The winter inter season is rapidly approaching and while it means that the cold white soggy stuff will soon be here, it also means that we are about to embark on one of the most wonderful times of the year – craft show season!

If you enjoy perusing a good craft show, purchasing handcrafted and unique gifts and seeing just what kind of creativity some people possess, check out this list of the top Brampton craft shows you need to attend this year. Don’t forget to check out the craft show tip list at the bottom.

Traditions of Christmas Craft and Artisan Show – November 11 & 12, 9am – 9pm This promises to be one of the best of the season – local and out-of-town artisans showcasing unique artwork. With over 100 vendors and lots of other great entertainment (including firefighter calendars and photo ops!), you should carve out some time on your calendar for this show. Fortunately it’s open until 9pm both nights so there is no excuse! Powerade Centre, 7575 Kennedy Road South

JKCS Christmas Craft Show – November 19, 9am – 3pm

This is not your Grandma’s craft show. If you are looking for unique jewelry for yourself or a gift, really cool decor for your house, unique Christmas decorations, yummy treats or a funky hat – this is the place to be. Admission is $2 (or free with the drop off of an Operation Christmas Child shoebox). Plan to stay a while and enjoy a hot lunch.

John Knox Christian School, 82 McLaughlin Road S

Huttonville Lions Club Antique and Craft Show – November 26 & 27, 10am – 4:30pm Probably the longest running craft show in the area, this one might be your Grandma’s show. A mix of craft vendors and antique dealers, there is a wide variety of items to see. It might be the place to find the really unique antique brooch, or maybe the best present FOR your Grandma. New location this year, which should help to solve the parking challenges. Be prepared to pay the rather steep $6 entrance fee. David Suzuki Secondary School, 45 Daviselm Drive

24th Annual Just in Time for Christmas Show – December 3, 10am – 4pm

I haven’t personally been to this one, but I won’t be missing it this year! Its been going for 24 years so it must be good. Over 70 vendors, right in the middle of Brampton at Century Gardens, raffle prizes and more. Sounds good to me!

Century Gardens Recreation Centre, 340 Vodden Street East

Brampton Fall Fair Christmas Craft and Vendor Fair – December 10, 10am – 4pm This is the first year for this Craft Show, but if the Spring one is any indication, it is not to be missed. Lots of space, a huge variety of vendors, raffle baskets and more! Proceeds from this show support the Brampton Fall Fair. Don’t forget to visit the cafe for a hot lunch and the Fall Fair table with unique items. Brampton Fairgrounds, 12942 Heart Lake Road

Other local shows:

Flower City Seniors Recreation Centre Holiday Bazaar

November 5, 10am – 2pm

8870 McLaughlin Road S

George Vanier Craft and Bake Sale

November 12

École secondaire Jeunes sans frontières Craft Show

December 3, 10am – 4pm

Holland Christian Homes Christmas Market

November 12, 9am – 3pm

7900 McLaughlin Road South

Tips for a good craft show peruse:

Plan to stay a while

Work the room strategically – if you don’t have a plan, you are likely to miss vendors, which is a rookie mistake

Take a big bag – this is to hold all of your amazing purchases, you don’t want to have to quit because you’ve run out of space in your purse to hold your treasures

Take cash – many vendors will have credit card payments, but what if you see the perfect item and the vendor only takes cash? Imagine your dismay as you watch someone else walk away with the perfect, one of a kind gift for Grandma. Be prepared with some money in your pocket!

If you see and like it – buy it! That item may not be there in 15 minutes when you come back. You can always ask a vendor to hold it for you.

when you come back. You can always ask a vendor to hold it for you. Wear comfy shoes – doesn’t this go without saying?

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