It’s time! We all know the holidays are corporate bullshit and capitalism and all that, but if you’re going to participate in society, why not do it to the best of your ability? A.K.A., we’re going to make it easy for you and get you to buy some cool shit made by local makers this season!
We’ll keep updating throughout November and December as more markets pop up.
Short Version (I mean, there’s a lot coming up so I’ll lay them out briefly before getting deep into it)
December 7th: Boston Hassle Market at the Cambridge Elks 12-6PM:
December 7th: JP Holiday Fair at the First Church in Jamaica Plain
December 7th: Lori Greenough House Open House and Art Sale in Jamaica Plain 12-5pm
December 7th: MassArt Made Holliday Market at Mass Art 11-7PM
December 8 & 15th: Providence Flea Holiday Markets at Waterfire Arts Center 11-5PM
December 8th: Brain Arts Market at the Cambridge Community Center 12-6PM
December 8th: Boston Women’s Market in the South End 11-4PM
December 8 and 20th: Holiday Buzz Market at ONCE in Somerville 11-5PM
December 14th: JP Holliday Flea at the First Church in Jamaica Plain
December 14th: Boston’s Black Owned Businesses Market at District Hall 12-6 PM
December 14th – 15th: Olio Market presented by the Creative Collective 11-6PM
December 15th: Holly-Gay Market at Blend in Dorchester 12-6PM:
December 12-15th: Allson Winter Market in Allston
December 22nd: Haunt the Halls Oddities Market at Old Town Hall in Salem 12-5pm
Spotlight:
December 7th: Boston Hassle X-MAS FLEA at the Cambridge Elks 12-6PM:
You may have heard but the Black Market Flea has split into two fantastic BRAND SPANKIN’ NEW flea markets! What could be better for your life than to now have more options for your local buying? Nothing, I’m guessing. The first one up is in a new space and it’s the Boston Hassle Xmas Flea:
“Boston Hassle presents a bi-monthly one-day flea market at the
Cambridge Elks Lodge/Hardcore Stadium featuring handmade artwork, prints, patches, records, tees, pins, ceramics, jewelry, zines, body care, tea, fiber art, vintage clothing, accessories, books, as well as tarot readings, haircuts, live drawings, used stuff and more!”
December Calendar:
December 7th: Boston Hassle Market at the Cambridge Elks
(see above spotlight)
December 7th: JP Holiday Fair at the First Church in Jamaica Plain
I worked this one last year and it was more geared towards grandmas and people that had two strollers BUT maybe you’re a grandma or just like wearing your sweaters Superman style. I dunno, but the option is here if you want it:
“Amazing vendors, food, music and fun! Amazing list of vendors – You can check out some of them here: https://www.firstchurchjp.org/craft-fair”
December 7th: Lorie Greenough Open House in Jamaica Plain
Not sure what’s going on at this one but who doesn’t love an open house? Go check out their bathroom and see what ply they’re usuing.
“Join us as we open the Loring Greenough House for a weekend of fun and festivities December 7th a!
On Saturday, stroll throughout the first floor and see the rooms decked in their holiday finest. join us in our historic kitchen for cookie decorating and mulled apple cider. In the Dining Room you can hear Boston City Singers Jamaica Plain Training Chorus from 11 to 11:30am.
Sponsored by Sazama Team Real Estate & Referral Company!
And again this year, we will be hosting a pet portrait photobooth on the Lawn! Saturday from 12:30 – 3pm. Sponsored by our friends at Polkadog Bakery!
Both days, you can browse our Holiday Art Show featuring local artists and handmade wares–perfect for holiday shopping!
To top it off, our annual tree and wreath sales will kick off too! Walk through the halls of our Revolutionary War house in all its festive glory!
See a detailed schedule below.
This event is free and all are welcome!”
December 7th: MassArt Made Holiday Market at Mass Art: 11-7PM:
You know Mass Art, those kids who make all the art! Well, they’re selling it after they made it this year! Who knows, maybe you buy something here and then it’s worth a bunch of money on antiques roadshow one day.
“The NEW MassArt Made Holiday Market will be held on December 7, 2019 from 11:00am to 7:00pm in the Design and Media Center’s Atrium and Fenway Studio.
Over 70 MassArt students and alumni will sell handmade items including glass, ceramics, photographs, paintings, prints, fibers to jewelry and more”
December 8 & 15th: Providence Flea Holiday Markets at Waterfire Arts Center 11-5PM
Providence is rad. There’s no two ways about it. Why not take a day trip down to check out these markets and see what’s being made down there? You can grab some pizza strips on the way and just make a day of it:
“The Providence Flea, downtown’s outdoor vintage and artisan/maker market, presents its Holiday Markets at a NEW TIME AND LOCATION–Sundays, December 8 and December 15 from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm indoors at WATERFIRE ARTS CENTER, 475 Valley St. in Providence. The Holiday Markets offer a juried selection of handmade art and design, craft and clothing, jewelry, accessories, vintage wares and small-batch gift and food items from over 65+ vendors at each market!
