December pop ups, markets and more options for holiday gift buying

We survived the turkey-induced coma of Thanksgiving and December is now in full swing. Holiday music is on the radio and Santa has set up shop in local malls and stores. The holiday season has officially kicked off—and so has holiday shopping. Throughout the month of December popup markets and unique seasonal shopping experiences are an alternative to shopping malls to inspire your gift giving. Naughty or nice, these options will have something for everyone on your list.  

Charlotte Christmas Village

Although it does not have the white huts as originally advertised, this market does have other things to keep visitors happy. The Charlotte Christmas Village features vendors providing seasonal gifts for everyone on your list, including your pets. There will be special performances by local musicians, food from local vendors, and even Santa himself will be available for family photos. Hours vary and the village is closed on Mondays. Admission is free. Open Now until Saturday, December 24; Romare Bearden Park, 300 S. Church St., http://www.cltchristmasvillage.com/

VTGCLT Pop

VTGCLT Pop features handmade and vintage wares from over 70 of local and regional artisans and vintage collectors. VTGCLT Pop is the perfect place for those hard to shop for friends and family members. Be on the lookout for special appearances by local food purveyors, workshops, etc. at the shop. Admission is free. Friday, December 9 – Wednesday, December 21, but is closed on Sundays; Latta Arcade, 320 S. Tryon St., https://www.facebook.com/events/1727459930906149/

CLTure Music and Fashion Bazaar

The CLTure Music and Fashion Bazaar will host a mini-market featuring fashion vendors and local food purveyors. For entertainment, there will be video games, including a Street Fighter 3 arcade game from Abari Game Bar, and there will be musical acts throughout the day. Admission is $5. Saturday, December 10 from 2:00 -7:30p.m.; Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St., http://clture.org/clture-bazaar/

OMB Christmas Market

For the holiday season, The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery transformed their biergarten into a traditional German holiday market (weihnachtsmarkt) with gift vendors, food vendors and, of course, plenty of seasonal beer. Admission is free. December 9-10 and December 16-17 (4 – 9 p.m. Fridays and 2 – 9 p.m. Saturdays); Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, 4150 Yancey Rd., http://www.oldemeckbrew.com/events/2015/weihnachtsmarkt/

Girl Tribe Holiday Pop Up

Pink Social is once again throwing their Girl Tribe Holiday Pop Up. The event will feature women-owned businesses and artisans. General admission is free, and a VIP pass is $5 and allows you to shop for two hours before the market opens to the public. Saturday, December 10 from 10 a.m. – noon for VIP and noon- 6 p.m. for general; Sugar Creek Brewing, 215 Southside Dr., https://www.facebook.com/events/1816336278582163/

Brandshop

Founded by two Charlotteans, Brandshop is a traveling retail event and is hosting a week-long event just in time for the holidays. Featuring vendors specializing in fashion, art, and design, this may be the perfect place to find a gift for the fashionista/artist/creative in your life. The Brandshop will also feature speakers. Admission is free. December 9 – 15 (times vary); 340 E 16th St., http://www.thebrandshop.co

Holiday Sip and Shop

Love the vendors at the 7th Street Public Market? At the Holiday Sip and Shops you can shop from your favorites, and from some new vendors for the season. Soaps, jewelry, handmade wares, food and wine are just some of the items available for purchase. Admission is free. Thursday, December 15 and Thursday, December 22 (4-9 p.m.); 7th Street Public Market, 224 E 7th St., http://www.7thstreetpublicmarket.com/events/holiday-sip-shop/