The West Coast Christmas Show and Artisan Marketplace returns to Tradex from Nov. 16 to 18.
Every year, more than 18,000 shoppers take in the show, which brings together holiday gifts, fancy foods, artisan creations, decor ideas, festive culinary presentations and floral demonstrations all under one roof.
The three-day shopping extravaganza features more than 250 vendors – of which 150 are artisans.
The show features live presentations to meet the needs of visitors’ holiday entertaining, decorating and gift giving.
Family entertainment includes live Christmas music performed by local bands, choirs and carolers.
In Santa’s Workshop, children can write letters to Santa and decorate their own fresh-baked Christmas cookie or create their own sand-art pictures.
New this year is the Mini Plant Nite Terrarium Workshop, where kids can make their own living terrarium, with all planting supplies included.
Santa’s Playground features an intricate HO scale model train layout and working model trains on a huge track, while CN’s Operation Lifesaver conducts interactive lessons about safety on or near railway property.
Members of Abbotsford’s new basketball team, The Bandits, will also be on hand.
This year’s show also features the first appearance of the Miniature Christmas Dollhouse Display – a showcase of a Christmas-themed dollhouse and a variety of themed rooms in various sizes.
The Teddy Bear Hospital will also be on site, where damaged bears and other stuffed animals and dolls can come for consultation and repairs with specialists.
In conjunction with the show, the fourth annual Ugly Sweater Contest is being held. Guests can have their picture taken, which is then posted to Facebook. The person with the most “likes” by Nov. 27 is the winner and receives a prize.
Show hours are 2 to 9 p.m Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $9 for seniors, with discounts if purchased online. Children 16 and under get in free. Parking is also free.
For more information, visit westcoastchristmasshow.com.