By Maria Gotay, Katarina Hybenova & Emilie Ruscoe
Bushwick turned into a winter wonderland overnight and with all the holiday markets popping up all over, we can safely claim that the winter has officially arrived! And what will get you into the magical mood better than shopping for gifts while supporting local businesses? Here is our selection of six coolest markets this month!
#7 Secret Project Robot Holiday Market @ Secret Project Robot (THU-SUN through Dec 16, 7PM-12AM)
Secret Project Robot has you covered for hyper-quirky holiday cheer. On Thursday through Sunday evenings now through the 16th, stop by the courtyard at 389 Melrose street for treats, crafts, prints, tunes and fun at its European-style holiday market. Treats include tacos, borscht and hot toddies, vendors include Caitlin Keegan, Cannonball Press, and Isabelle Schneider, and upcoming SPR parties that coincide with the market include a Very Goth Christmas and Impose Magazine’s 10-year anniversary photo show. Pick up some beautiful and weird stocking stuffers and bask in the glow of a great bizarre bazaar.
#6 HAIL SANTA!: A Holiday Art Show @ Vinyl Fantasy (FRI Dec 13, 5PM)
In what we hope will become an annual tradition, Knickerbocker Avenue’s newest record store, Vinyl Fantasy, is having a little holiday art-oriented get-together on this (Black Metal-appropriate) upcoming Friday, the 13th. They’ll be showing work by locals, including Joana Rigol, Valeriya Volkovand, Holly Overton, in addition to spinning everyone’s favorite classic Crustmas carols and drinking wine, so stop by and pick up some visuals and/or audio presents for yourself or your most hardcore loved ones.
#5 Bushwick Bar Bazaar (SUN Dec 15, 4PM) @ Heavy Woods & (SUN Dec 22, 5PM) @ Duck Duck
Are you spending so much time in bars that you don’t even have time to get your children holiday presents? Well, no more excuses! Bushwick Bar Bazaar brings the holiday cheer, handmade gifts by local artists and artisans right where you can use it at most – to your fave bar. This coming Sunday to Heavy Woods and next Sunday to Duck Duck.
#4 Ridgewood Market @ Gottscheer Beer Hall (SUN Dec 15, 11AM-5PM)
Since April, Ridgewood Market has been growing and getting better and better. This upcoming Sunday, over 40 amazing local vendors and friendly organizers Sarah Feldman and Neil Meyers will be spreading the holiday cheer at Gottscheer Beer Hall. Brunch and booze is also promised!
#3 Black Christmas Pop Up Market @ Silent Barn (SUN Dec 15, 11AM-6PM)
Silent Barn will host an alternative holiday market with a predictable spin – showcasing work from 30+ artists and retailers that are strongly affiliated with and inspired by the D.I.Y. music scene! Expect vintage clothing from Worship, records from their house record store Deep Cuts, zines and cassettes, and music-related goods and gifts from Sacred Bones, Fire Talk, and many others. Plus, mimosas and beers while you shop, and DJing from Twin Sister and Total Slacker. Ow ow!
#2 Eat & Flea @ Tutus (SAT Dec 7, 14 and 21, 12-6PM)
This gem of a market features brunching and shopping. After eating, take your drink into the back for a cozy, lively atmosphere. The unique selection in the venue’s back room includes donation-based leatherwork (for your poor, overworked trusty boots), a free photo booth, live jazz, and a variety of hip shops. Last week there was a great upscale vintage clothing shop as well as lots of local jewelry vendors and assorted vintage “junk” and collectibles for your home!
#1 Holiday Trunk Show @ Pine Box Rock Shop (FRI Dec 13, 7PM)
Known as one of the neighborhood’s premier rock venues, awesome karaoke, and killer trivia, Pine Box Rock Shop will host their 3rd Annual Holiday Trunk Show featuring unique and affordable handcrafted items from local artisans. From jewelry to knitwear, terrariums to baked goods, browse about for hyper-local gifts while enjoying tasty concoctions from the bar!