Cabin Radio’s guide to 2023 holiday events

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – holiday craft market season.

Whether you’re looking for some stocking stuffers or traditional northern art, check out these markets to get everything you need locally and support the NWT’s artists.

On this page you’ll find a list of markets we know about in Yellowknife, Inuvik and Hay River, with information for more communities to follow as we get it.

If we’re missing a market, parade, or celebration in your community, let us know by filling out the form at the bottom of this article.

This page was last updated on Thursday, November 30.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone from Air North, Yukon’s Airline – we can’t wait to welcome you aboard in 2024!

November 30 – December 5

Gahcho Kué Mine is hosting a craft sale on site from November 30-December 5. Food, accommodation and transport will be provided. To apply, email a letter of intent detailing your expertise and crafts you would like to sell to the Gahcho Kué team.

Friday, December 1

École St. Joseph School is holding a two-day Winter Market featuring music, artists, hot cider, face painting, and baking in the school’s gym from 6-9pm on Friday night, and 12-5pm on Saturday. Tables cost $100 for the two days, with proceeds going to the ESJS PAC. Text 867-686-6159 to reserve a table.

Saturday, December 2

The Yellowknife Guild of Arts and Crafts’ Annual Christmas Sale continues at the Yellowknife Guild of Arts and Crafts from 10am-2pm. You can reserve a time slot to attend here, though slots don’t open until November 15 for sign-up.

Mint Hair Lounge in Yellowknife is hosting Mint’s Annual Christmas Sale at the salon from 11am-5pm. “Gifts, prizes, and amazing deals store wide!” The store says.

Yellowknife Curling Club Holiday Market takes place at the Yellowknife Curling Club lounge from 12-4pm.

Get your Cabin Radio crewnecks, t-shirts, hats – and finally, sweatpants – through our online store. New merch coming soon!

École St Joseph School is holding a two-day Winter Market featuring music, artists, hot cider, face painting, and baking in the school’s gym from 6-9pm on Friday night, and 12-5pm on Saturday. Tables cost $100 for the two days, with proceeds going to the ESJS PAC. Text 867-686-6159 to reserve a table.

The NWT Handmade Holiday Market in Yellowknife starts at the Explorer Hotel. Details on tickets and times for this event are not yet available. The sale will feature over 60 NWT artists, with different artists each day of the market.

Yellowknife United Church’s Christmas tea and sale takes place at Northern United Place from 2pm till 4pm. Expect baking, antipasto, pepper jelly and other Christmas items.

The Catholic Women’s League is hosting a Christmas bazaar and bake sale at St Patrick’s Church Hall from 9am till 12pm. You can rent a table for $30 – contact Barb McDonald for information.

Yellowknife Scouts Christmas trees go on sale starting Saturday at the city’s Co-op. Turn up in the parking lot from 10am till 4pm on weekends or 6pm till 8pm on weeknights from Saturday onward.

Sunday, December 3

The NWT Handmade Holiday Market in Yellowknife wraps up at the Explorer Hotel. Details on tickets and times for this event are not yet available. The sale will feature over 60 NWT artists, with different artists each day of the market.

Thursday, December 7

Aurora Chorealis, chamber orchestra (from Yellowknife and beyond) and soloists Katy Harmer, Oliver Munar and Claire Singer will be performing Handel’s Messiah at the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre from 7:30-10:30pm. For some, Handel’s Messiah and the Hallelujah chorus are well known and loved seasonal traditions. For others, this concert offers a wonderful chance to listen to an amazing musical telling of wonder, awe, betrayal and life everlasting.

Friday, December 8

Saturday, December 9

Yellowknife United Church’s Christmas Bazaar will be hosted in the Northern United Place from 10am-3pm.

Yellowknife’s Copperhouse is holding a pop-up shop at the restaurant from 10am-2pm.

An International Holiday Market will take place at Yellowknife’s École Allain St-Cyr from 1-5pm. Tables cost $30. To register, email myafricancuisine@gmail.com or call (639) 471-2537.

The Center Ice Plaza Christmas Market will take place in Yellowknife from 10am-3pm. Tables cost $20 and you can register by joining the Yellowknife Pop Up Shops Facebook group and contacting the organizer.

Fort Smith’s Santa Claus Parade runs from 4pm till 5pm, followed by a gathering at the recreation centre hosted by the seniors’ society and featuring hot chocolate and hot dogs. To register a float, email the town. You can also call 867-445-8444 to take part in Light Up The Park at Queen Elizabeth Territorial Park.

Sunday, December 10

The Bella Dance Academy is hosting a holiday craft and bake sale from 11am to 4pm. The public is invited to come and check out all the incredible things Yellowknife artists and bakers have to offer. The proceeds from table sales go to the Bella Beats Society.

Saturday, December 16

The Rotary Club of Yellowknife is hosting a Jingle & Mingle dinner and dance at the Elks Club starting at 6pm until 1am. Tickets are $100 and are available by contacting the club. Proceeds will go to programs for children and youth.

A community Christmas party will be held in Yellowknife’s lower Centre Square Mall from 10am till 4pm. Expect stalls selling beaded jewellery, baked goods, knits, art and toys, plus Santa will make an appearance – and is asking people to bring a food donation for a local charity.

Sunday, December 17

More than 20 vendors will be available to shop from at the Mildred Hall School craft sale from 10am to 3pm. Expect a variety of homemade gifts and direct sale items, perfect for any last-minute shoppers. If you are interested in being a vendor for this sale, please contact sandra.bowden@yk1.nt.ca.

NJ Macpherson School is holding an 8-days until Christmas sale from 1 to 5pm. Baked goods, books, crafts, gifts, art, ornaments and more will be available for sale.