Christmas shopping has been in full swing, but you don’t have to rely on large physical stores or online giants to cross everything off your list this year. Instead, try to visit local Christmas markets where you can find unique gifts while you support the creative makers and artists in our midst. Here is a selection of more than a dozen free markets held around Metro Phoenix to get you started. Eye Lounge Holiday Sale Until December 15 Roosevelt Row-based artist collective Eye Lounge is holding their annual Christmas sale and fundraiser online this year, and more. Participating artists are Susan Allred, Kat Davis, Gina DeGideo, Megan Driving Hawk, Mikey Foster Estes, Shorty Greene, Charles Kurre, Amy Sansbury Manning, Buzzy Sullivan, Christy Wittmer and Hyewon Yoon. Early Bird Makers Market Nov 20th Related Stories I Support Local Community Journalism Support the independent voice of Phoenix and help keep the future of the New Times free. Local Trade AZ is hosting a free outdoor market at The Shops at Town & Country from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, where more than 120 vendors sell art, clothing, decoration, furniture, health and beauty products, and more. The event also includes live music and there will be a raffle to benefit the Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Buy Black Block Party November 26th Head to the Roosevelt Row Welcome Center for a Black Friday market hosted by Archwood Exchange to support local black-owned small businesses. The free noon to 4pm event also includes music, local food vendors, and freebies. click to enlarge Look for Jake Early’s artwork on the banners along Main Street in Mesa. Lynn Trimble Santa’s Merry Makers Marketplace November 26th and 27th Look for the two day marketplace near the town’s Christmas tree at 1 North Macdonald in Downtown Mesa. Local artisans and artisans will sell their wares at the free event, which starts at 5pm each evening. The market is open until 10 p.m. on Fridays and until 9 p.m. on Saturdays. Christmas ornament marketplace November 26th to 28th The free ornament marketplace in the Heard Museum runs on all three days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit the museum shop to discover ornaments by Native American artists such as Peter Ray James (Navajo), Michelle Tapia-Browning (Santa Clara), Larry Melendez (Hopi), and more. Ornaments start at $ 16. This year’s limited edition signature ornament was designed by Jessica Tracey (Navajo). While you’re there, you can also purchase folk art, baskets, books, jewelry, carpets, and other gifts. Bizarre bazaar November 27th The artist Irma Sanchez is holding a free artists’ market in her studio with several local creatives. The event takes place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Participating creatives include Doug Bale, the TeaPot Rescue Society, Jordan’s Skateboards, and more. DJ Tony Balogna will also be there. Crafeteria Pop-ups From November 27 this year, Frances Boutique will be presenting a series of free outdoor pop-ups instead of the traditional Crafeteria holiday market. The series starts on November 27th and continues on December 4th, 11th and 18th. Expect about 10 salespeople to pop up every noon to 5pm. The diverse list of suppliers includes manufacturers of works of art, baked goods, candles, clothing, cocktail mixes, jewelry and more. The November event includes Cosmic Hour, Pure Life Jewelry, Jackie Jaz Art, Mudhead Soaps, Citizen Home Décor, Naked Rebellion, and others. Check out the Stinkweed Sidewalk Sale with DJ Bruce Heimbuck during your stay. Click to enlarge In the Shemer Art Center you will find a diverse range of jewelry. Shemer Art Center Gift Shop Artist Showcase Nov. 27 The gift shop at Shemer Art Center features works by dozens of Arizona artists who make jewelry, small format paintings, garden objects, fashion accessories, home and office decorations, and more. During the free artist showcase from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., you can meet and talk to several of the artists. Participating artists include Sandy Blain, Gerri Dames, Rupali Holmes, Sandra Luehrsen, Michael Meacham, Robert McLeod, Michelle Rodeman and Christine Sandifur. Shop & Be Merry Starts November 27th The Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts features a range of indoor vacation markets featuring curated crafts, entertainment and activities. Entry is free, but there is a fee for some activities. The series starts on Small Business Saturday, November 27th, from 12pm to 4pm. Other days are December 5th, 12th and 19th. November 28th is Museum Shop Sunday and you can shop at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and Scottsdale Museum for Contemporary Art. Winter Artisan Market December 3rd and 4th The Holland Center and the Sonora Arts League present their free market on both days from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Expect a fun selection of handcrafted goods, as well as works from numerous Arizona-based artists. Retro Roundup December 4th Visit Silver & Cedar, a photo studio and metal printing leather shop, to explore this open market for handmade and vintage goods with an eclectic selection of vendors. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Click to enlarge Laura Spalding Best is one of many artists coming to the Art & Object Sale. Laura Spalding Best Art and Object Sale December 4th and 5th Artist Patricia Sannit is hosting a free art and object sale featuring works by dozens of Arizona-based artists who make prints, ceramics, jewelry, paintings, sculptures, and more. The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days and there will be a different line-up of artists each day. Participating artists are Tiffany Bailey, Laura Spalding Best, CeCe Cole, Bill Dambrova, Daniel Funkhouser, Christopher Jagmin, Mary Meyer, Lisa Olson, Alex Ozers and Kathy Taylor. Christmas Shopping Event December 10th The Vision Gallery in Chandler is hosting their free Christmas Shopping Event from 5pm to 7pm, where you can purchase art from Arizona artists who work in ceramics, jewelry, and other media. The gallery will have hot chocolate and treats for Christmas shoppers. Old Town Holiday Festival December 11 Head to the Johnny E. Osuna Memorial Park in Peoria for the free town festival from 5pm to 9pm, which includes a craft market to buy handcrafted goods. The evening also includes entertainment and a tree lighting ceremony. Phoestivus December 15 and 16 Phoestivus returns to the home of the Phoenix Farmers Market on both evenings from 5pm to 10pm. The free event will be attended by more than 150 local artisans, makers, and producers who sell handcrafted gifts, including art, food, jewelry, toys, and more. The pet-friendly gathering also includes music, Phoestivus ale tastings, and performances by characters like Phreddie the Yeti and Hipster Santa. The event is a fundraiser for Community Food Connections and donations will be accepted at the entrance.
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