The holiday season can be a stressful time, but shopping doesn’t have to be. Find the perfect gift for all the people on your list with one of Downtown Phoenix’s open-air markets, vendor fairs or festivals. It’s the perfect way to turn a chore into a fun family outing.
CityScape Phoenix / Friday, Nov. 23 / 12-7 p.m. / Free Sleep in, avoid the crowds and still get great deals on gifts. This annual event features more than 20 local vendors with a wide selection of handmade jewelry and crafts, in addition to vintage clothing, décor and accessories. After shopping, be sure to stick around for free photos with Santa at 3 p.m. and the official Tree Lighting Ceremony 6 p.m. Ice skating and festivities last all day. Click here to learn more.
Heard Museum Shop / Nov. 23-25 / Friday and Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. / Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m / Free This annual event offers a wide selection (and price range) of beautiful, intricate and handmade ornaments artfully created by Native artists of the southwest — many of them local. In addition to one-of-a-kind ornaments, the sale features carved wood, miniature baskets, pottery, beads, decorated wreaths, books and other gifts. Click here to learn more.
Heritage & Science Park / Saturday, Nov. 24 / 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. / $5 For vintage treasures, fine art, locally-made fashion, jewelry and artisan food, Phoenix Flea is the place to be. Timed in line with Small Business Saturday, this is a great opportunity to shop more than 150 local vendors. This is a family and pet-friendly affair, so it’s easy to relax, shop, eat and make a day of it. Click here to learn more.
Culver Street from Seventh to 17th avenues / Saturday, Dec. 1 from 6-9 p.m. / Sunday, Dec. 2 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. / $15 for the home tour, market is free In addition to seeing some of the oldest and most beautiful homes around, the F.Q. Story neighborhood will host a street fair marketplace on Sunday, perfect for the whole family. The tour begins on Saturday night with carolers and decked out streets, lined with luminarias and Christmas lights. On Sunday, the home tour continues with the addition of dozens of arts, crafts and yummy food vendors. Click here to learn more.
Margaret T. Hance Park / Dec. 7-9 / Friday 12-5 p.m. / Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. / Free From photography to ceramics, Phoenix Festival of the Arts offers amazing gifts for the holidays, handcrafted by Arizona’s finest artists and craftspeople. In addition to dozens of vendors, attendees can pause to check out top-notch performances, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and family zone for the little ones. This event is great for the art-lovers on your list. Click here to learn more.
Roosevelt Row Arts District / Friday, Dec. 7 / 6-11 p.m. / Free Every first Friday on the month, Second and Fifth streets (south of Roosevelt) come alive with local artwork, artisan crafts, vintage goods, jewelry and culinary treats. Over the years, the art walk has evolved into one of the largest in the United States, with wonderful gifts in all price ranges. In addition to outdoor vendors, check out some of the great local shops along Roosevelt Row like MADE Art Boutique, Revolver Records, Antique Sugar and Rubymint General. Click here to learn more.
Phoenix Public Market / Thursdays, Dec. 13 and 20 / 5-10 p.m. / Free For two Thursday nights in December, the Phoenix Public Market pulls out all the stops with dozens of local vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, “Hipster Santa” and enough beer to stay cheerful the whole night through. Focusing on local and handmade jewelry, crafts, food items, clothing, artwork and more, Phoestivus makes stress-free, one-stop shopping a breeze. Click here to learn more.
(Photo: Barbara Ann Photography / Hello Handmade Market)
Heritage & Science Park / Saturday, Dec. 15 / 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. / Free Set against the beautiful backdrop of historic Heritage Square, the Hello Handmade Market features more than 70 Arizona-based vendors. From handmade soaps and candles to adorable vintage clothes and jewelry, shopping local has never been easier (and more fun). This is a free family-friendly event, so feel free to bring the kiddos and enjoy lunch from a nearby downtown eatery or food truck. Click here to learn more.
