Hey all you Christmas procrastinators — you know who you are — you’re quickly running out of time. Christmas Eve is Tuesday; the Big Day itself is Wednesday; and you’ve got how many names left on your to-buy-for list?
Unless you want to fight the crowds at Walmart on Dec. 24 (those stores close at 6 p.m.), you’re running out of options. But you’ve still got a handful of opportunities to buy not just mass-produced presents, but bring home handcrafted gifts from several local festivals.
And there’s none bigger than the final weekend of the Made In Utah Winter Fest at The Gateway, where they’re closing down Rio Grande street to traffic so patrons can wander about, check out the lights, enjoy music, nosh at food trucks, and do some almost-last-minute shopping. Admission is free.
Made In Utah Winterfest
When • Saturday and Sunday, 1-9 p.m.
Where • The Gateway, 18 N. Rio Grande St.
Admission • Free
More information • madeinutahfest.com
Vendors will offer candles, paintings, sculptures, jewelry, custom miniature figures, skin-care products, fashion and fashion accessories. And if you’re in the market for furniture made from recycled wine barrels or lightsabers, well, they’ll have those, too.
You won’t have to get hungry or thirsty while you’re there. You can buy chocolate, caramels, cookies, cakes, crepes and strudels, or check out the Mexican or Senegalese cuisine. There will be coffee, juice, beer, vodka and whiskey. And they aren’t forgetting the canines — you can buy dog treats, too.
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Here are other places to find local art and handmade gifts this weekend:
Bountiful Davis Art Center Winterfest Art Jubilee • Affordable art and crafts are available. Bountiful Davis Art Center, 90 N. Main St., Bountiful. Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m; through Friday. Free admission. More info at bdac.org.
Winter Farmers Market at the Rio Grande • The event has added an arts and crafts market featuring 30 vendors selling ceramics, jewelry, home goods, personal care, textiles and more. Rio Grande Depot, 300 S. Rio Grande St. Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free admission. More info at slcfarmersmarket.org.
Downtown Artist Collective Holiday Market • Fine art, crafts, jewelry, gifts and more from local artists and artisans. Downtown Artist Collective, 258 E. 100 South. Friday 5-8 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Free admission. More info at downtownartistcollective.org.
Holiday Craft Market at Finch Lane Gallery • The market will feature nearly 80 Utah artists whose work includes jewelry, ceramics, textiles, artwork, prints and letterpress items, glass art, holiday decorations, artisan foods and more. Finch Lane Gallery, 54 S. Finch Lane (1340 East). Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission. More info at saltlakearts.org.
The Hive: Holiday Pop-Up Markets • Local artisans pop up to provide locally made goods for the holidays. Trolley Square, 602 S 700 East. Friday 5-9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday noon-5 p.m. Free admission. More info at The Hive Market’s Facebook page.
Salt and Honey Market • The Salt and Honey Holiday Makers Market will offer jewelry, home decor, artwork, food items, vintage clothing and more at two locations in December, as the store moves from The Gateway to the 9th and 9th neighborhood. Salt and Honey Market, 111 S. Rio Grande and 926 E. 900 South, Salt Lake City. Thursday-Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday noon-6 p.m., Monday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Tuesday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Learn more at saltandhoneymarket.com.
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Coverage of downtown Salt Lake City arts groups is supported by a grant from The Blocks, a cultural initiative of Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County.
