With the holiday season officially in full swing, it’s easy to cram in last minute shopping at a local mall or department store. But if you’re trying your best to avoid the crowded parking lots, empty shelves, and long lines, check out these holiday shopping events for unique and artistic gifts that you won’t find elsewhere.
Under $500
218 W. Saratoga St. 410-962-8565. Maryland Art Place will be hosting this annual event on Friday December 12 from 6-10 p.m. featuring the work of local artists to be sold on a first come first serve basis for $500 or less. Tickets include an open wine and beer bar and holiday-themed light tastings. If you can’t make it that night, the remaining works will be on sale to the public from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, December 13.
Bromo Arts Holiday Hike
217 N. Charles St., 410-752-8632. Hit the town in the Bromo Arts District this weekend for some holiday-inspired retail therapy. Various venues throughout the district—including Maryland Art Place, Jordan Faye Contemporary, and Everyman Theatre—will be featuring promotions and discounts for “hikers” looking to support the local art scene. Get to know Bromo retailers and enjoy festive snacks and drinks on Saturday, December 13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Holiday Art Market Bazaar
816 Cathedral St., 410-685-6455. Milk & Honey Market and The Growing Good Collective are teaming up to host this bazaar on Friday, December 12 from 5-8 p.m. Stop by Milk & Honey Market for great deals on health and beauty products, jewelry, and holiday gifts. Local artists, live music, and food will also be featured.
Make it a Holiday Date
10803 Falls Road, 410-825-0400. The shops at Green Spring Station will be hosting this festive event to give couples the opportunity to get holiday shopping done while spending some quality time together. If you can’t find a sitter, don’t sweat it. Green Spring Racquet Club will be offering childcare options for an additional fee. On Saturday, December 13 from 2-5 p.m., enjoy complimentary cocktails, giveaways, and live music while strolling around the station. Various retailers will be featuring trunk shows, pop-up shops, and discounts on gifts. Be sure to RSVP in advance to save your spot for childcare.
Mandalynn Holiday Bazaar
3602 Hickory Ave., 202-210-836. Stop by Gallery 788 on Saturday, December 13 from 1-7 p.m. to enjoy music spun by DJ El Suprimo and browse through products from 18 of the hottest local vendors showcasing everything from hand crafted jewelry to trendy artwork. Raffle tickets will also be available for anyone who brings an unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots.
MICA Art Market
1301 W. Mt. Royal Ave., 410-669-9200. From December 10-13, MICA students, faculty, staff, and alumni will be selling a wide variety of their original artwork including ceramics, mosaics, toys, cards, and paintings.
Make Tribe x Madewell Pop-Up
825 Dulaney Valley Road, Towson, 410-321-4543. Make Tribe will be hosting a “DIY” workshop at Madewell in Towson Town Center on Friday, December 12 from 6-8 p.m. The first 20 guests to arrive will learn how to create their own wood and copper statement necklace with the Make Tribe experts. Guests can also enjoy refreshments and sweets while scouring the racks for the perfect holiday party pieces. All purchases of $125 or more will be discounted by 20 percent during the event. Be sure to RSVP in advance.
Current Art Market
421 N. Howard St., 410-343-9295. Hand crafted gifts created by 10 local artists will be on display at Current Space on Saturday, December 13 and 14 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. All proceeds will benefit the artists directly.
Bmore Flea
2640 St. Paul St. More than 50 vendors will be on hand to help you find the perfect holiday gifts at Bmore Flea’s market on Saturday, December 20 from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. at St. John’s Church. Be on the lookout for great finds by local vendors like Open Eyes Press, Maybe Tomorrow, and Row House 14.