Grab a campfire cocoa and make it a vintage and handmade holiday at the greenest, most unique and affordable shopping experience of the season!
Plenty of free, off-street parking. Admission is free.”
December 8th: Brain Arts Market at the Cambridge Community Center 12-6PM
The other half of the Black Market Flea split. Like I said, double your chances of finding something cool. Plus, have you ever been to one of these events where the Glitter Boys are working? The dancing is off the chain:
“Brain Arts Organization presents a bi-monthly one-day flea market at the Cambridge Community Center featuring handmade artwork, prints, patches, records, tees, pins, ceramics, jewelry, zines, body care, tea, fiber art, vintage clothing, accessories, books, as well as tarot readings, haircuts, live drawings, and more!
As always there will be a raffle with prizes donated by our vendors! And coffee for sale, donated by 1369 Coffeehouse”
December 8th: Boston Women’s Market in the South End 11-4PM
These are fantastic events and seem super well organized by the folks behind BWM. Come out and give support to the womxn makers in the area if you’re in the south end that day.
“Boston Women’s Market is not just another market. It’s an opportunity to support your community of local womxn makers and founders! From candle and jewelry makers, to woodworkers and bakers, the perfect holiday gift awaits at Boston Women’s Holiday Market.
Family-friendly indoor event. Pups (of the human and dog variety) are welcome!”
“2 Holiday Buzz Markets, both with 2 floors and over 40 vendors each! Come check out local folks with handmade, craft, vintage and fine art.
All Ages – Free Admission – Full Bar”
“Our 5th annual JP HOLIDAY FLEA is coming to the corner of Centre and Eliot Street in the heart of Jamaica Plain! We’re back with our usual selection of multicultural artists, non-profits and small businesses covering everyone on your holiday gift list this season!
art ● records ● plants ● clothing repair and alterations ● jewelry ● rugs + textiles ● custom leatherwork ● handmade knits ● zines ● vintage clothing ● handmade woodwork ● herbal wellness ● books ● handmade pottery ● succulents ● prints ● pipes ● candles ● home decor ● skincare ● crystals ● antiques ● organic dog/cat treats & more!”
This is one that should not be skipped! Support the Businesses of color in boston at the BBOB Market.
“Join us for our last market of the season on December 14th! This event is free and open to the public in the heart of the Seaport area at District Hall, 75 Northern Ave. Come shop and support local black owned businesses while enjoying music, giveaways, networking, and community building. Please bring donations for our Holiday Toy drive if you are able. The Gather restaurant and bar will be open for our guests with great views of the city. Metered parking is available but access to District Hall is available via public transit, close to the Silver line Courthouse stop. This event is made possible by sponsorship from District Hall. If you are interesting in getting involved please email [email protected]. ”
December 14th – 15th: Olio Market presented by the Creative Collective 11-6PM
“ALL NEW! Save the Date. Creative Collective Merchant Marketplace will be curating and producing a shopping experience like no other! Some of your favorite local artisans, Warm Beverages (For kids AND the Adult versions) Photo Opportunities, visiting character and a magical production that will enhance your shopping experience!
As with most of our markets, expect the unexpected and stay tuned for more details!”
“The third annual Allston-Brighton Winter Market returns to the Harvard Ed Portal from December 12–15! The #ABWinterMarket celebrates Allston-Brighton with four days featuring local vendors of crafts, artisanal goods, gifts, and fine art, as well as live music, food and drinks for purchase, a beer garden, and special interactive art programs.
Next door to the Winter Market, the Ceramics Program, Office for the Arts at Harvard Holiday Show and Sale presents an extraordinary selection of ceramic work by more than 50 artists.
Both events are free, open to the public, and located at 224 Western Ave. in Allston. We encourage visitors to return throughout the weekend to take in all that the market has to offer!
Winter Market Hours:
Thursday, December 12: 4:00pm–8:00pm
Friday, December 13: 4:00pm–7:00pm
Saturday, December 14: 10:00am–7:00pm
Sunday, December 15: 10:00am–7:00pm”
“Join us for another whimsical oddity market at Old Town Hall 32 Derby Sq in Salem MA Sunday December 22nd from 12pm-5pm.
We have a full vendor line up for Haunt the Halls and we are gearing up to bring you an amazing event with the most talented vendors, artists, crafters and creators. Not to mention KRAMPUS, Santa Claus and zombie Christmas carolers! Bring your family, bring your friends, and bring out your dead for this fun filled Creepsmas Celebration!
This is the perfect opportunity to buy those last minute gifts for the beautiful weirdos and creeps in your life! Our vendors offer the most unique wares that will shock the mind and shake the soul. Give the gift of the strange and unusual! Don’t miss this event! You will find everything from beautifully crafted jewelry, bones, skulls, Oddities, horror posters and art, curious home decor, Antiques so much more!
This event is FREE to the public. Handicap accessible. Parking is free on Sundays! There is on street parking, garages and lots within walking distance. Take a stroll down the pedestrians walkway cobblestone path, to historic old town hall! Be sure to check out our local shops and restaurants while you are in town.”
