Where to shop local for the holidays

A rundown of all the fairs, markets and pop-up shops doing their artisanal thing this year.

puces pop crowd

Whether you celebrate Christmas or Chanukah or Kwanzaa or the Solstice or Festivus for the rest of us, chances are you’re going to be doing some gift giving soon. If you’re looking for something original and want to support your local community of artisans, designers and craftspersons, there are plenty of opportunities over the next few weeks to cover all your needs. To help you on your mission, we’ve made a handy guide to twenty upcoming arts and crafts markets where you’re sure to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list.

 

Nov. 7–Dec. 23

Back by popular demand and on now is the Phi Centre’s Phiéphémére Pop-Up Shop, where you can find a carefully curated collection of local designers like Denis Gagnon and Travis Taddeo. 407 St-Pierre, Nov. 7–Dec. 23, see website for daily hours, free entry.

 

Nov. 27–30

A must-visit beginning today is the 11th annual Souk @ SAT where you’ll find the highest quality artisanal design products for your home, body and belly from local emerging designers such as Arielle de Pinto, Flat Broke and Woolfell. This year’s edition is dedicated to the memory of late Montreal photographer and artist Jane Heller.

1201 St-Laurent, Nov. 27–28 from 12–9 p.m. and Nov. 29–30 from 12–7 p.m. 18+, free entry.

 

Nov. 27–Dec. 3

From today to Dec. 3, head to Fripe Fabrique for the Unwrap Etsy Holiday Pop-Up Market, with dozens of artists plus a few DIY workshops throughout the week. 388 St-Zotique E., Nov. 27–Dec. 3, see website for daily hours, free entry.

 

Nov. 27–Dec. 7

Also beginning today is the Nutcracker Market at Palais des Congrès, produced by Montreal’s Les Grand Ballets. 10% of each purchase goes towards programs to help children participate in ballet instruction and performance. 1001 Place Jean-Riopelle, Nov. 27–Dec. 7, see website for daily hours, free entry.

 

Nov. 28–Dec. 13

Print-art focussed studio Atelier Circulaire is hosting the ninth edition of their holiday print sale, Prêt-à-emporter, featuring works by over 100 artists. Don’t miss the vernissage Friday, Nov. 28 from 6 p.m. to see the unveiling of the prints. 5445 de Gaspé, #105, Nov. 28–Dec. 13, see website for daily hours, free entry.

 

Nov. 29

Head to Santropol Roulant for a one-day Holiday Craft Fair to find local, handmade goodies like prints, tees, ceramics, personal care products and ultra-local honey. 111 Roy E., Nov. 19, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., free entry.

 

On the same day, you can also find a selection of women’s clothes and accessories by Toronto visitors Sauvage at their one-day only Pop-Up Shop at Espace POP. 5587 Parc, Nov. 29, 11 a.m.–6 p.m., free entry.

 

Since you’ll be out shopping all over town on Saturday, don’t forget to take note of some special deals that are on offer at the brick & mortar locally owned shops in your neighbourhood, for the one-day event Shop the Neighbourhood. Check the website for details of participating shops (such as Montréalité and Soundcentral) and the discounts they’re offering.

 

If you like your shopping with a side of party, you won’t want to miss Saturday’s all-night event put on by Crème de la Cream at Nomad Nation. This multifaceted event features not only plenty of local brands like Le Market, Empty Can and Rated Art, but BBQ, live tattooing and haircuts, and DJs sets from the likes of Dead Obies and Melt all night long. 129 Van Horne, Nov. 29, 5 p.m.–5 a.m., $10–$15.

 

Nov. 30

If you’ve got a budding musician on your list, help ‘em out with some gear and support girls who wanna rock at the same time, at the Instrument and Music Auction for Rock Camp for Girls at Cagibi. 5490 St-Laurent, Nov. 30, from 5 p.m., free entry.

 

Dec. 5–13

More prints are on offer at print studio Aprim’s 35th Anniversary edition of their annual Fire Sale, with a few very special works set aside for a silent auction. A festive vernissage will take place Friday, Dec. 5 from 6:30 p.m. 372 Ste-Catherine W., #426, Dec. 5–13, Wed–Sat  from 12–5 p.m., free entry.

 

Dec. 5–21

A large-scale art market goes down at Place Bonaventure, with the annual Salon des Métiers d’Art beginning on Friday, Dec. 5. Over 400 artisans will be offering their wares at this year’s edition. 800 de la Gauchetière W., Dec. 5–21, Mon–Sat  from 11 a.m.–9 p.m. and Sun from 11 a.m.–6 p.m., free entry.

 

Dec. 7

Mile End creative space The Plant will be hosting a one-day Holiday Art Market on Sunday, Dec. 7 with plenty of local, affordable artworks, plus snacks, tunes, and hangouts. The Plant (see link for details), Dec. 7, 12–7 p.m., free entry.

 

Also on Sunday, Dec. 7 will be a one-day Pop-Up Crystal Shop at Studio Sundari in collaboration with Blue Crystal Fire, offering a selection of crystals and minerals to help you replenish your positive energy. 6264 St-Hubert, Dec. 7, 1–7 p.m., free entry.

 

Dec. 11–14

The designers who work in the former textile factory the Grover Building are hosting a collective Christmas Market where you’ll find clothing, accessories and jewelry from designers like Josiane Perron, Noujica and Sokoloff Lingerie. 2025 & 2065 Parthenais, Dec. 11–12 from 11 a.m.–9 p.m. and Dec. 13–14 from 11 a.m.–5 p.m., free entry.

 

Dec. 12–14

One of the biggest arts & crafts markets in the city, Puces POP returns for its Holiday Edition at Église St-Denis with a stacked lineup of perennial favourites plus some exciting new editions. Find clothing, jewelry, accessories, prints, food and specialty items by local artisans like Rose Birtch, Mile End Modern and Preservation Society. 5075 Rivard, Dec. 12–14, see website for daily hours, free entry.

 

On the same weekend and just a stone’s throw from Puces Pop will be a Pop-Up Shop organized by Collectif Montreal. If you’re feeling the loss of the Smart Design Mart, you’ll want to check out this event involving several Smart Design alums including Elaine Ho, Assembly Home Goods and The Stowe. 160 St-Viateur E., #107,  Dec. 12–14, see website for daily hours, free entry.

 

Dec. 18

Catch up on your cute quotient at the Cutest Art Fair at La Tour Prisme, featuring work from Starchild Stela, The Coven, Zuzu Knew, Swarm and more. 6600 St-Urbain, #505, Dec. 18, from 4–10 p.m., free entry.

 

Dec. 20–21

For those last-minute gifts, head over to La Sala Rossa just before Christmas for the Super Bazar Artist Market, with 25 hand-picked vendors to hook you up with that special something, hosted by Suoni Per Il Popolo in conjunction with Popolo Press and CKUT. 4848 St-Laurent, Dec. 20–21 from 11 a.m.–5 p.m., free entry.