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By Terri Coles

Holiday shopping is a little more bearable if you can do it outside the mall. Fortunately, this province has a strong history in crafting and making, and as a result, there are tons of options for buying locally and handmade for the holidays. Here are six of the best ones happening this month, including one-off craft shows and regular markets.

December 6: Some Good Christmas Market; Canonwood Hall at St. Thomas’ Church (8 Military Rd.)  

The popular Some Good Market comes back to town for the holidays on December 6 (10 AM to 4 PM), and admission is free with the donation of a nonperishable item for the food bank. You’ll find tons of great local vendors, including food, and another market will be held in Bay Roberts on the 20th.

https://www.facebook.com/events/640580359350052/

December 6: Christmas in CBS Arts and Crafts Fair; The Lions Club Long Pond in Conception Bay South

Local means more than just St. John’s proper these days, and this fair is reason to head out to CBS. Hot chocolate is free and admission is just $2 if you bring a nonperishable food item for donation. 1 PM to 5 PM;

https://www.facebook.com/events/738709702876118/

December 6 – 7: Quidi Vidi Village Plantation Christmas Weekend; Quidi Vidi Village Plantation (10 Maple View Place)

The Village Plantation offers great shopping all year round, but on this weekend you can also enjoy entertainment and food thanks to the Come-From-Away String Band, playing from 1-3 on Saturday, and, and the annual Quidi Vidi Foundation bake sale. Sat 10 AM to 4 PM and Sun 12 PM to 4 PM.

https://www.facebook.com/events/576168035818515/?ref=44&unit_ref=related_events

December 12 – 14: Christmas Tea and Sale; Anna Templeton Centre (278 Duckworth St.) 

This annual event at the Anna Templeton Centre returns against this year, with many of the wares on offer available nowhere else. There will be more than 45 artisans present–and as a bonus, lunch, tea, and treats will be available in the Tea Room. Fri 12 PM to 8 PM, Sat 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Sun 12 PM to 4:30 PM

http://www.annatempletoncenter.com/events/photogallery-teaandsale2013/

December 14: Last Chance Gift Fair: Holiday Inn St. John’s (180 Portugal Cove Rd.)

Like to leave things late? Then this fair in support of the Ronald McDonald House of Newfoundland and Labrador is for you, with more than 30 vendors, including Sum Sweet Fudge and Brassy Lassy Jewels. 10 AM to 4 PM.

https://www.facebook.com/events/940927155935180/?ref=44&unit_ref=related_events

Saturdays until the 20th: St. John’s Farmers’ Market; Lion’s Club Chalet (102 Bonaventure Ave.)

This is the market’s last month before it shuts down until spring, but there are still plenty of reasons to visit and do some shopping–including the presence of local sellers like St. John’s Soap Works and Kyle Callahan Photography (https://www.facebook.com/kylecallahan.pad). 9 AM to 2 PM.

http://stjohnsfarmersmarket.org/