Jams, jellies and joy at the Originals Ottawa Christmas Craft Sale

Ottawa Travel Guide

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Thursday, 06 December 2012 16:49

Travellers heading to Ottawa for the holidays needn't worry about getting gifts beforehand, thanks to the Originals Ottawa Christmas Craft Sale this month. From December 6 to 16, visitors will have the chance to purchase goods made by local and international artisans, presenting their handcrafted creations with pride. Items like silver rings, elaborate glassware and detailed Christmas tree ornaments are just a few of the items attendees can expect to see.

A little bit about the show
For the 38th annual craft sale, there will be more than 200 unique vendors in one convenient location at the Ernst & Young Centre (formerly the CE Centre). Similar to previous exhibitions, the annual sale is the perfect place for visitors to not only stock up on Christmas gifts and decorations, but also get a feel for the art scene in Ottawa and throughout Canada. It'll be hard for shoppers to leave empty handed.

A treasure trove of goodies
Event organizers have compiled a handy gift guide for first-time visitors that will make it easier to navigate the large exhibition hall. Adorable arm warmers, sustainably designed tote bags, paintings and ceramics - anything - can be purchased during this 10-day event. Frug jewellers, one of the featured vendors on the gift list, boasts beautiful necklaces that look more like shining silver branches than a trinket. Just in time for the winter season, Simple Smiles and Co. will be selling fashionably chic knitted hoodies and sweatshirts so visitors can snuggle up in their Ottawa hotel and enjoy their great purchases.

Divine jams
According to Ottawa Magazine, Henderson Farms has just won the craft fair's accolade for having the best jams, thanks to unique flavours like pear and raspberry. Ginger and pear are some of the other offered varieties, but it was the pear and raspberry combination that had judges smacking their lips with delight. A jar of preserves would be the perfect souvenir gift to send out to loved ones across the globe. Visitors who want to enjoy their own jar can buy a couple extra to enjoy over breakfast at their Ottawa accommodations. Slathered on top of a fresh croissant or English muffin with a little bit of butter - now that's a slice of heaven.