The Brock LINC Holiday Market returned to the Rankin Family Pavilion, offering a seasonal marketplace that highlighted the work of student, staff, faculty and alumni creators. Held on Nov. 26 and 27, the event invited the Brock community to browse a wide range of handmade goods and services while supporting early-stage entrepreneurs. The market — organized by Brock LINC as part of its entrepreneurship and innovation programming — is designed to give campus-based creators an accessible venue for showcasing their products.
The Rankin Family Pavilion’s Level 200 Atrium served as the central location for the market, providing an open, well-lit space that accommodated dozens of vendor tables and consistent visitor traffic. Attendees were seen moving between displays arranged in rows throughout the atrium. Natural light filtered in through the skylights overhead, while groups of students and visitors gathered around tables to examine crafts, artwork and seasonal items. Several participants appeared engaged in conversations with vendors, while others browsed independently. The setup included wide walking areas and communal seating, creating a layout that allowed for smooth circulation of the space.
The market featured a diverse mix of vendors that represented various artistic and entrepreneurial pursuits. Participants included individuals and small businesses specializing in visual art, handmade crafts, clothing, accessories, baked goods and personal care items. Several art-focused vendors, such as Anabel’s paintings, Pat McIlroy Printmaker and Illustrator and Yo Tengo Art, displayed original works ranging from prints to illustrations. Craft-based vendors, including Fablefox Crafts, Zephs Handmade and Triple Threat Craft Co., offered items such as crochet pieces, fiber art, seasonal decorations and other handcrafted goods. The market also included vendors selling apparel and accessories. Shops like Oopsie Daisy Apparel and Harleen Rehal The Label presented clothing and custom pieces.
Food and wellness products were also present, with businesses like Cake is Bae offering baked items, as well as Land and Body Natural and Handmade Products providing skincare or natural goods.
Other specialized services added variety to the lineup, including a tarot reading booth featuring Mystic Tarot by Manya Arora and a 3D printing station by Mozon3D. Brock LINC’s Makerspace team also appeared on the vendor roster, contributing to the event’s emphasis on creativity and innovation.
The event operated as a seasonal marketplace while also providing young entrepreneurs with firsthand experience in marketing. The vendors managed table displays, interacted with customers, promoted their work in a public setting and practiced pricing strategies. Brock LINC — which supports entrepreneurship initiatives throughout the academic year — positions the Holiday Market as an accessible platform for students and creators to test business concepts and build confidence in presenting their work.
Visitor turnout appeared steady throughout the event as it was stationed in the centre of the Pavilion, where students could conveniently stop by on their way to class, study sessions or home, moving between tables and examining goods. Attendees included students looking for holiday gifts, staff members supporting campus creators and visitors drawn by the convenience of an on-campus marketplace. The atmosphere remained informal and community focused, enabling interaction between creators and buyers in a relaxed environment.
The Holiday Market introduces a seasonal tradition that emphasizes local and campus-based creativity. For students who may not otherwise encounter entrepreneurship resources, the event serves as a visible reminder of the opportunities available through Brock LINC. For creators, it offers both exposure and a welcoming entry point into Brock’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The market aligns with the broader goals of Brock LINC to build a culture of innovation, collaboration and hands-on learning across the university.
Looking ahead, Brock LINC has indicated that more information will be available next year regarding the 2026 Holiday Market. The continuation of the event signals its role as a recurring element of Brock’s entrepreneurship programming. Alongside workshops, mentorship opportunities and other initiatives offered by Brock LINC, the Holiday Market stands as one of the organization’s most public-facing activities.