Christmas Shopping in Merritt BC Canada
Holiday Festivities, Celebrations and Family Time
Shopping local in the Nicola Valley is an act of kindness. There is no better time to support our local stores and shops in Merritt British Columbia Canada than during the Xmas shopping season.
Whenever I think of Christmas Shopping in Merritt BC Canada, downtown shopping comes to mind. Growing up here in the Nicola Valley gave me some of the most memorable memories of Christmas shopping in Merritt BC in all the downtown businesses. Moreover, during my childhood, it seemed that the whole town would come out to shop locally. Although, in the last couple of years many of our traditional festivities were put on hold due to Covid. Now, it is the perfect time of year to support our local stores, purchase a gift for a loved one. You are also gifting that store a gift of appreciation by shopping local.
 Santa’s Elf. Photo by Tania Stewart |
 Santa’s best elves. Photo credit Tania Stewart |
“Many of our local businesses start the shopping season with great rollbacks, sales, and discounts. Additionally, they provide that small-town personal service we all have come to enjoy from our community businesses.” Tania Stewart
 Christmas Tree at Spirit Square. Photo credit: Tania Stewart. |
Christmas Shopping in Merritt BC Canada During Events
Our annual Merritt Christmas parade, called Country Xmas, comes to mind. Ironically, this event also marks the time I start my holiday shopping. Make this years holiday one to truly remember by supporting our local businesses. While attending all or some of the Holiday events being held in town during the holiday season, is another opportunity to shop local in Merritt.
Downtown Artisans
I often ask myself, where to shop for those unique personal gifts. Matching the gift to the local store is a talent in itself. However, we are fortunate here in the Nicola Valley because we enjoy so many downtown businesses that sell unique handmade items from local artisans. Personal gifts for that special person in your life.
 Holiday Parade. Photo by Greg Girard |
Vision Quest Optical and Gifts
Jeanine Gustafson is the proud owner of Vision Quest Optical and Gifts. Her local store has a wide variety of gifts and gadgets for Christmas shopping in Merritt BC. Moreover, I can not express how important it is to support our local businesses. Tis the season to do so. What can you expect to find at Vision Quest? Well, she has jewelry, gems, glass frames, toys, cards, books and local art. Moreover, Jeanine is an optician with 30 years experience. Offering optical services to the community with a bonus of unique gifts for that special person.
 Decorative BC designed drum bag. Photo credit Jeanine Gustafson |
 Feather earrings by Jeanine Gustafson |
 Hand made baby moccasins. Photo credit Jeanine Gustafson |
Fact
Majority of the First Nation’s artwork comes from the Nicola Valley and nearby regions such as Lillooet. Her contacts also provide her with 1st Nations items designed in BC to satisfy her visitors from other provinces and countries. Look for beautiful designs on drum bags, a red lampshade, beaded earrings, medallions, baskets, cards. Prices are very reasonable for the quality and work the artists put into these beautiful uniquely items. Christmas Shopping Merritt BC circles back into our community.
 Gems and Jewelry. Photo credit Jeanine Gustafson |
 1st Nations Art. Photo credit Jeanine Gustafson |
Items you will find at Vision Quest are, local books from local authors, fun toys for kids, guitar pics, beading supplies and so much more!
 Creative Company. Photo credit Experience Nicola Valley |
Christmas Shopping Merritt Downtown at Creative Company
Creative Company is located downtown. The shop showcases unique beautiful handmade items for every age. These art pieces include: Stained Glass, Hand Woven Scarves and Tea Towels, Handbags, Silver Jewelry, Baby and Children’s Clothing and Blankets, Photography, Slate and Wood Products Western Home Décor, and much more. Truly a must for holiday shopping with so many different and neat items. Make sure to go and check out all of the talented artisans work made in the Nicola Valley.
 Hand Bags. Photo from Experience Nicola Valley |
 Unique baby/kids clothing. Picture Experience Nicola Valley |
Art Gallery and Gift Shops in Merritt BC
Nicola Valley Art Gallery and Gift Shop is located at 2051 Voght Street. There are over 30 local artists and artisans filling this local gallery with gifts- practical, creative, fun and beautiful works for all ages. Everything from bath salts, honey, paintings, handmade scarves, knitted items, clothing, glass work and so much more can be found right here in Merritt at the Art Gallery and Gift Shop. Beat the crowds and last minute shopping with shopping local, save gas and money while supporting our community.
