Holiday markets open across the West Island this weekend

The holiday season starts in earnest in the West Island this weekend, with craft fairs and holiday markets opening from Friday, November 6 through Sunday, November 8 — all with free entry.

The biggest is the DDO Fine Arts & Crafts Market, running for more than 40 years. It opens today, Friday, November 6, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., continues Saturday, November 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, November 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Galeries des Sources, 3237 Sources Blvd., Dollard-des-Ormeaux. It features more than 80 vendors, the Art DDO annual art exhibition, raffle prizes, food and coffee, local charities and mini-games.

On Saturday, November 7, there are several more to choose from:

Santa Paws Photoshoot and craft market, Plaza Pointe-Claire, 245-F St-Jean Blvd., Pointe-Claire. Photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., craft fair 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All pets welcome; proceeds go to Animatch. Free entry, donations welcome. A veterinary technician will also be on site offering nail trims.

Awesome Autumn Market, Christmas Park Elementary School, 422 Beaconsfield Blvd., Beaconsfield, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

St. Charles Home & School Holiday Market, St. Charles School, 4331 Ste-Anne St., Pierrefonds, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with vendors and a bake sale.

Artisan Fair, sponsored by the West Island Italian Association, Marcel Morin Community Centre, 14068 Gouin Blvd., Pierrefonds — Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The weather cooperates, mostly: Friday is cloudy with a high of 16°C, Saturday cloudy with a high of 9°C, and Sunday cloudy with a high of 9°C. Showers are possible Saturday night, so Saturday daytime is the drier window for an outdoor stop.

Looking ahead: Remembrance Day ceremonies are listed in the West Island for next week, including the Pointe-Claire Field of Honour on Wednesday, November 11, and the Montréal-West Cenotaph on Sunday, November 8. Check the local Legion or city listing for start times before you go — times were not confirmed for this story.

Also coming up — a shout-out: Toy Tea Montreal returns on Thursday, December 3, at Holt Renfrew Ogilvy. Morning High Tea is 9:30 a.m. to noon and Afternoon High Tea is 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., with school choirs and tours. Tickets are $175, with a $100 tax receipt, and you do not need to bring toys. The group, founded by Ginger Petty, has been collecting toys for 35 years for children of battered women staying in shelters over the holidays, with a goal of 2,500+ toys this season. New unwrapped, non-violent toys can also be dropped off before November 29. More details at toyteamontreal.org.

Know of another market or event this weekend? Tell us and we'll add it to the list.