This Weekend: Check out Eastside Flea

‘Tis always the season to be buying

It’s the thought that counts—not the timing. If you’re still shopping for the loved ones (and even the not-so-loved ones) in your life this weekend, check out the unconventional offerings at Eastside Flea’s final holiday market (appropriately titled “Last Dash Holiday Bash”). Over 60 vendors will be peddling everything from locally handcrafted jewellery to vintage clothing and vinyl records. Plus, you’ll be able to score some so-called “Adult Christmas Crackers.” And if you’re hungry for B.C.’s best tacos (who isn’t?), the Tacofino food truck will be parked just outside. eastsideflea.comWhen: Saturday, Dec. 19, and Sunday, Dec. 20, 10am to 4pm  | Where: The Wise Hall, 1882 Adanac St.  | Cost: $3 admission, $2 with food donation

Other Christmas markets open this weekend

Hot Art Wet City’s Everything Must Go: The popular art gallery (and occasional comedy club) on Main Street is unloading work from past shows, both new and old, as well as prints and cards for Christmas. Nothing says “I care” (or at least “I didn’t go to Costco”) like a work of art. hotartwetcity.comWhen: Until Dec. 23, excluding Monday, 12pm to 5pm  | Where: Hot Art Wet City, 2206 Main St. | Cost: Free admission (not free art)Vancouver Christmas Market: A more family-friendly affair, Vancouver’s annual downtown Christmas market nonetheless has its share of interesting vendors, selling everything from Okanagan-made craft spirits (for the adult in your life) to German-made wooden toys (this one could go either way). vancouverchristmasmarket.comWhen: Until Dec. 24, 11am to 9pm (closes at 6pm on Dec. 24)  | Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza, 650 Hamilton St. | Cost: $8 for adults, $4 for kids, $7 for seniors