 Street Art. Photo by Jano Howarth |
 Art Gallery Artisans. Photo by Jano Howarth |
Shopping local provides economic growth to our community and locality to the businesses that contribute so much to our town.
 Crafted wood. Photo by Tania Stewart |
 Adorable snowmen. Photo by Tania Stewart |
Miss Vicki’s Petals and Plants Flower Shop
Located downtown. Miss Vicki’s a holiday shopping destination for flowers and a wide assortment of gifts. The sights and smells in this store make any visit to Miss Vicki’s Petals & Plants a special experience for many senses. The colorful blooming flowers and plants covering the walls and floors of her shop is a journey of rainbow colors and fairy tale scents. Additionally, Miss Vicki also supports 40+ local artisans work with a wide display throughout store. With numerous one of a kind hand -made artifacts is a testament to how special this shop really is.
Miss Vicki’s Petals & Plants is truly a welcomed delight and is surely is an appreciated ambassador for Downtown Merritt.
Go ahead, visit this Merritt flower shop and take a deep breath. Along with all the vibrant colors you are always welcomed with a warm smile from “Miss Vicki”, the stores proprietor. Schedule some time to peruse and see all that is available for every whim and age.
 Life is good at Miss Vicki’s. Photo Credit Vicki Hansen |
 Flower arrangements. Photo Credit Tania Stewart |
 Bird house gift. Photo Credit Tania Stewart |
Holiday Shopping in the Nicola Valley
Christmas shopping in Merritt BC is not only a mindset it is also a great privilege. Many other communities are not so lucky to have such a wide range of unique art nor treated on a personal level that these amazing store owners provide daily. Not just during the holidays, throughout the year they go beyond and strive to provide the best service for you.
 Merritt Christmas Parade. Photo by Greg Girard |
 Festive Holiday Parade. Photo credit Greg Girard |
 Is that Santa? Picture by Greg Girard |
A little bit of Christmas Spirit in Merritt BC
Christmas Spirit in Merritt BC Canada. Tis’ the season for an Experience the Nicola Valley holiday celebration right here in Merritt British Columbia Canada. Christmas decorations are typically put up in late November or early December, usually to coincide with the start of Advent.
 Downtown Merritt Parade. Photo by Greg Girard |
 Parade Float. Photo by Greg Girard |
More importantly, the support for our local businesses is paramount to their survival. Share the spirit of Christmas through-out the Nicola Valley.
 Grinch in Merritt. Photo by Greg Girard |
Merritt BC “Lights Up” the Nicola Valley with Elaborate Decorations.
So many shout outs to those who light up our seasons. The “Light Ups” show how much they love the Christmas season and feature the spirit of kindness. Furthermore, Merritt Christmas Light Tour throughout the streets showcasing all the spectacular decorations. Ideal for everyone to sit back and enjoy the festivities.
 Christmas Train. Photo by Tania Stewart |
 The spirit of Christmas. Photo by Tania Stewart |
Christmas Spirit
Above all the spirit of Christmas in Merritt BC Canada can truly be experienced with family and friends. Whether it is creating a magical float for our town’s parade. Shopping for unique gifts in many of our downtown stores that carry local artisan’s art work ranging from, paintings, jewelry, scarfs, clothing, pottery, honey, beauty products that are made right here in the Nicola Valley. The true meaning of Christmas in Merritt BC is not what we get or what we spend. No, the true meaning of Christmas is coming together and enjoying each other’s time, and creating lasting memories.
 Melvina White at the Civic Centre Merritt BC. Photo by Tania Stewart |
 Miss Vicki’s Petals and Plants Flower Shop. Photo credit Tania Stewart. |
In Conclusion.
Very little during this, and most, winter seasons can be compared to the joy and spirit of the holidays. Make this years holiday one to truly remember. Support our local stores, when you shop local, purchase a gift for a loved one, you are also gifting that store a gift of appreciation by shopping local.
#shoplocalmerritt hashtag on social media supported and promoted by ExperienceNicolaValley.com and ExperienceMerritt.com
Merry Xmas Nicola Valley from all of us at Experience Nicola Valley and Santa himself from the North Pole.
 Santa in the North Pole. Photo credit Greg Girard. |
Christmas Shopping in Merritt BC Canada
Gift a local store in the Nicola Valley. Shop local.
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