With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
Want to support local makers? Eastside holiday markets are back
Self Help Graphics & Art Marketplace
(
Eric Jaipal
/
Self Help Graphics & Art
)
This story was originally published by Boyle Heights Beat on Friday.
All December, local pop-ups and community arts spaces are hosting holiday markets on the Eastside.
Whether you’re trying to find one-of-a-kind pieces, handmade jewelry, or simply looking to support small businesses during the holidays, we’ve got just the guide for you.
Holiday Mercadito — Tonalli Studio
Inside Tonalli Studio
(
Alma Lucia
/
Boyle Heights Beat
)
Sponsored message
Tonalli Studio opens the holiday season with Holiday Mercadito, where you can shop goods from local artists, creatives and printmakers. Enjoy an afternoon of shopping while you check out the opening reception of the studio’s newest exhibition, La Morenita. The showcase will feature over 20 artists, including the works of Chicana altarista Ofelia Esparza, the studio’s co-founder.
Date: Saturday
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: 4539 E. Cesar Chavez Ave.
More information: Check out their Instagram here.
-
Salvador Plasencia was sentenced to federal prison for his role in the overdose death of actor Matthew Perry. -
A new report finds enrollment in transitional kindergarten is rising in L.A. County, but community preschools are closing. -
The region currently spends 90% of HUD dollars on permanent housing, but the feds capped it at 30%.
Holiday Market Sale — Plaza De La Raza
(
Plaza de la Raza
)
Plaza de La Raza’s Holiday Market Sale returns this year with its annual host, Los Angeles-based Chicano artist Frank Romero. Taking place in the Boathouse Gallery, the two-day sale will feature a “stop and shop” with artists and other vendors, where attendees can buy unique gifts this holiday season. Admission and parking are free on-site.
Date: Saturday and Sunday
Time: 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday
Location: 3540 N. Mission Road
More information: Check out their Instagram here.
Sponsored message
Holiday Artist Mercado — LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
Visitors exploring the mercado at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes.
(
Courtesy LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
)
Local vendors, live screenprinting, holiday-themed workshops and even a Bad Bunny look-alike contest are what you’ll find at this year’s Holiday Artist Mercado. Explore booths featuring jewelry and clothing, and enjoy coffee from Acurrúcame Cafe, while listening to live DJs. Winners of the Bad Bunny look-alike contest will take home a $150 grand prize. Only the first 15 people who arrive in their Bad Bunny attire will be able to participate. A live screenprinting session with artist Mario Hernandez will allow guests to take home limited-edition shirts of Patrick Martinez’s neon art, “Tierra Y Libertad.” Guests also can visit the gift-wrapping station to experiment with a variety of different papers, ribbons and stamps to decorate gifts this holiday season. The event is free. You can let them know you’re attending by registering here.
Date: Dec. 13
Time: Noon to 4 p.m.
Location: 501 N. Main St.
More information: Visit their webpage here.
Goddess & Queer Jingle Mingle — The East LA Goddess and Queer Mercado
A vendor at the 2024 Goddess and Queer Jingle Mingle event in East L.A.
(
Courtesy Goddess Mercado
)
Monthly East L.A. pop-ups Goddess Mercado and Queer Mercado are combining Latina and queer vendors for this special holiday collaboration event. The holiday fiesta encourages attendees to shop with intention and explore the unique arts and gifts for sale. Beyond shopping for the holidays, guests can check out the East LA Farmers Market, full of goods and community resources to explore. The event will feature live entertainment, a fashion show, an art walk, food and creative workshops. From clothing, apothecary, cosmetics, books and even handmade goods, the Goddess and Queer Jingle Mingle can be your next stop this gifting season.
Sponsored message
Date: Dec. 13
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: 4801 E. Third St.
More information: Visit their Instagram here.
