14 indie holiday craft fairs you can still shop this year, in person and online
In this unusual holiday season, some beloved traditions, such as shopping at holiday craft fairs, will be different or nonexistent because of the coronavirus.
The popular Renegade and Echo Park craft fairs are postponing events until 2021, while others are finding new ways to connect with shoppers.
Several holiday markets plan in-person shopping events despite COVID-19, with outdoor staging, limited entrance, mask mandates and touchless payment.
Want to buy a gift for the holidays from the person who made it? Here are 14 holiday markets you can shop online and in person while supporting local artists and small businesses. Know of an event we missed? Alert us, and we’ll add it. If you do shop online, shipping might be delayed because of the holidays and the pandemic.
Kokoro2020 Virtual Craft Boutique
More than 40 vendors will participate in the 12th Annual Kokoro Craft Boutique, offering gifts for the home, wall planters, artwork, jewelry and more. Ten percent of sales benefit the Japanese American National Museum’s (JANM) educational programs.
When: Through Nov. 30
Info: janm.org
Nov. 28, Small Business Saturday
Unique Markets L.A. Holiday Market
The 13th annual Unique Market moves from the penthouse of the California Market Center to an outdoor venue at the sprawling Row DTLA. “Same festive atmosphere with music and a great curation of L.A.-area only sellers — just outdoors and [with] only 25% of sellers and attendees,†said Sonja Rasula, founder and chief executive of Unique Markets. Two of the lanes at Row DTLA will be transformed into a festive, pedestrian-only market. Face masks will be required, and booths will be spaced more than eight feet apart.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 28-29
Where: Row DTLA, 777 S. Alameda Street, downtown Los Angeles
Admission: $10 and $20. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Children 12 and younger are free but must be registered. There will be no tickets on sale on the day of the event.
Info: uniquemarkets.com
Jackalope Virtual Holiday Market
The annual market, which is normally held outdoors in Pasadena and Burbank, will feature more than 150 artisans, crafters and DIY enthusiasts from around the country in an online format. Shoppers can expect original fashion and jewelry designs, ceramics, home decor, paper goods, art and apothecary goods. Meet the makers on Instagram Live, Saturdays at 11 a.m.
When: Nov. 28 - Dec. 18
Info: jackalopeartfair.com
West Coast Craft
Long a favorite with local designers who make the trek to San Francisco, the West Coast Craft Fair is hosting a one-day outdoor market at Fort Mason Center along San Francisco Bay. The event will feature more than 60 artists and craftspeople, all of whom reside in the Bay Area. Safety measures include mandatory masks, monitored capacity, hand-sanitizing stations and 10 feet distancing between booths.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 28 and Dec. 12
Where: Fort Mason Center, 2 Marina Blvd., San Francisco
Tickets: Free
Info: westcoastcraft.com
Markets for Makers
To support more than 70 makers from around the world, this fair is virtual for the holidays. From salty body scrubs made in Florida to intricate jewelry handcrafted in Oakland, the online market offers a variety of small-batch items you won’t find in stores.
When: Live now
Info: marketsformakers.com
Check out made in L.A. art, jewelry, accessories, and products to delight Southern California enthusiasts this 2020 holiday season.
Crafty Wonderland Virtual Fair
In place of its annual holiday market, the Portland-based store is offering a Month of Makers online with artist interviews, how-to projects and two virtual markets on Nov. 29 and Dec. 12. During the markets, vendors will be live on Instagram offering studio tours, sharing products and hosting workshops, allowing shoppers to interact with vendors. To shop, click on the links listed on the website and purchase online.
When: Nov. 28 and Dec. 12, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Info: craftywonderland.comPlant Provocateur Holiday Pop Up
At this outdoor pop-up, Hank Jenkins of the Plant Provocateur will offer custom holiday wreaths, essential oil burners, plant care kits (includes a brass watering can, moisture meter and plant mister), fun marimo (green algae ball) accessories, rare plants and a new custom candle called Golden Nocturne.
When: Nov. 28, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Gilly’s Flowers, 3936 Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake
Info: plantprovocateur.com
Grand Central Market Bazaar
Local independent artisans and makers set up inside the downtown food emporium weekly, offering one-of-a-kind handcrafted gifts, home decor, vintage apparel and wellness products.
When: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursdays through Sundays
Where: 317 S. Broadway, downtown Los Angeles
Info: grandcentralmarket.com
Renegade Craft Shop
This year, the Renegade Craft Fair is hosting an online shop for all things handmade, small-batch, and creative, with more than 500 goods made by 150 artists in the Renegade community.
Info: renegadecraft.com
Ebell Holiday Boutique
The historic women’s club hosts a virtual holiday boutique featuring works by more than 40 primarily female artists.
When: Through Dec. 21.
Info: ebellofla.comDec. 5
Sawdust Festival Weekend Marketplace
More than 45 vendors will share their work at this outdoor marketplace mounted in a 3-acre eucalyptus grove. Visitors can anticipate ceramics, jewelry and art as well as live music, outdoor dining and glassblowing demonstrations.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends through Dec. 20
Where: 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach
Tickets: $10; children free
Info: sawdustartfestival.org
The Los Angeles Times 2020 Holiday Gift Guide features several categories including Plants and Gardening, Cozy at Home, Cannabis, Made in L.A. and more.
Indie Craft Experience Shop in Place
The Atlanta-based craft fair will showcase artists from around the country in a virtual format this year. Artists will share handcrafted goods and vintage items as well as live studio tours and demonstrations.
When: Dec. 5, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Info: ice-atlanta.com
Dec. 12
Creative Communal Pop-up
This open-air market designed for families will include locally made ceramics, jewelry, candles and home goods. There will be live music and a food truck. Children and dogs are allowed.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 12 and 19
Where: Himalayan Grill parking lot, 16278 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach
Info: creativecommunal.com
Dec. 13
Handmade Market Collective
Shop for locally made macrame plant hangers, jewelry, soaps, candles and ceramics at this outdoor community bazaar. Third-party sellers are not allowed, so expect to meet your maker. Safety precautions include social distancing, mask requirements and hand sanitizer.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 13
Where: Hugo’s Tacos parking lot, 3300 Glendale Blvd, Atwater Village
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