Nikki KreuzerThis time of year it’s not uncommon to want to avoid the malls along with all of the elbowing, hustle and bustle and frustrating parking to be found there. Though the internet is easy enough, sometimes those special gifts need to be thoughtfully selected with extra loving care. Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be a drag in L.A. — we’ve got a lot of cool markets, bazaars and craft fairs that are joyful, adventurous and bring a little bit of meaning and actual merriment to the holiday season, often with entertainment, food and cocktails too! It always feels better to support local artists or small businesses than it does to toss money at a generic corporate enigma. So check out this list and pencil in some fun to your holiday shopping list.
Winterlit Holiday Market: If you’ve found yourself pressed for time, this Santa Monica holiday market has more than 10 dates to choose from, so it is more than convenient for most busy schedules. Put together by Artisanal LA, this outdoor bazaar features original creations from local artists, plus it is mere blocks from the beach, so if you can find the time it’s easy to make it a relaxing day. 1200 Block of 3rd St. Promenade, Santa Monica; Fri. Dec. 6, 13, 20, 3-8 p.m., Sat.-Sun. Dec. 7-22, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Free. facebook.com/events/529321481254750.
Holiday Echo Park Craft Fair: Now in its 10th year, this holiday fair is the perfect place to find artist created holiday gifts, with over 150 vendors selling unique jewelry, ceramics, clothing, woodworking, perfumery and more. Held at the historic Mack Sennet Studios, one of L.A.’s early silent film locations, it can be considered a local sightseeing field trip as well. Mack Sennet Studios, 1215 Bates Ave., Silver Lake; Fri. Dec 6, 6-9 p.m., Sat.-Sun. Dec. 7-8, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. $15-$35. facebook.com/events/2423059771048496/.
Mission Hills Holiday Night Market: The Mission Hills holiday craft fair and night market makes its debut this year with 50 Latinx art vendors, live mariachi bands and plenty of food. Brand Park Community Center, 15121 South Brand Blvd., Mission Hills; Fri. Dec. 6, 5-10 p.m.; free with registration. allevents.in/events/mission-hills-holiday-night-market/200018375368001.
French Holiday Bazaar Hosted by Lycée International de Los Angeles, a French immersion school, this holiday bazaar features over 30 artist vendors, gourmet French food and drinks. Lycée International de Los Angeles, 1105 W Riverside Dr., Burbank; Fri. Dec. 6, 3 p.m.- 9 p.m. Free. facebook.com/events/680497442448811/
Ivanhoe Holiday Market Give back to the community by shopping for unique boutique gifts, baked goods and locally created artisan items at the holiday marketplace at Ivanhoe Elementary School. Ivanhoe Auditorium, 2828 Herkimer St., Silver Lake; Fri. Dec. 6, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. Dec. 7, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. facebook.com/events/788251424929457/
(Courtesy Midsummer Scream/Seasons Screamings)
Season’s Screamings: Dark Holiday Pop-Up Market If your taste runs toward the eclectic edge, this horror-themed holiday market should get your heart pumping. Featuring dozens of local vendors selling items with spooky vibes, it includes an Elvira pop-up shop, fortune tellers, photo-ops with the 7 Hells Krampus and an opportunity to design your own candy bar. Sweet Hollywood, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; Sat. Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. facebook.com/events/ 2507591102899326/
ArtScare Before Christmas Inspired by Tim Burton’s film Nightmare Before Christmas, this magical holiday boutique offers eccentric holiday gifts made by the local art community along with live music, body-painted models, dance performances, a pumpkin decorating contest and a cash bar. A portion of event proceeds will be donated to the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. 1921 Blake Ave., Silver Lake; Sat. Dec. 7, 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Free with RSVP, $20 at door. facebook.com/events/2496362747100181/
