Shop Small, Stay Local, Support Somerville: Your guide to sustainable merriment this December

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Markets, Markets, and More Markets

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December 14 & 21 - Somerville Winter Farmers Market @ The Armory 

9:30am-1:30pm

Source your holiday meal ingredients fresh from the farm or pick up stocking stuffers from chocolates to lotions at the last two farmers markets before Christmas. 

December 15 - Sweets & Santa Holiday Soiree @ Bow Market 

12:00pm-6:00pm

Bow Market will be a little extra merry with the help of assorted locally sourced baked goods, a visit from Santa, and a pop-up market perfect for some not-too-last-minute shopping. This is part of Bow Market’s holiday calendar, which features an event each day during the month of December.

December 15 - Somerville Flea Holiday Market @ The Armory 

10:00am-4:00pm

Shop an eclectic selection of holiday wares brought to you by 30+ vintage and artisan sellers and makers to find the perfect trinket for someone on your list.

December 16 & 17 - Wicked Good Aht Mahket @ The Armory

4:00pm-10:00pm

New year, new art! Find your next favorite piece from an artist near you at this two-day event put on by a community of artists who got their start selling from a backyard in 2022. 

December 19 - Vintage & Vinyl Holiday Art Market @ The Crystal Ballroom

4:00pm-9:00pm

Promising to give festive, funky, and fabulous, this market will make Thursday night cool again with over 30 sellers vending vintage treasures, local art, and handmade goods to a live vinyl soundtrack.

December 21 - Small Mart Holiday Market @ The Crystal Ballroom

11:00am-4:00pm

Walmart is out; Small Mart is in but only if you make it to the last vintage makers & artist market of the year! Knock out your holiday shopping list in one go with a diverse selection of weird and wonderful goods, including cards, jewelry, clothing, and more. 

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Shop Small - Brick and Mortar

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Chartreuse Microbus Collective 

Wed-Fri 11:00am-7:00pm, Sat-Sun 10:00am-7:00pm, Mon-Tue closed

Grab a drink at Zing Cafe and browse a convoy of small-business vendors at this pop-up collective that has taken root in the space left behind by Porter Square Books (don’t worry, it just relocated down the street, but we still miss it dearly). You’ll find handmade bags, vintage clothing and wares, art, and more. 

Narrative 

Sunday 12:00pm-5:00pm, Tues-Sat 12:00pm-7:00pm, Mon closed (Closed 12/25-01/14)

Gift a great read this winter and support authors of color by shopping at this independent bookshop in Davis Square. Narrative is woman-owned with an emphasis on amplifying marginalized voices & experiences. Visit in person for new and used titles, browse online, or grab a gift card for those hard-to-pick-for readers on your list. 

Glass Ripples

Tues-Sun 12:00pm-6:30pm, Mon closed

Brighten up your gift giving with some unique, quirky, and colorful glass and kitchen supplies from this cheerful new storefront in Davis Square, just across from Revival Cafe. Glass Ripples opened this April and stocks novelty goods, practical pieces, and items that check both boxes. If you stop by, make sure you open the fridge for a special surprise. 

Make and Mend 

Sun-Thurs 11:00am-6:00pm, Friday - Sat 11:00am-7:00pm

Planning to make your gifts this year? Save on supplies and flaunt your sustainable side by buying second hand. This hole-in-the-wall crafters’ paradise just outside Union Square stocks used arts and crafts supplies from paper goods to fabric and tools in good condition. You can also visit them online or donate your own used supplies. 

THE mushroom shop

Sun 11:00am-5:00pm, Wed-Fri 12:00pm-7:00pm, Sat 10:00am-7:00pm, Mon-Tue closed

Simply the most adorable and unique place you will spend money this season, the mushroom shop is here for all your mycelium needs. From fresh wild and cultivated mushrooms to mushroom teas and mushroom-themed knick knacks, you will find gifts like no other at this tiny North-Somerville shop. They also offer a selection of holiday pre-order options online.

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Be There for the Magic

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Thursdays-Sundays December 6 to January 5 - The Slutcracker @ Somerville Theatre

Various times

A Somerville Theatre Christmas tradition for burlesque enthusiasts 18+. Experience an entirely new (and spicy) take on an old favorite. Snag a Saturday ticket in December and stay for the Slutcracker after party immediately following the performance.

Prices vary

December 13 - THE FEMMES Holiday Spectacular @ The Crystal Ballroom 

8:00pm

Warm up for the celebratory season dancing to holiday songs covered by THE FEMMES.

$20-25

December 15 - A Songwriter’s Christmas with Jay Bragg @ The Burren

11:30am

Tired of the three Christmas songs you’ve heard on a loop since November 29th? Join Nashville singer-songwriter and bandleader Jay Bragg for a fresh collection of original and classic holiday music, stories, and a guest performance by The Reindeer Band. The whole family can enjoy this wholesome event that pairs perfectly with an Irish brunch. 

$16-$21 

December 15 - Watercolor Holiday Card Workshop @ Boston Figurative Art Center

5:30pm-7:30pm

There’s no experience required for this relaxing evening of watercolor with artist and instructor Alex Mafusalov, and you will go home with unique holiday cards to send to friends and family. 

$50

December 19 - Second Annual Somerville Chanukah Party @ The Armory

7:00pm-10:00pm

Rumor has it this is your opportunity to witness a historical first: a complete live concert performance of the "best Chanukah album ever recorded" (that would be "The Moishe Oysher Chanukah Party", of course). Join the Boston Festival of New Jewish Music for this night of music, dancing, and joy.

$10/$25/$54 (student, early bird, supporter)

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Gift an Experience

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Drawing and painting sessions @ Art School 99

Located in Somerville’s Joy Street Studios, this award-winning local studio has a plethora of drawing and painting classes, including customized 1-on-1 courses, seminars & workshops, couples' sessions, and open studios. 

DIY glass-fusing workshops @ Glass Ripples

Learn to make your own coaster, magnet, or plate with fused glass in this tiny and cheerful workshop in Davis Square. These are one-time classes that tend to fill up quickly.

Circus sessions @ Esh Circus Arts

Know someone on your list who may be wondering if they could master the silks? Learn to do a handstand? Juggle more than just their to-do list? Esh Circus Arts offers classes for all skill levels in an inclusive and supportive environment. Registration for its adult winter session classes opens December 15 at 9:30pm and slots fill quickly. Esh also offers private lessons for individuals, couples, and small groups, as well as gift cards.

Cooking classes @ Dave’s Fresh Pasta & Semolina Kitchen + Bar

Give a friend a pasta, they’ll eat for a day; teach a friend to pasta…something like that. Dave’s Fresh Pasta outside Davis Square and its sister restaurant, Semolina Kitchen + Bar on the Somerville-Medford border offer a wide selection of cooking classes, including pizza, pasta, and cheese making, regional cuisine lessons, and more. 

Fiber arts classes @ Gather Here (Cambridge)

Okay, so this is not quite in Somerville, but it is a favorite among our close-knit creative community, nonetheless. From needle felting to knitting, and sewing classes for all abilities, Gather Here has the goods when it comes to gifting an experience to the fiber fanatics in your life.