I love this time of the year. It’s a great time for creative, talented people to get exposure and sell their work. There are a lot of cool artist and designer markets throughout the month, making it the perfect time to get those one of a kind gifts for the holiday.

Both indoor and outdoor markets show a range of creative works to exhibit and sell by local artists. No matter what you’re into, there’s a mix of markets on the list. I’m sure you’ll find some really cool items at all of the markets. Check out their websites for more information on some featured artists and designers. Happy shopping!

Insider Tip: Make a list of what you need to get everyone for the holiday a plan your outtings accordingly. You can definitely find something for everyone at the markets listed below.

Winter Market at the Piazza

Friday, December 2 - Sunday, December 4

Times vary

The Piazza at Schmidt’s

1001 N. 2nd Street

The Piazza's Winter Market is full of fun, festive things to do while shopping for that perfect items. Creative vendors and crafters adorn the main area of the Piazza with items for sale. There is also gift wrapping, pictures with Santa, Christmas movies on the megatron screen, a fashion show, tree lighting ceremony and more. The great part about shopping at The Piazza is that when you’re done and famished, there’s plenty of great places to eat and have a drink!

Insider Tips: There is Christmas Tree lighting on Saturday night at 7:00 p.m.  Also, the Winter Marrket is in collaboartion with Philabundance. Please bring a canned good to donate to people in need this holiday season.

(Photo credit: Paul Loftland)

NoLibs Holiday Shopping Spree

Saturday, December 3 - Sunday, December 4

11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

From The Piazza to Spring Garden Street

Each year this boutique crawl offers shoppers a unique experience. Ten independent boutiques will be offering refreshments, free gift wrapping and an opportunity to get up to 25% off your purchases. Here's how it works: Shoppers are given a Shopping Spree Card. You collect a sticker for each store at which you make a purchase. You get 10% off the first store, 15% off at the second, 20% off at the third and 25% off at all shops after collecting all three stickers. Who doesn’t love a deal? Check here for a full listing of participating boutiques.

Insider Tip: NLArts is providing child care and holiday arts for kids who are 3 years old and up both days of the event from noon to 4:00 p.m. at the Northern Liberties Community Center, 700 N. 3rd Street. $5/hour per child to cover supplies.

The Punk Rock Flea Market Holiday Edition

Sunday, December 11

11am-5pm

The Punk Rock Flea Market-Dome

461 N. 9th Street

The Punk Rock Flea Market is 300+ tables of vendors selling old records, clothes, art, music, food, bicycles, stereo equipment, instruments, automobiles, tools, posters, furniture, computers, skateboards and more. This is the place that you can find a bit of new and a bit of old.

Insider Tips: $3 entry donation. Also, since you're in the neighborhood, you might want to check out  the Starlight Ballroom across the street for a record fair.

Crafty Balboa Holiday

Saturday, December 17

11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Broad Street Ministry

315 S. Broad Street

Crafty Balboa Holiday features unique, high quality and affordable handmade goods. The first 50 shoppers in the doors will receive a Crafty Balboa tote filled with goodies from the vendors! which will showcase 50+ crafters selling everything from prints, bath products, housewares, and knits to unique clothing, ceramics, toys and accessories. I purchased some great gifts from here last year. I’ll definitely be shopping here again this year!