Weirdos Holiday Market Returns, Dec 6–8 and 13–15

Weirdos Unite!

Vancouver’s funkiest holiday market returns at the 8th annual Weirdos Holiday Market,
December 6–8 and 13–15

For anyone who collects or gives one-of-a-kind collectibles and unique oddities, here’s your one-stop holiday shop: the Weirdos Holiday Market. Taking place at the Russian Hall (600 Campbell Ave.), the market features a curated selection from more than 60 artists, with vendors rotating over two weekends, making this inimitable market a holiday-season must for repeat visits.

“Every year this market lifts up my soul because I get to be surrounded by so much talent and passion and, well, silliness!” says Rachel Zottenberg, the market’s founder. “The truly special aspect of the Weirdos Market, though, is that every gift here has a story, and each vendor brings their own offbeat creativity, and together we celebrate the magic of the unexpected.”

Each of the two weekends also features the special Friday Night Market, exclusively for shoppers aged 19 and up. It boasts devilishly tantalizing R-rated curios for adults who love to defy expectations, alongside an onsite bar that adds to the adults-only atmosphere of this unique market stop.

Pose for holiday photos with Weird Santa (wearing a spooky mask by local artist Puppyteeth Studios) or step into the Santa’s Big Piehole photo booth, an art installation imagined within Santa’s giant, open mouth (also designed by Puppyteeth Studios). Entertainment from the legendary sword-swallowing master Neil E. Dee and his Danger Thrill Show, plus tarot readings by Kat of The Real Witchery, are just some of the unique attractions, with food-truck action adding to the festive atmosphere.

The popular WeirDogs Costume Contest returns, inspired by the market’s longstanding dog-friendly (for friendly dogs) policy. This adorable attraction allows shoppers’ furry friends — dressed in their finest weird costumes, of course — to have their own photo op. Post and share your WeirDog photo with the hashtag #WeirdosMarket for a chance to win the Best in Weird doggie treat basket.

Returning crowd-favourite artists include:

Ultraviolet Oddities: planters, pins, sculptures and more, made from deconstructed doll heads.
Dirt Spindle: pottery crafted into playful forms and quirky characters.
Brutally Beautiful: ritual candles, and ornaments incorporating ethically sourced animal bones.
The Paper Nest: unique artwork made from humanely sourced real wasp nests.
Punk Rock Pastries: delicious and sometimes naughty cakes, cookies and pastries.

New artists to the 2024 lineup include:

Tiny Giants Creations: imaginative and playful needle-felted works.
Mystic Fusion Art: decorative soldered and stained-glass drinking horns, skulls and goblets.
Mala Yaga: mini mushroom garden protectors made from polymer clay, each with a birth certificate and personality card.
Aphrodite’s Realm: Greek Mythology-inspired bath treats crafted by an Indigenous maker.
Mark of the Valkyrie: witchy, gothic-style stained glass jewelry and decor items.

Weirdos Holiday Market
Dates: December 6–8 and 13–15
Saturday, December 7 and 14; 11 am to 5 pm
Sunday, December 8 and 15: 11 am to 5 pm
Friday Night Markets (ages 19 and up): December 6 and 13; 5 pm to 10 pm

Russian Hall (600 Campbell Ave., Vancouver)
Admission: $5 for ages 11 and up (by donation for children 10 and under)
Facebook.com/Weirdos.Market

Media release and images provided by Morgan Sommerville, Serena PR.