Buy Local From More Than 150 Vendors During Phoestivus Holiday Market

Head to the Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market at 721 N. Central Avenue for Phoestivus on Wednesday, Dec. 15 and Thursday, Dec. 16 from 5-10 p.m. (Photo: Slaven Gujic / Phoestivus)

After going virtual in 2020, the annual Phoestivus celebration returns for two jubilant nights of local shopping and holiday revelry at the Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market — Wednesday, Dec. 15 and Thursday, Dec. 16 from 5-10 p.m. Featuring more than 150 local vendors, Phoestivus is a unique holiday shopping experience with hand-crafted gifts from local artisans, makers and producers.

Attendees can procure the very best Arizona has to offer with options ranging from art, decorations, jewelry, toys, food products and much, much more. And be sure to save your receipts. Shoppers who spend $50 or more get a free commemorative ornament crafted in the Phoenix Forge maker space, courtesy of Downtown Phoenix Inc.

Phoestivus shoppers who spend $50 or more get a free “Phreddie the Yeti” commemorative ornament crafted in the Phoenix Forge maker space, courtesy of Downtown Phoenix Inc. (Photo: Fara Illich)

Now in its 12th year, Phoestivus is a fundraiser for Community Food Connections, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making quality, nutritious food more accessible through the Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market and vital partnerships.

“The effects of the pandemic have been challenging for, well, everyone — but it’s been particularly difficult for small businesses,” said Tanya Chakravarty, executive director of Community Food Connections. “This event is an opportunity to get together and reconnect with friends and neighbors in an outdoor setting, while also providing a platform to support local businesses and entrepreneurs in a fun, fanciful and festive environment, unique to Phoestivus.”

Phoestivus is a free event and open to the public with donations to the Community Food Connections accepted at points of entry.

“Phoenix loves Phoestivus!” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “It has grown into a special annual event that people look forward to every year, so we’re extremely excited to bring everyone back together to host this collaborative community celebration.”

Sliding out of a chimney near you, the skinny-jeans-wearing, fixie-riding Hipster Santa is back at the Phoestivus holiday market — with free photos in his vintage studio decorated by Antique Sugar. (Photo: Danny Upshaw)

Phoestivus traditions like Phreddie the Yeti, Hipster Santa, the Phoestivus Pole, phEATS of Strength, and the Airing of Grievances are also making their triumphant return. The pet-friendly evenings will feature a chance to stroll down Dogtopia Lane, transform grievances into gratitude (courtesy of the Arizona Storytellers Project), and enjoy music curated by Coronado Porch Concerts and Recordbar Radio.

Additionally, event participants can enjoy a bevy of specialty food and drink options, making this time of the year so special. At Phoestivus, you can shop and sip local with PHX Beer Co.’s Phoestivus Ale, brewed exclusively for the event, or seasonals from Wren House, Greenwood Brewing and Wild Tonic.

Ride your bike to Phoestivus, and Shopify will reward you with a free non-alcoholic beverage when you park at the bike valet — operated by the Rusty Spoke and the Phoenix Spokespeople.

Inspired by the Weihnachtsmarkt (German Christmas Market) and the Festivus “holiday” made famous by Seinfeld, Phoestivus began in 2009 as the perfect all-inclusive December celebration. Phoestivus is the brainchild of Ken Clark from Get Your PHX and Community Food Connections.