Fifty years of handmade excellence come together at Ottawa’s premier holiday craft sale! The Originals Christmas Craft Sale celebrates its golden anniversary December 10-14, 2025, at the EY Centre, featuring over 200 talented Canadian artisans, makers, and designers.
Since 1974, the Originals Christmas Craft Sale has been the National Capital Region’s destination for unique, handmade holiday gifts. This milestone 50th anniversary edition promises to be the most spectacular yet, with artisans from across Canada showcasing everything from fine jewelry to gourmet foods.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Originals Christmas Craft Sale celebrates 50 years December 10-14, 2025 at EY Centre. Features 200+ Canadian artisans, handmade gifts across all categories. Admission $7.50-$10, with senior and evening discounts. Expected attendance: 25,000 visitors.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | December 10-14, 2025 |
| 📍 Location | EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Drive |
| 🎟️ Admission | $7.50 - $10 |
| ⏰ Hours | 10 AM - 9 PM (varies by day) |
50th Anniversary Celebration
Half a Century of Craft Excellence
The Originals has been Ottawa’s handmade marketplace since 1974:
- 50 years of connecting artisans with shoppers
- Generations of families making it a holiday tradition
- Launched countless careers for Canadian makers
- Evolved with trends while maintaining quality standards
- Community cornerstone for holiday shopping
Why It Endures
The sale’s longevity reflects its value:
- Curated selection of genuine handmade goods
- Quality standards maintained year after year
- Direct connection between makers and buyers
- Unique gifts unavailable in retail stores
- Festive atmosphere and experience
Illustrative image only.
What You’ll Find
200+ Artisans
The sale features an impressive array of handmade goods:
Fashion & Accessories:
- Handcrafted jewelry
- Artisan clothing
- Scarves and textiles
- Handbags and leather goods
- Hats and accessories
Home & Décor:
- Pottery and ceramics
- Woodworking and furniture
- Art and photography
- Home décor items
- Candles and soaps
Holiday Items:
- Christmas decorations
- Ornaments and wreaths
- Festive tableware
- Holiday-themed gifts
- Seasonal items
Food & Beverage:
- Gourmet foods
- Specialty preserves
- Baked goods
- Beverages
- Condiments and sauces
More Categories:
- Toys and games
- Children’s items
- Pet products
- Perfumes and cosmetics
- Sculpture and art
Schedule and Hours
Daily Hours
| Day | Date | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | December 10 | 10 AM - 9 PM |
| Thursday | December 11 | 10 AM - 9 PM |
| Friday | December 12 | 10 AM - 9 PM |
| Saturday | December 13 | 10 AM - 6 PM |
| Sunday | December 14 | 10 AM - 5 PM |
Best Times to Visit
Strategic planning enhances your experience:
Less Crowded:
- Weekday mornings
- Wednesday and Thursday evenings
- Sunday afternoon
More Atmosphere:
- Weekend days
- Opening weekend energy
- Friday evening buzz
Admission and Tickets
Pricing
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| General Admission | $7.50 - $10 |
| Seniors (65+) | $6 - $8 |
| After 5 PM (Wed-Thu) | 50% off |
| Children | Check website |
Tips for Savings
Maximize value:
- Visit Wednesday or Thursday after 5 PM for half-price admission
- Senior discounts available
- Multi-day visits may be worthwhile given the scale
- Free parking at EY Centre
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Planning Your Visit
Getting There
EY Centre 4899 Uplands Drive, Ottawa
From Downtown:
- Approximately 20 minutes south
- Via Airport Parkway or Riverside Drive
- Well-signed from major routes
Parking:
- Free parking at EY Centre
- Large lots accommodate crowds
- Accessible parking available
What to Bring
Come prepared for successful shopping:
- Comfortable shoes - Large venue requires walking
- Reusable bags - Eco-friendly and practical
- Cash and cards - Most vendors accept both
- Gift list - Stay organized
- Phone/camera - Capture booth numbers for return visits
- Snacks/water - Stay energized
Shopping Strategies
First-Time Visitors
Navigate the sale effectively:
- Do a full walkthrough first before purchasing
- Note booth numbers of items you like
- Compare similar items from different vendors
- Ask questions - artisans love sharing their craft
- Return for purchases after seeing everything
Regular Attendees
For seasoned Originals shoppers:
- Visit early in the week for best selection
- Some unique items sell quickly
- Build relationships with favourite vendors
- Consider custom orders for next year
- Note new vendors to explore
Gift Shopping Tips
Finding perfect presents:
- Make a list of recipients before arriving
- Set a budget per person
- Take photos of possibilities
- Ask about gift wrapping
- Get business cards for future purchases
Supporting Canadian Artisans
Why Buy Handmade
The Originals embodies values beyond shopping:
For Artisans:
- Direct sales without middlemen
- Customer feedback and connection
- Exposure to new audiences
- Sustainable business model
For Buyers:
- Unique, one-of-a-kind items
- Quality craftsmanship
- Personal stories behind products
- Support for Canadian makers
- Eco-friendly alternatives to mass production
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Originals Christmas Craft Sale worth the admission fee? A: With 200+ vendors across a massive venue, most visitors find excellent value. The quality and variety far exceed typical craft fairs, and discount options make it accessible.
Q: How long should I plan to spend? A: Allow 2-4 hours for a thorough visit. Serious shoppers often return multiple days.
Q: Is the event accessible? A: The EY Centre is wheelchair accessible with accessible parking, restrooms, and wide aisles throughout the sale.
Q: Can I bring a stroller? A: Strollers are permitted but can be challenging in crowded conditions. Consider visiting during off-peak hours if bringing young children.
Q: Do vendors accept credit cards? A: Most vendors accept credit and debit cards, but bringing some cash ensures you won’t miss out on items from cash-only vendors.
Final Thoughts
The Originals Christmas Craft Sale’s 50th anniversary marks half a century of connecting Canadian artisans with appreciative buyers. This milestone celebration at the EY Centre December 10-14, 2025, promises to be the most impressive edition yet.
For those who value handmade quality, unique gifts, and supporting Canadian makers, the Originals remains unmatched. With 200+ artisans, reasonable admission prices, and free parking, it delivers exceptional value for holiday shoppers seeking something special.
Don’t miss this golden anniversary celebration of Canadian craftsmanship.
Source: Originals Christmas Craft Sale, EY Centre, Ottawa Tourism - Compiled for Via Ottawa readers.
For more Ottawa holiday shopping, visit Ottawa Events or explore Things to Do!
