On Nov. 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the third annual Waterloo Christmas Market was held at Rim Park, where local vendors gathered to display and sell their unique wares.
The event was hosted by All-Canadian Events, a company set on providing platforms for local artisans and vendors to showcase their talents and small businesses.
Various events similar to this one are held and organized by the company throughout the region, and those who are interested can apply to become vendors for a fee.
Although I wish the entry fee was not as steep, four dollars still seemed like a relatively reasonable amount to pay considering it gave shoppers like myself access to the entirety of the market.
As someone who sees the value in shopping and spending locally, I was more than excited to be able to attend this event, and I definitely wasn’t the only one who felt this way.
I showed up around 2 p.m. expecting the event to be winding down by then, but the market was packed. Despite the crowd of eager shoppers, the area was still navigable.
The makeshift marketplace was held in the recreational room above the arena, and every inch of the space was smartly arranged in order to maximize the amount of vendor tables that could be there.
Shoppers were able to go up and down the aisles of the marketplace and gradually browse the broad range of gift items.
Items being sold ranged from soaps, candles, ornaments, knitted hats, homemade teas and much more.
Regardless of whether or not shoppers were looking for something specific or simply browsing like myself, it felt as if it were almost guaranteed that you’d be able to spot something that caught your eye.
And while I’m sure many of the shoppers in attendance were searching for the perfect gifts for their loved ones, I shopped solely for gifts for myself. No shame though, I am my own loved one.
Although the space lacked conventional holiday decorations, the Christmas music that was being played still provided a sense of holiday cheer.
Unexpectedly, the place also smelled amazing — the wintery scents and spices of some of the products that were on display added to the Christmas atmosphere.
When it comes to gift-giving, I can’t help but feel like handmade gifts are so much more intimate than the mass-produced gifts available at the mall.
Gifts produced in small scales are individualized and personable, so if you’re looking for the perfect gift for someone, it might be in your best interest to start looking locally.
The Waterloo Christmas Market is definitely a worthwhile venture for those looking for locally-made gifts and fare.
So, while I technically failed at doing my Christmas shopping, my Christmas cheer levels are practically through the roof.