Holidays On The Block Arts & Crafts Bizarre & Block Party The West Adams Historical Community is sponsoring this holiday neighborhood block party featuring gifts for sale by local artists and merchants, live music, a talent show, food and children’s activities. 2413 2nd Ave., West Adams; Sat. Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. eventbrite.com/e/holidays-on-the-block-arts-crafts-bizarre-block-party-2019-tickets-52973119025
Pop Up Signed Book Sale & Holiday Event Live Talks Los Angeles is known for hosting book events and Q&A sessions for some of the world’s most interesting cultural icons. Recent events have included Debbie Harry, Malcolm Gladwell and Booker T. Jones. Their pop-up holiday book sale will include signed editions from some of the hottest musicians, actors and creators as well as wine and nibbles. Live Talks Office, The Reef, 1933 S. Broadway, Ave., Downtown; Sat. Dec. 7, 1 p.m.-6 p.m. Free. facebook.com/events/2131691317127697/
Tee-Ki Togs at Hardcore Tiki Marketplace (Courtesy Audrey Moorehead)
HardCore Tiki MarketPlace This family friendly afternoon tiki event features about 20 vendors, specializing in all things tiki, as well as cool live surf music, photos with Santa, a kid’s holiday arts & crafts station, decadent rum punch drinks and a luau pig roast. The Bamboo Club, 3522 E Anaheim St., Long Beach; Sat. Dec. 7, 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Free. facebook.com/events/2387989828122280/
Holiday Market at Palisades Village This pop-up market in Pacific Palisades features holiday shopping, children’s ornament making and an hourly snowfall in the park. Adults are invited to visit the Champagne Chalet for festive tastings. Palisades Village, 15225 Palisades Village Lane, Pacific Palisades; Sat. Dec. 7, 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Free. facebook.com/events/572275390196195/
WeHo Holiday Bazaar Hosted by Aeon Botanika, a cannabis wellness center set to open in Spring 2020, this holiday bazaar features local artisans selling eco-conscious gifts, handmade clothing and jewelry along with live jazz, festive drinks and tasty bites. 8448 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood; Sat. Dec. 7, 1 p.m.-6 p.m. Free. eventbrite.com/e/weho-holiday-bazaar-market-tickets-83416241223
Bitchcraft Winter Market Cool stuff, wicked crafts and gifts from the darkside available at this popular shopping event. 1001 N. Broadway, Downtown; Sat., Dec. 7, 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. cityofdevils.info/events/2019/12/7/bitchcraft-11th-annual-winter-faire
The Darkside Of Yuletide Holiday Market The witchy gals at Belle, Book & Candle have you covered in your idiosyncratic gift search, offering spell kits, offbeat oddities, healing crystals, unorthodox jewelry, clothes and unconventional art for sale. Come sip a tasty mimosa, get a tarot card reading and check your naughty and nice list twice while being bewitched by some of the coolest burlesque dancers in town. El Cid, 4212 W Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake; Sat. Dec. 7, 12 p.m.- 5 p.m. $5. facebook.com/events/428391377869550/
(Courtesy Pleasant Gehman/Darkside of Yuletide)
Handmade Market LA Holiday Bazaar Come support your neighborhood artists in this Silver Lake parking lot craft bazaar featuring over 40 local craftspeople. Find gift ideas for everyone on your list, including clothing, macrame, ceramics, woodwork, silverware and more. 3300 Glendale Blvd., Silver Lake; Sun. Dec. 8, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. facebook.com/events/978993839103648/
Sherman Oaks Antique Mall Vintage Holiday Party & Sale The Sherman Oaks Antique Mall is conducting its 31st Holiday Open House, featuring 95 vintage and antique dealers selling unique jewelry, vintage clothing and decor, while serving wine, coffee and snacks. Sherman Oaks Antique Mall, 14034 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks; Sun. Dec. 8, 12 p.m-5:30 p.m. Free. eventbrite.com/e/vintage-holiday-party-sale-join-our-31st-holiday-open-house-tickets-83573571803
The Original Tiki Market Place’s Happy Hula Days Show If you’re a tiki fanatic you’re in luck with this party-like family friendly holiday market. Featuring tiki vendors, live Hawaiian entertainment and food, your $10 admission even includes a free drink. The Garden Grove Elks Lodge, 11551 Trask Ave., Garden Grove; Sun. Dec. 8, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $10. facebook.com/events/489937301557840/
