5 holiday markets for cool gifts and hot bites around Tacoma on Thanksgiving weekend
Thanksgiving marks the start of gift-giving season, and small businesses around Pierce County are ready with a series of holiday markets that kick off during Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30.
Local vendors abound at these events, selling everything from jewelry to cards, pastries to coffee, handmade textiles to vintage wares. It’s also high time for business districts to highlight small businesses, with deals and extras like free reusable totes or photo booths with Santa.
Keeping money circulating in local economies, as opposed to big-box stores, offers more than a good story. Almost half of every dollar spent at a local business recirculates throughout the local economy, compared to just 13% for chain stores, according to the American Independent Business Alliance.
Here’s our guide to upcoming markets and neighborhood events to check out Thanksgiving weekend and through December.
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY EXTRAVAGANZA
▪ Where: South 11th Street and Fawcett Avenue, Tacoma
▪ When: Saturday, Nov. 30, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
▪ What: specials at shops, pop-up vendors including coffee and cookies
A few stores in this area have banded together — in the name of “The Unofficial South 11th Business District” — to celebrate Small Business Saturday. Find all things culinary and handmade pottery at Tacoma Knife Sharpening & Mercantile, or consider a gift card for that person in your life who always has terribly dull knives. McCoy Kids has you covered for all the little ones in your life, and Lauda stocks an array of lovely cards and other gift-able goodies. Civic Roasters will set up a pourover station; pair with a treat from Frank’s Cookie Club.
BLACK NIGHT MARKET - HOLIDAZE
▪ Where: Tacoma Armory, 1001 S. Yakima Ave., Tacoma
▪ When: Saturday, Nov. 30, 2-8 p.m.
▪ What: diverse market packed with art, fashion, snacks, music and more with a focus on BIPOC makers
Since launching in 2022, Tacoma’s Black Night Market has drawn vendors and customers from around the region. Like their other markets, the holiday edition — in partnership with Tacoma Arts Live and its Markets at the Armory series — will feature a fashion show, live performances and DJs. Several food trucks and pop-up tents set up outside, including Stacks Burgers and Seven Sons Kitchen.
WINDOW WALK & WASSAIL - PUYALLUP
▪ Where: Downtown Puyallup
▪ When: Saturday, Nov. 30, noon-late
▪ What: informal holiday window shopping, plus hot drinks at select cafes and specials at local bars and restaurants after 5 p.m.
Stroll through downtown Puyallup on Saturday afternoon to take in themed window displays and, ideally, pop in for a pick-me-up or a unique gift at Candle Bar, Johnson Jewelers and Meeker Mercantile. The Cat and Rabbit Cake Shop (111 E. Stewart Ave.) and Savory and Sweet Cafe (201 S. Meridian) will serve hot toddies and similar warming beverages during the day. Other participating eateries include Bourbon Street Creole Kitchen, The Lazy Ballerina wine bar, The Coaster, The Forum and Wicked Pie.
TACOMA WINTER MARKET (HOSTED BY MIDSOMMAR BAKERY)
▪ Where: Sons of Norway, 1106 S. 15th St., Tacoma
▪ When: Sunday, Dec. 1, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
▪ What: market with 40+ vendors offering handmade art, jewelry, ceramics plus food, wellness and other culinary goods
The family behind Midsommar Bakery, a Swedish pop-up that has thrived at the Proctor Farmers Market this year for their beautiful twirled buns and breads, has gathered a few dozen regional makers for their debut winter market. Pick up pastries for now or later, and search for the perfect something for that special someone. Think photography, custom art including stained glass and letterpress, ceramics, unique clothing, teas, potents and more. It’s also a chance to see the inside of the beautiful Sons of Norway gymnasium.
TACOMA SUNDAY MARKET
▪ Where: Tacoma Armory, 1001 S. Yakima Ave., Tacoma
▪ When: Sunday, Dec. 1, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
▪ What: vintage-focused market with clothing, art, jewelry and other wares, plus food, drink, music, photo booths and live workshops
Tacoma Sunday Market is the place to be for vintage fiends. At an array of booths, find funky sweaters, graphic T’s, sneakers galore, hats and more. The holiday event will also feature live workshops, including a snow-globe theme, DIY wreaths, jewelry and how-to-bedazzle a lighter. Snack on tamales, pozole and various antojitos; grab a cocktail or a coffee. A tintype photographer will be snapping portraits, or take a pic with Black Santa. You can even get a flash tattoo. Bring a toy for the Lil Boof Toy Drive that benefits Tacoma Rescue Mission.