A special holiday themed market is running Sunday, Dec. 21 at Beban Park, one of two events for last minute shoppers this weekend. (Island Roots Market)

By Alex Rawnsley

local shopping

Nanaimo holiday markets offering local last minute shopping

Dec 20, 2025 | 5:54 AM

NANAIMO — Those leaving their holiday shopping to the last minute have a few local options this weekend.

The Island Roots Market, typically held Wednesday’s at Beban Park, is hosting a special Sunday Christmas-themed market, on Sunday, Dec. 21, inside the Centennial Building on Bowen Rd., near the tennis courts.

Market manager Michele Greene told NanaimoNewsNOW over 70 vendors are due to attend.

“Last year was a success, and because Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve land on a Wednesday this year, and we anticipated very low attendance if we did open those days, we’re offering an extra market before Christmas, so people can just get what they need.”

Farm fresh food and produce will be on offer, along with artisanal baked goods, crafts, art and much more.

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Around 1,100 customers attended last year’s offering, the first put on by Greene and Island Roots, with about 55 vendors setup.

Greene is hopeful to see more people out this time.

“This is 74 local vendors in one venue, and it’s really a unique opportunity to get those last minute things made locally and in one spot.”

In addition to holiday shopping, the Sunday market is serving as a stand-in opportunity for regulars to gather their goods, with no market planned for Wednesday, Dec. 24 and Dec. 31.

Island Roots will return to its regular Wednesday offering on Jan. 7.

Also scheduled this weekend is the Cedar Christmas Spirit Market, open Saturday Dec. 20 and Sunday, Dec. 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cedar Community Hall (2388 Cedar Rd.)

Local makers and a whole lot of Christmas spirit will be on offer both days.

Organizers are also offering free gifts to the first 30 guests each day, while food trucks will be on location to help keep market-goers fed.

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