Some folks seem particularly worried this holiday season about the nationwide supply chain and how a backup of cargo ships on the West Coast might affect their ability to give the gift of an inexpensive but exceedingly large Korean TV set for Christmas. But you know what isn’t affected by cargo backups or trucker shortages? Locally made items.
So if you want to keep your shopping local and hunt up something out of the ordinary this year, Albuquerque offers up a wealth of holiday arts and crafts fairs throughout the month of December. Browse a few in your neighborhood, and you might just locate the perfect handcrafted gift for that special someone on your list.
December 2
Nob Hill Shop & Stroll (Nob Hill neighborhood, 6 to 10pm)—Kick off the holiday season with a Shop & Stroll event in Nob Hill. It starts with a tree lighting ceremony (at Nob Hill Shopping Center at Carlisle/Amherst and Central) at 6pm. Stroll Central Ave. and stop in at dozens of quirky stores and boutiques. Restaurants will be open if you need some sustenance to keep up the hunt.
December 3
Albuquerque Garden Center Holiday Craft & Plant Sale (10120 Lomas Blvd. NE, 9am to 4pm)—If you know someone with a green thumb, come join AGC for a spectacular craft and plant fair. More than 40 vendors are scheduled, along with arts and crafts and the always amazing Garden Shop! This is a perfect annual event to purchase gifts and décor for the holiday season including garlands, trees and poinsettias. The event takes place Dec. 3 and 4.
Spur Line Supply Company New Mexico Artisan Holiday Market (800 20th St. NW Suite A, 10am to 5pm)—Join Spur Line Supply Co. in the Saw Mill District every Friday and Saturday (10am to 5pm) and every Sunday (10am to 5pm), Dec. 3 through Dec. 24, to shop a beautifully curated collection of locally crafted jewelry, fashion, fine art, home decor, artisanal food, gifts and more.
Holiday Pop-Up Party Meltdown Studio (901 Rio Grande Blvd. NW Suite E130, 1 to 7pm)—Jewelry-making school and co-working space Meltdown Studio opens its doors for an annual Holiday Pop-up Party featuring handmade work from a collection of studio bench mates. Artisan-made jewelry, hand-cut cabochons, festive snacks and beverages are all on tap!
ABQ ArtWalk (Downtown neighborhood, 5 to 9pm)—ABQ Artwalks are always overflowing with people, events, food, music and other surprises. With the holiday season in full effect, this edition is all about shopping and supporting local! Art exhibits, art installations, performances and a series of hosted holiday art markets will cover Downtown Albuquerque from one end to the other.
Holiday Artist Market Orpheum Art Space (500 Second St. SW, 5 to 8pm)—Take the stress out of holiday shopping and head to Orpheum’s eclectic artist market featuring 13 local artist-vendors. Enjoy live music by ¡hijo! and seasonal waffles, hot cocoa and coffee by Love Waffles food truck.
Old Town Holiday Stroll (Old Town neighborhood, 5 to 9pm)—Over the years, this event in Historic Old Town has become the unofficial beginning of the holiday season. Stop by Plaza Don Luis for the iconic tree lighting at 6pm. Bring the family, discover new stores and visit familiar staples as you shop local. Sip hot chocolate and enjoy live entertainment throughout Old Town and on the Gazebo.
December 4
Holiday Marketplace at Casa Rondeña (733 Chavez Rd, Los Ranchos De Albuquerque, noon to 6pm)—Head to the Tuscan elegance of the North Valley’s Casa Rondeña winery for a decidedly different shopping experience. Support 20 local artists, thoughtfully paired with wine, food trucks and holiday festivities.
December 5
El Vado Holiday Shop-N-Eat Market (2500 Central Ave SW, 10am to 4pm)—Come hungry and thirsty for hot food and drink from the El Vado ABQ food pods. Get your fill, then browse 20-ish vendors in the open-air holiday market. Don’t forget stop in at the various boutiques that call El Vado home as well.
December 11
Eisenhower Middle School 5-Star Craft Fair (1001 Camero. Rd NE, 9am to 4pm)—The students at Eisenhower have organized an in-person craft fair with 100+ local vendors. There will be a silent auction and food trucks.
Rail Yards Holiday Market (722 Third St. SW, 10am to 4pm)—Keep it local and safe for the holidays by enjoing the best of Burque’s local small businesses in-person at the Rail Yards. Vendors of made-from-scratch delicious food and quality handmade crafts will convene to indulge Albuquerque’s locavorian and giving spirit this year for the eighth annual Holiday Market. Come celebrate local food, art and music together for the holidays. Sample New Mexico’s finest cuisine, peruse all the local gifts, and give back to your community at the Donation Station. The market takes place Dec. 11 and 12.
December 19
Holiday Sip and Shop at The Kosmos Restaurant (1715 Fifth St. NW, 11am to 4pm)—Join the folks at Albuquerque’s funkiest gastropub for a curated holiday shopping experience including local artisans, festive beverages and a delicious special “Kosmic” menu.