safe. Their work can be found at the Nova Scotia Makers Market, as well as their storefront and also online.
Details
131 Sarah Ingraham Drive, Halifax
Chain Yard Cider
Made from delicious Nova Scotian apples, pressed in the Annapolis Valley and slow fermented in Halifax, Chain Yard Cider is a true Nova Scotian business. Pick up some cider to enjoy with some friends. They also offer a variety of excellent ‘merch’ for Chain Yard Cider lovers.
Details
2606 Agricola Street, Halifax
East Coast Lifestyle
Starting as a university project, East Coast Lifestyle has quickly grown popular across Canada. You can still visit the Waterfront location to pick the popular t-shirt, hoodies, hats and more stamped with the ECL logo that started it all.
Details
1099 N Marginal Road, Halifax
Nine Locks Brewing Co.
Craft beer is ingrained in HRM’s history. The scene is booming, which makes it a challenge to pick one to try. So, why not try something different? Nine Locks Brewing Co is one of the few microbreweries in Halifax to sell their beer in cans. Plus their merchandise is awesome and truly Nova Scotian.
Details
219 Waverley Road, Dartmouth
15 Places for Unique Christmas and Holiday Gifts in Halifax
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how do you contact any of these craft markets to be a seller?
Go to their websites/facebook page and ask for vendor form.
Is there going to be the Victorian Christmas market at the Halifax Citadel this year? And if so does anyone know the dates? I couldn’t find it on their website.
You forgot to mention Save Me Save We, great local business who support other initiatives with every sale!