Brigade Artisan Marketplace Solstice Holiday Sale — Brigade Artisan Marketplace
The 14th annual Solstice Holiday Sale returns to the Pico Aliso Recreation Center this year. This free family event will feature handmade gifts, fine art, self-care products and vintage upcycled fashion. The first 20 shoppers who purchase from a vendor will be entered into a raffle to win gifts and prizes. There also will be a raffle fundraiser with proceeds for IMPACTO Youth Programming. Grab some food and desserts while you catch live entertainment, including guest DJs and Danza Mexica performances. A solstice community altar will be on display for guests to leave an offering.
Date: Dec. 13
Time: Noon to 6 p.m.
Location: 370 S. Clarence St.
More information: Visit their Instagram page here.
Mercado Del Pueblo Winter Marketplace
Eastside Cafe and Mercado Del Pueblo return this year to host the 24th annual Mercado Del Pueblo Holiday Market. This two-day event is open to all ages and will have a variety of activities to enjoy, from live DJ entertainment to food and drinks and raffles. Attendees also can shop around to support local artisan vendors and makers all weekend long.
Date: Dec. 13 and 14
Time: Noon to 8 p.m. Dec. 13 and noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 14
Location: 5469 N. Huntington Dr.
More information: Visit their Instagram here.
Sponsored message
Barrio Flea: Holiday Makers Market — Ray and Roy’s Market
The inaugural Barrio Flea Holiday Makers Market will take place at the new Ray and Roy’s Market, which opened earlier this year. Featuring over 20 vendors, makers and curators, you can find a selection of original handmade gifts, vintage clothing, art, jewelry and prints for sale, among many other goods. The event will have holiday Mexican wine specials and food pop-ups for folks looking to grab a bite to eat. Enjoy the sounds of DJs Linda Nuves and Ojos de Hojas while shopping locally. The Holiday Market is free and open to all ages.
Date: Dec. 14
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 2800 E. Fourth St.
More information: Visit their Instagram.
Holiday Mercadito — Self Help Graphics & Art
Self Help Graphics & Art Marketplace.
(
Eric Jaipal
/
Self Help Graphics & Art
)
This year, the Lincoln Heights Senior Center will transform into a Holiday Mercadito hosted by Self-Help Graphics and Art. Attendees can shop a variety of art, high-quality goods, crafts and decor from L.A.-based artists and artisans. Explore the booths, art and vendors — you might just find something for everyone on your list here.
Date: Dec. 14
Time: Noon to 6 p.m.
Location: 2323 Workman St.
More information: Visit their Instagram and find the free ticket registration link here.
By Our People For Our People: Community Night Market — InnerCity Struggle
InnerCity Struggle is hosting a community night market, By Our People For Our People. The organization encourages people to bring their loved ones and shop small this holiday season. Enjoy free food, giveaways and activities for all ages, including a DIY holiday gift-making activation. The evening also will feature local artists and vendors and a free community closet.
Date: Dec. 18
Time: 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: 3467 Whittier Blvd.
More information: Visit their Instagram page here and RSVP here.
At LAist, we focus on what matters to our community: clear, fair, and transparent reporting that helps you make decisions with confidence and keeps powerful institutions accountable.
Your support for independent local news is critical. With federal funding for public media gone, LAist faces a $1.7 million yearly shortfall. Speaking frankly, how much reader support we receive now will determine the strength of this reliable source of local information now and for years to come.
This work is only possible with community support. Every investigation, service guide, and story is made possible by people like you who believe that local news is a public good and that everyone deserves access to trustworthy local information.
That’s why we’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Thank you for understanding how essential it is to have an informed community and standing up for free press.
Your support for independent local news is critical. With federal funding for public media gone, LAist faces a $1.7 million yearly shortfall. Speaking frankly, how much reader support we receive now will determine the strength of this reliable source of local information now and for years to come.
This work is only possible with community support. Every investigation, service guide, and story is made possible by people like you who believe that local news is a public good and that everyone deserves access to trustworthy local information.
That’s why we’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Thank you for understanding how essential it is to have an informed community and standing up for free press.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
