By: Kyrie Sismaet
Once the cool December weather greets the SF Bay Area, everywhere becomes instantly festive and resplendent with comforting holiday charm. You can guarantee our local shops, businesses, and eateries are also already prepared to provide you with all of the most delightful presents to impress this gift-giving season. From several Filipinx-centric markets, to a North Beach alleyway bazaar, and an anti-capitalist punk haven, here is a jolly guide to all of the upcoming holiday markets to visit where you’ll definitely find the perfect bespoke items!
Kimpton Alton’s Mistletoe Market
https://www.instagram.com/p/C0W6kTystdg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
What: Support local small business as you get into the holiday shopping spirit this year at the Kimpton Alton Hotel’s two-day Mistletoe Market pop-up! The Fisherman’s Wharf-based hotel will welcome shoppers into a ski chalet-themed winter wonderland featuring handcrafted goods by 10+ local artisans—think jewelry, baked goods, pet treats, home goods and more!
Notable Vendors:
When: Saturday and Sunday, December 16 & 17, from 11AM-5PM.
Where: Kimpton Alton Hotel, 2700 Jones St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Halo Halo Holidays
https://www.instagram.com/p/CzhGvJyvhm1/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
What: A joyous Filipino Christmas crawl that celebrates culture and art with local merchants, artists, food, and more, complete with the Parol Festival and an afterparty in SoMa’s tight-knit Filipino Cultural District.
Who:
@sentro_filipino
@balaykreative
@republikasf
@asmblyhall
and more.
When: Dec. 9, 2023- 11AM-12AM
Where: SOMA Pilipinas, 1010 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103
The event will celebrate Christmas Filipino-style with plenty of art and cultural exhibits, amazing food, the Parol Lantern Festival, and a DJ party, among other things.
Yerba Buena Art & Makers Market: Holiday Edition
https://www.instagram.com/p/C0aUZx3poDR/?img_index=1
What: The first-ever holiday makers market to be hosted by the lush Yerba Buena Gardens that will showcase over 25 businesses and artists for four days in the heart of downtown. Food trucks and a wide range of family-friendly activities will be available.
When: Dec. 7-10, 2023
Where: Yerba Buena Gardens- 750 Howard St, San Francisco, CA 94103
SOMA Second Saturdays! Holiday Market
https://www.instagram.com/p/CzzeB3uMtlv/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
What: A premier sex-positive and kink artisan fair replete with gear swaps, live entertainment, one-of-a-kind artworks, and much more in the heart of SOMA’s Leather & LGBTQ Cultural district. A free shuttle will be continually be in service for easy transport and access.
Who:
Aphycharcoal (Live portraiture with charcoal! You can check out some of their work on their IG @aphycharcoal)
Art by Luke (Fine art & prints by local SOMA artist Luke Andahazy. Follow him on IG @luke.andahazy)
Art of Natalie McKean (Selling original art with a queer scifi theme. Sells originals, prints, pins, t-shirts, comics and more! Check out her website https://www.nataliemckeanart.com/)
Babygirl Inc (Queer, feminist, kink/sex-positive jewelry, hanky code flagging keychains, and/or custom industrial chain harnesses, gear, and accessories. Follow them on IG @babygirl.inc.xo)
ByrdBeaks (Fabric based pants free pockets and other accessories. Follow them on IG @ByrdBeaks)
Cumply (Kinky Affirmation Puzzles, Pup Bandanas, Harnesses. Things for kinky queerdos, nerds, and geeks to signify and express themselves. Check out their website at https://cumplykink.com)
Fave Brand (Queer and kink themed apparel designed and screen printed. Check them out on IG @ Favebrandsf)
Femmmeow (Selling art prints, mugs, clothing, stickers with vintage art. Learn more at their website https://shopfemmmeow.com)
GlamPunk Art by Brittany Ertola (Kink/fetish/nude/weird art: paintings, drawings, some random kink home decor (e.g., one-of-a-kind nesting “Russian” dolls, magnets), earrings, & necklaces. Follow her on IG @GlamPunk.SanFrancisco)
GOOCH Photography (Queer art documentary photography. Check out his website at https://www.PhotosbyGooch.com)
Hernandez Chiropractic: Providing free spinal screenings and education to introduce chiropractic and network for my business. No adjusting will be done, just screening, and education. Offering 50% discount for first visit with signup on the day!)
