In a city that values its makers, more and more people are opting to shop small. This holiday season, there are plenty of ways to shop local in the Mile High. One of the best ways to support local artist is to check out the numerous craft fairs all over the city. Whether you want to be a part of the festive spirit, meet the makers in person, or simply avoid the chaos of chain stores, mark some of these unique markets on your calendar this season:
Sugar Plum Bazaar
Where: McNichols Building, 144 W. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO
When: November 23-24th, 2018 | Friday 1-9PM; Saturday 10AM – 5PM
Cost: Free
Starting on Black Friday, the Sugar Plum Bazaar kicks off at the McNichols Building. But don’t worry, you won’t have to brave the early hours of the morning and fend off other shoppers for this event — it starts at 1:00PM. You can also choose to attend this free craft fair on Saturday. They’ll feature over 120 different local vendors with unique handcrafted products. They advertise that 95% of the products are handmade and from small independent Colorado businesses. Expect handcrafted, repurposed, vintage, and other unique goods.
Stapleton Holiday BAZAAR
Where: The Shops at Northfield Stapleton, 8340 Northfield Blvd. Denver, CO
When: Thursday, November 29th, 2018 | 4-10PM
Cost: Free
The Denver BAZAAR is hosting several holiday markets this season, giving you plenty of opportunities to shop. The first is their Stapleton Holiday BAZAAR, happening on Thursday, November 29th, at the Shops at Northfield Stapleton. This indoor market will showcase goods from over 45 local makers in a festive atmosphere. Admission is free, but they also offer Shop & Sip Packages where you can get a bundle of drink sample tokens to redeem at the event, a drink glass, and an eco-friendly shopping tote to collect your handmade goods purchased at the event.
Denver Handmade Homemade Holiday Market
Where: 970 Yuma St., Denver, CO
When: November 30 – December 1st, 2018 | Friday 4-9PM; Saturday 12-5PM
Cost: Free
Denver HAHO hosts this holiday market at the end of November. They’re an organization that hosts regular markets on second Saturday of every month, with about 25 various handmade makers who are often just starting out in their businesses. These two days of holiday markets mark their final two events of the year, so make sure to come and support the small makers in your community. This marketplace is about as local as it gets, giving shoppers the chance to get to know the makers more personally. They’ll also have food, drinks, and other fun to experience.
RiNo Holiday BAZAAR
Where: Walnut St. between 28th & 29th, Erico Motorsports & Stem Ciders parking lots
When: December 7-9th, 2018 | Fri 5-10PM; Sat 10AM-6PM; Sun 10AM-6PM
Cost: Free for the first two hours of each day, $5 thereafter at the door and valid for the whole weekend; Kids under 12 and dogs have free admission
Also hosted by Denver BAZAAR, this craft-filled weekend in RiNO is a great place to do some holiday shopping. This market takes place in the streets of RiNO, giving it a real community feel. Expect a well-curated group of makers with a backdrop of music and festive spirit. They’ll have food and drinks, including several local food trucks, and they offer Shop & Sip Drink packages that you can purchase in advance.
Jackalope Denver
Where: McNichols Building, 144 W. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO
When: Saturday & Sunday, December 8-9th, 2018 | 10:00AM-5:00PM
Cost: Free, donations encouraged to the Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies, the event beneficiary
Jackalope is a lovely curated craft fair dreamt up and founded by two friends. Their events happen annually not only in Denver but in a couple of California locations as well. Their Denver holiday fair will be held at the McNichols Building, with 3 floors of creative vendors to check out. Expect indie makers with innovative products including ceramics, fashion and jewelry design, housewares, and paper goods. Mark this weekend on your calendar to check out some trendy handmade goods and pick up some great gifts.
Union Station Holiday Market
Where: Denver Union Station
When: Nov. 23-25, Nov. 30-Dec. 2, Dec. 7-9, Dec. 14-16, 2018 | most Fridays 5-9PM, Saturdays 10AM-6PM, Sundays 10AM-5PM
Cost: $5 per person is good for entry and re-entry during the duration of the weekend of your choice, Kids 12 and under are free
The Union Station Holiday Market has the most market days out of any on this list. It’s hosted by Denver Flea which is bringing the community four weekends of local crafters to shop from this year. They kick off on Black Friday and continue through December 16th. This market includes hundreds of makers and is held in historic Union Station. In addition to great shopping, there will also be plenty of food, drinks, and music to enjoy.
With Thanksgiving almost here, prime holiday-shopping season is about to begin. If you’d like to support your local community of makers, be sure to get to a few of these wonderful markets. Not only will you find unique gift options, but you’ll also get to meet the artists and enjoy the festive atmosphere.