The Weirdest Winter Tradition Is Back: Weirdos Holiday Market Returns

If your idea of holiday shopping involves a little chaos, a lot of creativity, and at least one moment of “Wait … why do I suddenly need this tiny mushroom guardian?”—Vancouver’s Weirdos Holiday Market is calling your name.

Now in its ninth gloriously off-kilter year, this beloved annual tradition takes over the Russian Hall (600 Campbell Ave.) for two weekends—December 5–7 and 12–14—transforming it into a maximalist wonderland of art, oddities, and handmade brilliance. With over 80 makers (including 20 brand-new vendors) and a fresh lineup each weekend, this is your chance to snag gifts no one else will have … or treasure something too weird to give away.

Expect everything from art prints, stickers, patches, unique jewelry, and candles to mounted insects, antique taxidermy, sculptural ceramics, and creations made from deconstructed doll heads. Consider it the official antidote to predictable holiday gifting.

Founder Rachel Zottenberg sums it up best: “It’s for the people who want to be delighted, startled, and maybe a little obsessed with something they didn’t even know existed five minutes earlier.”

Things get especially spicy at the Friday Night Market (19+), where DJs, an on-site bar, and adults-only curios bring out the cheekier side of festive shopping.

And because this market loves theatrics:

• Take a photo with Weirdo Santa (yes, he’s masked… of course he is)
• Step inside Santa’s Big Pie Hole, a giant open-mouth photo booth
• Catch live sideshow chaos from Neil E. Dee’s Danger Thrill Show
• Get your tarot read by The Real Witchery
• Fuel up at the on-site food truck

Friendly pups are welcome too—because what’s a weirdo holiday without a few four-legged friends? —Noa Nichol