Nicole Murphy Enterprises Holiday Pop-Up Shop Featuring upscale boutique items, drinks and music, this holiday pop-up shop is hosted by jewelry and fitness wear designer Nicole Murphy, wife of actor Eddie Murphy. Bloom, 966 S Westlake Blvd., Thousand Oaks; Tues. Dec. 10, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Free. https:// facebook.com/events/1490925917712804/
Ebell Theatre Shop & Sip: Holiday Boutique Here’s a chance to check out the interior of the gorgeous vintage Ebell Theatre while doing some shopping and sipping a glass of bubbly. This pop-up holiday boutique features a cash bar and a free glass of champagne to adults who begin shopping after 5pm. The Ebell of Los Angeles, 743 S. Lucerne, Mid-Wilshire; Wed. Dec. 11, 3 p.m-8 p.m. Free. facebook.com/events/412128026147214/
Winter Bazaar / Holiday Night Market- Hollywood Night Market creates festive cheer with this holiday bazaar set high in the hills outside of the iconic Yamashiro Restaurant and its breathtaking views. Held the first three Thursday nights in December, this merry event features eclectic gifts for purchase from over 30 artisan craft vendors, live music, carolers, photos with Santa Claus, delicious food trucks and yummy seasonal cocktails. Yamashiro Hollywood, 1999 N Sycamore Ave., Hollywood; Thurs. Dec. 12 & 19, 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Free. https:// facebook.com/events/400032970658524/
Artscare (Courtesy ArtFonfa/@travelwithalondra)
PazNaz Women’s Ministries Christmas Boutique Held in a Pasadena church gymnasium, this Christmas boutique is on the traditional side, selling handmade crafts, homemade holiday foods, and stocking stuffers. The proceeds go to single parents, women in need and helps to provide scholarships for children attending camp. First Church of the Nazarene, 3700 East Sierra Madre Blvd., Pasadena; Thurs.-Fri. Dec. 12-13, 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Free. paznaz.org/events/event/christmas-boutique/
Woman’s Club of Hollywood Annual Christmas Party and Holiday Bazaar This holiday bazaar hosted by the Woman’s Club of Hollywood, founded in 1905, encourages shoppers to give back to the community by giving donations to special needs children. Besides shopping for gifts, eating holiday treats and listening to a live piano player, the building itself is a Historic Cultural Monument, operating as the Hollywood School for Girls from 1908 to 1932. Actress Jean Harlow was once a student here and costume designer Edith Head was once a teacher. Woman’s Club of Hollywood, 1749 N La Brea Ave., Hollywood; Fri. Dec. 13, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. $15. facebook.com/ events/726194351196911/
Bunker Hill Holiday Pop Up Hosted by Artisanal LA, this holiday shopping experience brings together over 40 independent artisans selling their handmade wares, covering everything from from candles and jewelry to gourmet food and kid stuff. There will be food, drinks, music and validated parking to make the shopping experience even more joyful. Bank of America Plaza, 333 S Hope St., Downtown; Fri. Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. facebook.com/events/433686564016078/
Pasadena Holiday Makers Market This Pasadena holiday market allows you to peruse over 75 vendors selling custom made clothing, art, and jewelry, while listening to live music performances, taking selfies with Santa, creating holiday ornaments at a craft station and stopping by a booth to get a complimentary poem. Playhouse Theatre Lot, 44 S Madison Ave., Pasadena; Sat. Dec. 14, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. facebook.com/events/468257350708562/
Self Help Graphics Holiday Marketplace Self Help Graphics has been serving the East L.A. community through support of Latinx artists since 1973. Their annual holiday marketplace offers affordable fine art, crafts and prints from local vendors and small businesses as well as an ornament-making workshop and printmaking demonstrations. Self Help Graphics & Art, 1300 East 1st St., Boyle Heights; Sat. Dec. 14, 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Free. eventbrite.com/e/holiday-marketplace-tickets-82162186311
