Alternative holiday shopping in Montreal

souk@sat

On the heels of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Montreal’s many holiday craft fairs roll out alternative shopping options, ways to shop local (and regional) for gifts that fall outside the mainstream stocking stuffers. Here’s our round-up of local markets popping up this month:

souk @ sat
Societé des arts technologiques (1201 St-Laurent)
Nov. 30–Dec. 4

This “Bazaar organized in a loft-style space, where one can find a multitude of contemporary creations by Montrealers” returns this holiday season, proclaiming itself as an oasis for those fed up with shopping at chain stores and online. Over the five days, local vendors will be selling “designer clothes, chic accessories, decorative objects to die for, funky jewellery, sexy CDs, limited-edition finds, and clever toys.”

Salon des artisans récupérateurs
The Centre for Sustainable Development (50 Ste-Catherine W.)
Dec. 2–4

RECYQ-QUÉBEC and ENvironnement JEUnesse are hosting Montreal’s “greenest Christmas craft show,” with more than 40 local artisans selling gifts made of recycled or repurposed materials. Visitors will be able to vote on their favorite vendors and create their own accessories using recycled elements. There’s a VIP party on Friday, Dec. 2 (RSVP required), and the market will be open on the weekend from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is a $5 suggested donation.

An artist’s rendering of the Grand Marché outside Place des Arts

Le Grand Marché de Noël
Place des Arts Esplanade (175 Ste-Catherine W.)
Dec. 2–24

December will see Place des Arts transformed into a Christmas-themed market and festival with more than 60 vendors selling holiday gifts, food and drinks. There will be a huge Christmas tree and a “milk igloo”, as well as a Santa’s workshop for kids to visit. Admission is free, but the hours vary, so check the site before going.

Salon des métiers d’art de Montréal
Place Bonaventure (800 de la Gauchetière W.)
Dec. 8–18

This market guarantees high quality goods, with more than 300 vendors selling Quebec Craft Council certified “fine crafts”. Admission is free, but hours differ during the week and weekend so check their page to see if it’s open.

Puces POP

Puces POP Winter Edition
St Denis Church (5075 Rivard)
Dec. 9–11 and 16–18

Organized by the people behind the POP Montreal music festival, the winter edition of this triannual market has expanded this year, and is now taking place over two weekends to accommodate the extensive list of vendors. Items in categories such as jewelry, clothing, toys, home goods and more will be on sale. The number of choices at this market is impressive, but each weekend has its own lineup, so check the event page before going.

Etsy Holiday Market
Maison de la Culture Maisonneuve
Dec. 10–11

If you’re looking to support local Montreal Etsy makers and get handmade gifts for the holidays, this market may be right for you. There will be over 70 artisans at the weekend fair.

Foire d’Hiver des Lutins Artisans
Basement of St-Jean Berchmans Church (1871 Rosemont)
Dec. 17–18

Another fair packed with local artisans, this elvish festival will feature “a kids craft area, craft workshops for adults & children as well as food for purchase in the Café.” There will also be a raffle, and the event encourages visitors to bring used clothing to donate to CTV’s Spirit of Giving program. ■