Last week we shared a list of 7 holiday events around our little city, and this week we're back with a guide to this week's festivities. It's not just about shopping for gifts, it's about seeing and meeting the people who make things, it's about being an in-person person (you know, social in the old sense of the word), it's about voting for your local community, your local artists, and your local small businesses with your dollar and your enthusiasm. See you out there!
1. Two Hands Full Holiday Pop-up Shop at State Street Beer - 606 N State St
Tuesday, December 5th, 6-9 pm
Meet Amelia, the creator of all things Two Hands Full and get a close look at her beautiful, thoughtfully created pottery. You might see bowls, mugs, vases, pour-over brewers, yarn bowls, tiny stirrer paddles for your coffee and tea, creamers, and even wearable clay.
2. White Christmas Market at Weatherly Inn - 6016 N Highlands Pkwy
Wednesday, December 6th, 3-7 pm
The kids might like this one. Take photos with Santa, meet some of his reindeer (for real!), shop for gifts and decorations, and enjoy live music. This is the 3rd annual Christmas market hosted by the Weatherly Inn Senior Living Community.
3. Holiday Haul Crawl on Pacific Avenue
Saturday, December 9th, 10 am-9 pm
This is the 2nd Annual Downtown Tacoma Holiday Haul Crawl and over 2 dozen of Tacoma's favorite downtown businesses are participating with everything from discounts, live music, giveaways, pop-up shops featuring local artists, snacks, special activities, and all kinds of fun stuff! Here's just a sample of what's going on:
TAM: 1st 250 shoppers receive a free canvas tote bag, free gift tag and card making from 10 am-2 pm, $1 cookie decorating in the TAM Cafe from 11 am-2 pm.
7Seas Brewing Co.: Free photos with Santa from 3-6 pm provided by @rcmedia_photography plus 3uilt Tacoma is having oyster happy hour all day!
Stocklist Goods: Morning giveaways from Splendor & Stone, cocktails in the evening, and pop-ups from various producers.
hello, cupcake: Free mini cupcake with your purchase. Yum!
Make sure to look at the event on Facebook for a full list of locations and discounts! Free parking at UWT's Cradle Lot.
4. Market Nouveau at the Rust Mansion, 521 N Yakima Ave
Saturday, December 9th, 12-5 pm
This market, set in the historic second Rust Mansion, is packed with wares from over 25 artists and crafters from the Pacific NW. Take advantage of complimentary gift wrapping, and share the love by bringing along an unwrapped toy for the Tacoma Rescue Mission (you'll be rewarded for your generosity with a free hot cocoa!). Keep an eye out for Santa too!
5. Village 253 Handmade Market and Mingle at the Union Club, 539 Broadway
Saturday, December 9th, 3-7 pm
This a charity benefit, as well as a market for holiday shopping, as well as a great family event! Bring the kids for free crafts hosted by the Children's Museum of Tacoma. Bliss Handmade Creamery is bringing free goodies, and there's a charity benefit raffle with items from lots of businesses and local artists. The market will be stocked with work from 23 local artists (like Kdbird, Maria Jost, Katie Dean, and Indian Moon Handmade). All the artists and makers at the market are generously donating 10% of the day's sales to Amara Emergency Sanctuary or Hilltop Urban Gardens.
6. Downtown Tacoma Market Holiday Edition at Court House Square, 1102 A St
Sunday, December 10th, 11 am-4 pm
Another market with a purpose! Get out to shop for vintage and handmade items, locally designed clothes, and indoor plants, and enter a raffle to benefit Spaceworks Tacoma! Coffee onsite at wonderful Lift Bridge Coffee. Give the tamarind latte a try (fresh grated spices and orange zest on top!). It's their benefit beverage, with $1 from every drink supporting Tacoma Migrant Justice. Such a great coffee shop. Need one more reason to get to the Downtown Tacoma Market this Sunday? En Rama will be open.
Wishing you warm, merry, meaningful holiday celebrations. We'll see you out there this week!
