If you’re looking to avoid the malls this holiday season, you’re going to want to peruse this roundup of fairs, markets and indie shops where you can treasure hunt for gifts that you’re not likely to find anywhere else.
Jackalope: An Indie Artisan Fair
Central Park, Pasadena, Nov. 9-10
Downtown Burbank Arts Festival, Dec. 7-8
These outdoor, family-friendly fairs feature more than 170 local, curated artisans selling original art, fashion, home décor and food. On-site activities include facepainting, DIY slime, watercolor painting for ages 3 and up and live music. jackalopeartfair.com
Valley Vibes Market
The Autry Museum of the American West, Nov. 16
Browse more than 60 vendors at Valley Vibes Market’s holiday-themed shopping experience while enjoying live music, food trucks and more at this pet-friendly and family-friendly event. valleyvibesmarket.com
Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild Arts & Crafts Faire
Torrance Cultural Arts Center, Nov. 16-17
Join non-profit Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild for its annual fall fair, where funds raised support high school seniors from the Torrance Unified School District. Shop handcrafted items including clothes, jewelry, ornaments, ceramics and more.
torrancecraftsmensguild.org
Renegade Craft Fair
Los Angeles State Historic Park, Nov. 16-17
Complete your holiday shopping at this free, annual winter fair featuring more than 275 curated artists, in addition to food and drink offerings. renegadecraft.com
VinylFest at The Original Farmers Market
The Original Farmers Market, Dec. 7
Join The Original Farmers Market for the first-ever VinylFest, a celebration of all things vinyl. This debut event will feature local and national record dealers, a live DJ, vintage stereo equipment, rock posters, memorabilia showcases and more. farmersmarketla.com
Holiday Boutique Pop-up
The Commons Pasadena, Dec. 7
Creative Communal presents the Holiday Boutique Pop-up featuring local artisans, live music, kids’ activities and plenty of holiday cheer. creativecommunal.com
Conscious Market
Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, Dec. 7
The free market pop-ups on Third Street Promenade the first Saturday of every month features the promenade’s signature collection of small businesses and local artists with sustainability, fitness and wellness in mind. santamonica.com
Unique World Holiday Pop-up
California Market Center, Dec. 7 & 8
The popular family-friendly pop-up market featuring local, predominantly women and BIPOC small business owners will host its annual holiday market in Downtown L.A. Enjoy DIY crafts, photo ops, music with a live DJ and a family fun zone. uniquemarkets.com
Holiday Marketplace
Craft Contemporary, Dec. 7 & 8
Craft Contemporary museum’s annual holiday shopping weekend returns with its curated selection of ceramics, jewelry, floral arrangements, artisanal chocolates and more by L.A.-based makers. Enjoy music, family-friendly workshops and refreshments while getting your holiday shopping done. craftcontemporary.org
Merry & Bright Market
Runway Playa Vista, Dec. 7 & 14
Support local makers at Creative Communal’s free holiday market at Runway Playa Vista. For two Saturdays, shop this winter wonderland where live music, activities for kids and pet-friendly fun brings holiday cheer for all. creativecommunal.com
Nina Harada is Digital Editor of L.A. Parent.
