So Anthie and I have been cranking out gift guides like the good lil' Christmas helpers we are, and I thought I would take it a step further by creating a list (we like lists around here) of some handmade markets and events happening around the city of Edmonton. Jason Blower, who does some amazing illustrations of our city was kind enough to let us showcase his art (yay local art!) and I'll be sharing some of my favourites in this post!

One thing we Edmontonians love to do is to complain about winter, the frigid cold, and pot holes. Sometimes I feel like I am one of three people living here who actually likes Edmonton! Instead of staying inside tucked under a blanket and grumbling for the next six months, I strongly urge everyone to go outside and go partake in some winter activities! Go sledding! Go skate at Hawrelak Park! Go cross country skiing in the river valley! Go make a couple of turns at Rabbit Hill or Snow Valley! Just get outside!

These lists are in no way complete and more of a starting point! There are definitely more handmade shows out there, but these are the ones that will be happening this weekend (or the next). Our activity list is also just the tip of the iceberg of things to do in Edmonton before Christmas, just get out there and enjoy!

1. Make It! The Handmade Revolution (November 26 - 29) - Edmonton Expo Centre
2. The Royal Bison Arts and Crafts Fair (November 27 - 29 and December 4 - 6) - 8426 Gateway Blvd, Edmonton
3. DBG Crafters Christmas Sale (November 27 - 29) - Devonian Botanic Gardens, Devon
4. Fort Saskatchewan Christmas Marketplace (November 28 - 29) - Dow Centennial Centre, Fort Saskatchewan
5. Butterdome Craft Sale (December 3 - 6) - University of Alberta, Edmonton

1. Deck the Homes (November 21 - December 6) - Various houses, South Edmonton
2. Humans of Edmonton Experience Photo Exhibit (November 26) - Barking Buffalo Cafe, Edmonton
3. A Christmas Carol (November 28 - December 23) - Citadel Theatre, Edmonton
4. YESS Chef Showdown Champions Day Breakfast (December 1), Sutton Place Hotel, Edmonton
5. Goodbye, Hello Closing Party (December 4 - 5) - Royal Alberta Museum, Edmonton
6. Festival of Light (December 4 - 13) - Edmonton Valley Zoo
7. Luminaria (December 5 - 6) - Devonian Botanic Gardens, Devon
8. DARK MATTERS Game On! (December 10) - Telus World of Science, Edmonton
9. The Nutcracker - Alberta Ballet (December 10 - 13) - Northern Jubilee Auditorium, Edmonton
10. Edmonton Singing Christmas Tree (December 17 - 20) - Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, Edmonton
11. Saturday Morning All-You-Can-Eat Cereal Cartoon Party! (December 19) - Garneau Theatre, Edmonton