7 Downtown Outdoor Artisan Markets Perfect For Holiday Shopping
by Fara Illich
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Local artisans from across the Valley fill the sidewalks around The Churchill every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Photo courtesy of: The Churchill)
Hoping to get your holiday shopping done all in one place? Make it a fun, less stressful ordeal by shopping at one of Downtown Phoenix’s open-air markets, vendor fairs or festivals. When you buy locally, a higher percentage of those dollars remain here — up to four times more than when you purchase from a national vendor, according to Local First Arizona. This, in turn, spurs a growth in the number of local businesses and jobs — and that’s really something to celebrate.
Looking for unique handmade and vintage gifts for the holidays? Bragg’s Vendor Market popped up on historic Grand Avenue over Thanksgiving weekend, and will host markets with rotating vendors every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through December 18. With more than four dozen local vendors to choose from, offering a variety of one-of-a-kind items, you’ll be this season’s gift-giving MVP. Bragg’s Pie Factory is located at 1301 N.W. Grand Avenue.
Come eat, drink and shop at “Christkindlmarkt,” a Christmas market at Match Market and Bar, located inside the Found:re Phoenix Hotel. Featuring art, jewelry, clothing, home décor and more, Match is not only a great place for breakfast, lunch or dinner — but a fun local shopping destination too. Christkindlmarkt is on Saturday, Dec. 18 from 6-10 p.m. But pop into the Match market anytime for locally-sourced food, wine and gifts – open daily.
Every first and third Friday, Roosevelt Row and Grand Avenue come alive with local artwork, artisan crafts, vintage goods, jewelry and culinary treats from 6-10 p.m. Over the years, the art walk has evolved into one of the largest in the United States, with wonderful gifts in all price ranges. Besides the outdoor vendors, check out some great local shops like Made Art Boutique, Straw and Wool, Bunky and a whole bunch more.
From photography to ceramics, Phoenix Festival of the Arts offers amazing gifts for the holidays, handcrafted by Arizona’s finest artists. In addition to dozens of vendors, attendees can pause to check out top-notch performances, food trucks, beer and wine, and a family zone for the little ones. This event is Saturday, Dec. 11 and Sunday, Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s the perfect place to shop for the art-lovers on your list.
The go-to place for local holiday gift shopping, Phoestivus, returns for two days Wednesday, Dec. 15 and Thursday, Dec. 16. This year, downtown’s largest artisan market is chock-full of paper goods, jewelry, art, food items, home goods, clothing and so much more. Hipster Santa is also back with free photos in his vintage studio decorated by Antique Sugar. Be sure to save your receipts too. Shoppers who spend $50 or more get a free commemorative ornament crafted in the Phoenix Forge maker space, courtesy of Downtown Phoenix Inc. Find out more at the Hipster Santa table.
Enjoy brunch and shopping from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday at The Churchill. Sidewalk Saturdays is a celebration of local community — a place where local brands, artists and musicians come together to share their craft. Featuring unique local vendors, great food and drinks, it’s a great place to shop for the holidays or everyday.
Waiting until last weekend before Christmas? Don’t worry, Slacker Holiday Gift Market has you covered. Enjoy good music, good people, and all the holiday goodies on Saturday Dec. 18 and Sunday, Dec. 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Located in the park next to the Monorchid building at 214 E. Roosevelt Street, you’ll find artists, local makers and vintage vendors — making it a one-stop-shop. There will also be local craft beer, live music and photos with Santa.