House of Disaster ( The House of Disaster is a creative collective consisting of two zinesters: Dandy Disaster, who makes art,comics, and stickers featuring cute and pretty boy characters, and Plush Kitsune, who makes zines about sewing and plushies. Check out their website at https://dandydisaster.carrd.co)
It’s Simple SF (Check out the yummy flavors for cocktails and drink mixes at https://www.itssimplesf.com)
Lilith Spillz (Custom fit rubber harnesses, floggers, and other kink gear made from reclaimed bike tubing and other reclaimed materials. Check out their website at https://www.lilithspillz.com)
Major Sketch (Jade aims to create LGBTQAI+ sex-positive art that encourages people to embrace the beauty in their desires. Jade sells prints, postcards, stickers, magnets, buttons, and keychains of their art. Check out their website at https://www.majorsketch.com/)
Mauskaveli (Custom Art Paddles, Comics and Books. Check them out at https://www.SumikoSaulson.com)
Mischief Manor Makers (Specialize in sensory friendly products, both sweet and spicy. 3D printed fidgets, Squishmallow bags and backpacks, Roll for Mental Health bundles, handmade safety keychains and punches (because it’s hard to be a queer out there!), enameled pins to help brain and spirit, and new items added often! Check out their Etsy store at https://https://www.etsy.com/shop/MischiefManorMakers)
NYXA (Offering genderless and size-inclusive sterling silver jewelry, handcrafted by queers in San Francisco. Check out their website at https://www.nyxa.co)
Oscar Zamora Graves (Gay collage postcards, greeting cards, buttons, original art, jewelry, vintage gay magazines. Follow them on IG @PhysiqueandFantasy)
Rhea Adri Art (Offering original art, prints, and other printed items of original artwork. Check them out at https://rheaadri.com)
Rocket Ready Apparel (Rocket Ready Apparel offers custom themed vinyl and leather collars, harnesses, and belts, anodized metal and resin earrings, and tentacle hair pins and headbands. Check them out on IG @RocketReadyApparel)
Songsandsmuttales (Erotic Art, stickers, coloring books, and tied up teddies. Follow them on IG @songsandsmuttales)
Tarot by Alexandria (Tarot readings and decks for sale. Follow her on IG @clickyourheelsmovement)
Two Bald Guys Art (Featuring the work of local queer artists Gwanhyeon Cho and John Rockwell. Selling great paintings, prints and photographs. Check out their website at https://www.twobaldguysart.com)
Vintage Eye Closet (clothing and accessories offered by a Latina women owned business. Follow her on GI @vintageeyecloset)
Wicked Grounds (Kinky education and information booth. Books, toys, rope, and other kinky gear. Learn more about Wicked Grounds at https://wickedgrounds.com)
When: Dec. 9, 2023 12PM-5PM
Where: SOMA, San Francisco, CA 94103
Vesuvio Holiday Fair
https://www.instagram.com/p/C0hzC8UPQTZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Happy House hosts their first-ever holiday market in Jack Kerouac Alley between Vesuvio Cafe and City Lights Bookshop. Patrons can browse locally-made products from Happy House, Odd Theory, Mortal Kiss, and more. Mira Flores will be creating live custom chainstitch embroidery and the whole event includes live music from DJ Jess Hart.
What: A relaxed and tucked-away plaza nestled between the historic Vesuvio Cafe and iconic City Lights Bookstore that will, for their first time, feature a talented live DJ, custom-made chainstitch embroidery, and more
Who:
Hosted by @happyhousesf and @jolioce .
Ceramics by @kristin_brownn
Jewelry by @gaykiss___
Chainmail by @mortal_coil_
Live cutom@chainstitch embroidery and clothing by @shopmiraflores
Vintage by @fuzznswayshop
Funky gifts and housewares by @happyhousesf
Tooth gems by @gemsbytsg
Vintage by @memphisdiscoteca
Stained glass by @wickedlady_glass
Vintage by @thesunshineprophecy
Vintage clothing and housewares by @germsinmyeye
Music by DJ @hessjart
When: Dec. 12, 12-5pm
Where: Jack Kerouac Alley, San Francisco
Anti-Capitalist Art Market
https://www.instagram.com/p/CzuZnJgvG0u/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
What: An intimate shop where you can drink from their open bar while also browsing through locally-made art prints, candles, apparel, zines, and even receive a tarot reading!
Who:
@checkmarkstudios
@poppers_the_pony
@prints.by.sofia
@thepathilluminated
When: Dec. 15-16, 2023
Where: The Birdcage– 816 Sutter Street, San Francisco
Harajuku Holiday
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cy1ot96v0ig/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
What: Dubbed, “The Bay’s Cutest Marketplace,” this is a completely kawaii marketplace filled with irresistibly adorable photo ops, goodies, themed food, and exclusive handcrafted gifts to those who are the first 500 to RSVP.
Who:
and more.
When: Dec. 16, 2023, 11AM-5PM.
Where: 833 Market Street San Francisco, CA 94103
West Coast Craft
https://www.instagram.com/p/CzzJfoDvZFR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
What: An artisanal fair that spotlights over 100 vendors selling carefully handmade crafts from creative sculptures, to unique ceramics, usable body care products, home decor, and more.
When: Dec. 16, 2023, 10AM-3PM.
Where: Fort Mason Center, 2 Marina Boulevard, San Francisco, CA, 94123
No matter where you shop this holiday season, you’re sure to find the perfect treats, while simultaneously also uplifting local intersectional businesses!