Winter Bazaar/Hollywood Night Market (Nick Spano)
One Colorado Holiday Open House & Artisan Market Colorado Blvd in Old Town Pasadena may be known for stores featuring some of the bigger brands, but a special holiday pop-up widens your gift-giving choices with artisans from Lost Art L.A. selling unique ceramics, jewelry and home items. Featuring live music in the courtyard, local restaurants will join in the festivities by offering special Happy Hour promotions. One Colorado Old Pasadena, 41 Hugus Alley, Pasadena; Sat. Dec. 14, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. facebook.com/events/1527920767349606/
Holiday Market on the Santa Monica Pier Come shop over 100 local vendors while enjoying ocean views, food trucks and the historic Santa Monica Pier. Featuring live DJs, outdoor games and a gift wrap station, its a good chance to enjoy the beach while crossing off your to-do list. 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica; Sat. Dec. 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. facebook.com/events/ 379245292748855
Seven Deadly Fairies Holiday Gift Craft Fair Hosted by the eclectic clothing store Seven Deadly Fairies, which sells Harry Potter inspired wardrobe and more, this holiday gift fair brings together local artists selling handmade gifts. Seven Deadly Fairies, 2725 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena; Sat. Dec. 14, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Free. facebook.com/events/415514809141180/
Black Women’s Network Holiday Bazaar and Networking Affair The Black Women’s Network “sisters in service to enhance resource sharing” hosts this holiday shopping bazaar and networking event. Rogers Park, 400 West Beach Ave., Inglewood; Sat. Dec. 14, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. eventbrite.com/e/black- womens-network-holiday-bazaar-and-networking-affair-tickets-82013435393
Move Barre + Yoga 2nd Annual Health & Holiday Bazaar With more than 20 vendors selling handcrafted goods, homemade treats and healthy lifestyle products, this event features on-site massages, live music, food trucks and a children’s play zone. Move Barre + Yoga, 2535 East Washington Blvd., Pasadena; Sat. Dec. 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. eventbrite.com/e/move-barre-yoga-2nd-annual-health-holiday-bazaar- tickets-80740229199?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Thriftiki at Hardcore Tiki Marketplace (Courtesy Amy Northcutt)
Artists & Fleas For two consecutive weekends the downtown Grand Central Market hosts a holiday pop-up on its lower level hosted by Artists & Fleas. Shop for gifts made by hundreds of local artists and then treat yourself to a scrumptious meal at the market above. 317 S Broadway Ave., Downtown; Sat.-Sun. Dec. 14-15 and Sat-Sun. Dec. 21-22, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. facebook.com/events/ 419168722369936/
Tiki Wonderland 14 This annual holiday extravaganza takes place in the parking lot of Tonga Hut, one of L.A.’s oldest surviving tiki bars. Featuring a plethora of vendors specializing in surf, tiki and vintage, as well as an eclectic art show and a fun-loving DJ spinning holiday tunes, the day culminates with a live band covering the Ventures iconic Christmas album. Tonga Hut Tiki Lounge, 12808 Victory Blvd., North Hollywood; Sun. Dec. 15, 12pm-9pm. Free. facebook.com/events/477879486182603/
Pickle-Palooza Billed as the Holi-Gay Edition: A Queer Holiday Bazaar, Pickle-Palooza features a live performance showcase provided by Queer Artists Collab, artist vendors and smoked rum cocktails. Zebulon, 2478 N Fletcher Dr., Atwater Village; Thurs. Dec. 19, 8 p.m.-11 p.m. Free. facebook.com/events/2501063530220576/
The Haunted Gift Shop This pop-up holiday boutique brings together over 40 spooky Halloween-inspired shops, music and food for a festive afternoon. It also features an ugly X-mas sweater contest to get you in the spirit. The Vintage Vault of Upland, 308 N 2nd Ave, Upland; Sat. Dec. 21, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Free. facebook.com/events/2605056366198082/
Check back here for regular updates on more local shopping events and pop-ups.
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