Abbotsford and the Vancouver metro area are home to a multitude of different holiday-themed festivals and marketplaces. When it comes to overall experience, gift selection, and fun entertainment, few other events can stand with the West Coast Christmas Show & Marketplace. For eight years now, this event has been one of Western Canada's premier holiday markets in size and scope. Each year the event gains popularity and attracts thousands of people to the TRADEX Fraser Valley Trade & Exhibition Centre. They have been giving their attendees the one-of-a-kind opportunity to purchase unique items and gifts that you won't find anywhere else.
The event features over 200 different exhibits making it easy to find something for everyone on your holiday shopping list. Some of the exhibitors have items such as fine art, jewelry, gourmet food, sculptures, plants, clothes, beauty products, and the list goes on and on. The West Coast Christmas Show and Marketplace is not just about shopping, they aim to provide a fun experience for all attendees regardless of age and background. Kids will have a blast participating in the Santa’s Workshop and Elf Activity Areas, as well as taking photos with Kris Kringle himself. All ages will love the ugly Christmas sweater contest and the beautifully decorated Festival of Trees exhibit. Don't forget to bring a unwrapped toy for Toy Mountain and remember event parking is free. We interviewed George Acs, a Partner at Executive Event Production Inc., about their holiday show.
RAL: Tell me about the West Coast Christmas Show & Marketplace.
GA: The West Coast Christmas Show & Artisan Marketplace has been running for eight years and has over 200 vendors and more than 17,000 attendees during a three-day run that stretches from November 20th to the 22nd. The most common groups we see at the event are families, couples, ladies outings, grandparents, and children of all ages. We are the original and largest Christmas show in suburban Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.
RAL: Walk me through a typical day at the event.
GA: As you walk in, you are greeted by one of 20 community orchestras playing and singing Christmas music. You’ll walk through a huge array of Christmas décor offered for sale by a local nursery, including fresh plants and flowers. Then you are in the main hall with over 200 vendors, half of them artisan vendors selling their handcrafted gift items. The Home for the Holidays Stage features hourly presentations by noted chefs on holiday entertaining ideas and recipes. Christmas décor is everywhere, hanging from the ceiling and all around. Rounding out the winter wonderland setting are three large model train layouts, the Festival of Decorated Christmas Trees, and a large children’s activity area called Santa’s Workshop.
RAL: What can attendees expect to find for local lodging?
GA: The local hotels tend to fill fast as several hundred out of town vendors book rooms wherever they can. There are still lots of rooms available for out of town visitors, but you’ll likely have to drive a few blocks further. Sweet Dreams is a nearby Bed & Breakfast that is highly recommended and our host hotel is the Best Western Regency.
RAL: How does West Coast Christmas Show & Marketplace affect the community?
GA: The community benefits in many ways from the event, including increased revenue generated in the community owned TRADEX Fraser Valley Trade & Exhibition Centre. These funds are used in promoting tourism to the area. The show offers community organizations, choirs, and bands the opportunity to showcase their talents. More than a dozen local charities benefit from the exposure they get through decorating their own Christmas tree on the show floor. In addition the show is partnered with Toy Mountain as a drop off center for unwrapped children’s toys that are then delivered to kids by the Salvation Army.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
GA: Our show is the perfect event to kickoff everyone’s Christmas shopping, whether it’s unique gifts made by artisans, select specialty foods for holiday entertaining, or that special Christmas decoration that you just can't find at your neighbourhood mall. Family Christmas memories start here.
For more information about the West Coast Christmas Show and Marketplace please visit their website.