Community Corner

Somerville Holiday Markets in 2013

Holiday markets in Somerville include New England's only food-truck holiday festival, Midnight Madness in Davis Square and other opportunities to buy local and artisanal gifts.

If you're looking to buy original artwork, crafts or artisanal goods for the holidays, or if you prefer to support local businesses while avoiding the mall, you're in luck: Somerville is chock-full of holiday markets.

Here's a list. If you know of other holiday markets in Somerville, leave a comment below.

Davis Square Midnight Madness
The 10th annual "amazing shopping extravaganza" in Davis Square takes place Dec. 5 from 6 p.m. to midnight. Davis Square favorites, like Boston Shaker, Magpie, Davis Squared and Dave's Fresh Pasta, are participating. You'll get discounts at participating stores, and you'll probably get some refreshments, too. It's a festive opportunity to shop locally.

Holiday Arts and Eats Festival
This is the only food-truck holiday market in New England, according to the folks at Assembly Row, where the festival takes place. It's in the tradition of a German Christkindlmarkt (Christmas markets), but with a decidedly American flair. There will be 25 food trucks and more than 60 artists and artisans selling their creations, accompanied by choral and a cappella music. On Friday, there will be party for those 21 and older, featuring glüwein (hot mulled wine that's a tradition in much of Europe), eggnog (an American holiday drink) and beer. The party will be held in a heated tent. The market and 21+ party is Dec. 6 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The market then runs on Dec. 7 and 8 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Davis Flea Holiday Vintage Market
Davis Flea, known for its Sunday vintage market in Davis Square, is back for the holidays. You can get antiques, vintage goods and clothes, collectables and other goodies. It's on Dec. 8 and 15 at The Center for Arts at the Armory, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Local is for Lovers Holiday Market
Somerville Local First provides an alternative to the big-box, national-chain, shopping-mall holiday headache with two markets that promote and support local businesses. Local is for Lovers Holiday Markets take place on Nov. 30 and Dec. 22, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at The Center for Arts at the Armory.

Union Square Winter Craft Market
You'll find handmade holiday gifts at this market, which takes place Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Precinct in Union Square.

Mudflat Holiday Open Studio and Pottery Sale
More than 103 Mudflat artists, who work in ceramics and pottery, will participate in this market. It takes place from Dec. 6 to 15 at various times. The opening reception is on Dec. 6 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

4th Annual Annual SLAM Holiday Market
This market, featuring jewelry, pottery, textiles, cards, paintings, photography, handmade soaps and other items, takes place on the four Saturdays leading up to Christmas. It's at The Burren in Davis Square, which is offering a special $5 lunch during the markets. Check out SLAM on Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14 and Dec. 21, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

West Somerville Neighborhood School Holiday Craft and Vendor Show
More than 40 vendors will be selling stocking-stuffers and gifts at this market. It's Dec. 6 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the West Somerville Neighborhood School, 177 Powderhouse Boulevard.

Holiday Craft Fair at Somerville High School
This holiday crafts fair, which supports the Somerville High School track team, is on Nov. 30 at the Somerville High School Field House, 81 Highland Ave., from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. More than 100 vendors will be there.


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