A guide to 2024 holiday markets on the Eastside

This story was originally published by Boyle Heights Beat on Dec. 6, 2024

‘Tis the season for giving, and if you’re looking to skip on the Amazon boxes to find something a little more unique, we’ve got some ideas on how to shop local.

Several holiday markets featuring small businesses, handmade goods and local vendors are springing up this month. From monthly community mercados putting on a holiday spin to local gems hosting pop-ups, you’re bound to find the perfect present for the special people in your life.

We’ve rounded up a handful of holiday markets in and around Boyle Heights to help you to check off your gift list before it’s too late.

Mercado del Pueblo Winter Market – Eastside Cafe

The Eastside Cafe, a community hub in El Sereno, is hosting its annual Mercado del Pueblo Winter Market in collaboration with the Mercado del Pueblo Co-Op. The two-day event will feature live music, local vendors, raffles and more. Over 20 artisans and local food vendors including Cafe Cafe Mobile Coffee, Birria Pa La Cruda, and Chano’s Tacos will be there. Event entry is donation-based ($5-10) but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Location: 5469 N Huntington Drive
Date: Saturday, Dec. 7 and Sunday Dec. 8
Time: 12 to 6 p.m.
More information: Check their Instagram page here.

Holiday Artist Mercado – LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes

A free holiday mercado full of activities, workshops and artwork from local Latinx artists is coming to the museum and cultural hub LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes in Downtown L.A. Activities include live screen printing, tote bag making, and a tour of the “Jaime Muñoz: Truth is a Moving Target” exhibition. The market will also feature 40 vendors with handmade, locally created art, merchandise, food for sale and more.

Location: 501 N. Main St.
Date: Sunday, Dec. 8
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
More information: Check their website here.

Community Extravaganza – City Terrace Farmers Market

A person at the end of a vendor's tent selling various vegetables with a sign that reads "H&A FARMS."

The neighborhood farmers market in City Terrace is putting on a holiday spin to its regular programming, bringing free toys, exciting giveaways, delicious food and cultural merch in addition to the event’s regular fruit and produce vendors. Event organizers say there’ll be big surprises for the whole family to enjoy.

Location: 4018 City Terrace Dr.
Date: Thursday, Dec. 12
Time: 3 to 7 p.m.
More information: Check their Instagram page here.

Holiday CaminArte – Espacio 1839

CaminArte, the monthly art show mixed with a community mercado, is back this month with the season’s spirit at heart. There will be an open reception for the 7th Annual Kalli Arte Family Art Show at Espacio 1839, a gift shop located at the heart of the neighborhood’s 1st Street. The show is set to feature paper mache crafts under the theme “Things that Made Us.” There will be various local vendors and food options for patrons to explore outside the store.

Location: 1839 1st St.
Date: Friday, Dec. 13
Time: 6 to 10 p.m.
More information: Check their Instagram page here.

Holiday Mercadito – Tonalli Studio

A red and pink digital flier with a Christmas tree cactus illustration that reads "HOLIDAY MARCADITO. ART. GIFTS. MUSIC. FUN" and details about the event.

8th Annual Winter Solstice Mercadito – Legacy LA

Legacy L.A., a nonprofit that supports the community of Ramona Gardens, is hosting its 8th Annual Winter Solstice Mercadito at its Boyle Heights hub. Come support small, independent local artisan vendors this winter season to find unique gifts for friends and family. Pozole, tacos dorados, champurrado and churros will be available for sale, as well as music, activities and more to explore.

Location: 1350 San Pablo St.
Date: Friday, Dec. 20
Time: 5 to 10 p.m.
More Information: Check their Instagram page here.

Queer Mercado – East L.A. Civic Center

A dozen baseball shirts with text printed on them that reads "The Queer Mercado" hanging on a metal fence

Queer Mercado, the monthly pop-up mercado in East L.A., is hosting a holiday-themed mercado this month. The mercado will feature booths full of LGBTQ+ artists, vendors, entrepreneurs and performers during their live entertainment. Lined up next to East L.A.’s weekly farmers market, attendees can purchase fresh fruits and vegetables while exploring local resources.

Location: East L.A. Civic Center 4801 E 3rd St.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 21
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
More information: Check their Instagram page here.

Brigade Artisan Marketplace – Aliso Pico Rec Center

The Aliso Pico Recreation Center is hosting the Brigade Artisan Marketplace, a mercado produced by artists and holistic healing practitioners. The free event will feature food, music, a kids corner, workshops, a holistic healing pop-up clinic and more. Join the raffle for a chance to win prizes with tickets available for only $2. Free parking will be available.

Location: 370 Clarence St.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 21
Time: 12 to 6 p.m.
More information: Check their Instagram page here.

Holiday Market – Picaresca Barra de Cafe

A teal-colored building with a sign on top that reads "PICARESCA. BARRA DE CAFE."