Shop local this season at these special events

Half-Pint Crafts at Craft-o-Rama

The gift-giving season can suck for those who hate malls and find shopping online a little dodgy. Fortunately, there are other options. This season, there will be a handful of special shopping events at pop-up shops, galleries, and local markets around town. Here you'll find unique and unexpected items to wrap and put under the tree.

So screw getting up early on Friday -- or leaving Thanksgiving festivities at 9 p.m. -- to shop. Mark your calendars, for these great events. And be sure to check back as we'll be updating this list as happenings are announced.

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Jen Hanion Ash at AZ Gallery

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23-DECEMBER 30

AZ Holiday Gift Show
(AZ Gallery, 308 Prince St., St. Paul, 651-255-6624, www.theazgallery.org)

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 24

Dread Naught Studios Holiday Party
(Dread Naught Studios, 720 NE Central Ave., Minneapolis, 612-554-6086, www.dreadnaughtphotography.com)

This evening includes paintings and photography for sale, live painting, raffles, massages, champagne, beer, treats, and music. 6-11 p.m. Free.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29-DECEMBER 2

Arboretum Auxiliary Holiday Sale
(University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska, 952-443-1400, www.arboretum.umn.edu)

The special Holiday Sale preview night on Thursday features appetizers and wine. Thu. 5:30-7:30 p.m.; Fri. 12-3 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Free; $45 Thursday.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29-DECEMBER 1

Old-Fashioned Holiday Bazaar
(Landmark Center, 75 W. 5th St., St. Paul, 651-292-3293, www.landmarkcenter.org)

With crafts, vendors, snacks, more. Thu.-Fri. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $4.

Grand Meander snapped by Kristine Erickson

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1

Grand Meander
(Grand Avenue, from Dale to Fairview, St. Paul, 651-699-0029, www.grandave.com)

Featuring soup tastings, an art and crafts show at Ramsey Junior High, breakfast with Santa, free trolley rides, carolers, tree-lighting ceremony, more. 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Free.

Holiday Bazaar
(Color Wheel Gallery, 319 W. 46th St., Minneapolis, 612-823-5693)

2-8 p.m. Free. Also Sunday.

Holiday Boutique and Open House
(Feline Rescue, 593 Fairview Ave. N, St Paul, 651-642-5900, www.felinerescue.org)

Shop for gifts and hang with cats. 12-4 p.m. Free.

Holiday Craft Fair
(Roseville City Hall, 2660 Civic Center Drive, Roseville, 651-792-7000)

Here, over 60 local crafters and artists will sell handmade wares. Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 12-4 p.m. Free. Also Sunday.  

Ye Olde Tyme Christmas Bazaar
(St. Lawrence Catholic Church And Newman Center, 1203 5th St. SE, Minneapolis, 612-331-7341)

Sat. 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sun. 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Free.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2

Fair Trade/Union Made Holiday Sale
(CWA Local 7200 Communications Workers Of America, 3521 E. Lake St., Minneapolis, 612-722-7200, www.cwa-union.org)

Sale is a benefit for the Minnesota Fair Trade Coalition. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free; donations encouraged.

DECEMBER 5-9

Be Dazzled
(Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum, 333 E. River Road, Minneapolis, 612-625-9494, www.wam.umn.edu)

4-6 p.m. Free.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7-8

Lowertown Artists' Holiday Bazaar

With gifts, arts and crafts, open studios, special performances, and Holiday-themed treats in a number of arts venues Lowertown. More info at lowertownfirstfridays.org. Fri. 5-9 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free.

No Coast Craft-O-Rama
(Midtown Global Market, 920 E. Lake St., Minneapolis, 612-872-4041, www.midtownglobalmarket.com)

For more info, visit nocoastcraft.com. Fri. 3-8 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2

Nikolaustag and Holiday Open Haus
(Germanic-American Institute, 301 Summit Ave., St. Paul, 651-222-7027, www.gai-mn.org)

Featuring tours, cookie decorating, traditional food, live music, model trains, live music, German vendors, arts and culture groups. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6-8

Q.arma Holiday Art Sale
(Q.arma Building, 1224 Quincy St. NE, Minneapolis, 612-623-3782)

Thu. 5-9 p.m.; Fri. 7-10 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free.

Joe Sinness at SooVAC

ONGOING THROUGH DECEMBER 24

SooVAC Pop-up Shop
(SooVAC Pop-up Shop, 3506 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis, 612-871-2263)

Featuring art and gifts from a great lineup of local artists and makers. Saturdays, Sundays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Thursdays, Fridays, 4-8 p.m. Continues through Dec. 24.

ONGOING THROUGH JANUARY 6

'tis a gift... Holiday Exhibition and Sale
(Northern Clay Center, 2424 E. Franklin Ave., Minneapolis, 612-339-8007, www.northernclaycenter.org)

Are you hosting an event this holiday season? Send a press releases to events@citypages.com to be added to the list/added to our online calendar.