Francophone Christmas Market returns to Vancouver for another year
The event will feature a selection of local artisans selling a range of handmade products
This year's market will feature over 20 vendors selling handmade products. (Submitted)
For more than 20 years, Le Centre Culturel Francophone de Vancouver has hosted an annual Christmas event to bring the community together.
What started as a large dinner has since evolved into the Francophone Christmas Market, which is taking place on Dec. 6 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The market has connected artisans, families, Francophones, and Francophiles in a festive celebration of creativity, tradition, and community spirit, says Pauline Delaveau, the centre’s communication, marketing, and partnerships manager.
“We had more than 500 attendees last year,” says Delaveau, adding that she hopes the number will increase as more people discover what the market has to offer in the Francophone and Francophile community.
This year’s market features a diverse selection of vendors. Over 20 artisans will offer a collection of handmade goods that reflect both traditional craftsmanship and creativity at the market.
“We will have a lot of handmade products like ceramics, soaps, jewelry, and food,” she says.
For children, the market will offer activities, which include cupcake and Christmas tree decorating, makeup stands, face painting, and Christmas storytime in the youth library.
Delaveau says Mrs. Claus will also be at the market to offer gifts to children.
Beyond the holiday music and scent of crêpes, the Francophone Christmas Market carries a cultural mission to strengthen the visibility, pride, and vitality of the French-speaking community in Vancouver.
“You can also meet some new friends, make business connections, and discover [French] culture, and community,” she says. “It’s really nice and important, especially when Canada has French as a second language.”
Delaveau says it’s important for the market to support the Francophone community and small businesses to help connect people with their culture.
For some attendees, the market is a reminder of home and traditions passed down through generations. For others, it is an opportunity for discovery, she says.
The market is free to attend. A raffle by donation will also be available with prizes provided by participating artisans.
“It’s the best way to buy some gifts for Christmas and to support our community,” Delaveau says.
In the days leading up to the market, the centre will spotlight participating artisans on its Instagram page, allowing visitors to preview the items available at the event.
For more information about the market, visit bit.ly/francophonemarket
