Every year, the icy Southwest Montana temps and snow cover signal the fast approaching season of giving. That’s right, it’s time to start making those lists, and checking ‘em twice. In prolonged recognition of “Small Business Saturday,” consider shopping local when checking names off your holiday shopping scrolls. This nationwide celebration of independent, local businesses and their proprietors can easily extend beyond operating hours on November 25th. And for those also hoping to dodge the Black Friday rush or are looking for original gifts no Cyber Monday sale could furnish, here’s a roundup of holiday markets and events happening in and around Bozeman.
Give the gift of art! The Emerson Center for the Arts & Culture presents the 16th Annual Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, November 18th from 9am–4pm. This highly anticipated event is a celebration of local and regional artists. Held in the Emerson Ballroom every year, exhibitors display original fine art and distinctive crafts. The event will feature fine art, sculpture, photography, jewelry, decorative items, and much more! Head down and find that unique gift you’ve been pondering. The Holiday Bazaar is a fundraiser for the Emerson Center.
Also at the Emerson on Nov. 18th, the Bozeman Winter Farmers’ Market moves upstairs for its weekly event. Vendors will be displaying their goods from 9am–noon. Pick up some groceries, stock the pantry for Thanksgiving, and get a jump on holiday shopping with this pre-holiday extravaganza at the Emerson!
The following weekend in the Gallatin Valley Fairgrounds’ exhibit buildings, check out the Gallatin Valley Farmers’ Market: Holiday Edition on Saturday, November 25th from 9am–3pm. This is a great opportunity to shop for one of a kind Christmas gifts made by local crafters and artists, and to also purchase locally raised meats for your holiday dinner table. Many of the featured vendors will be those from the summer markets, in addition to vendors who don’t participate on a regular basis. Buy a few birdhouses or spoons by woodworkers from the Bozeman Senior Center. Or maybe some beautiful pieced fabric napkins, aprons and placemats by Elaine Staben. Marketgoers will also find friendly flowers and photos on pallets by Allison Sweeney. All this and so much more! Attendees will receive free tote bags while supplies last. Please also bring nonperishable food items to donate to the Gallatin Valley Food Bank.
Looking to early next month, the 2017 SLAM Winter Showcase heads to the Masonic Lodge Ballroom Friday and Saturday, December 1st–2nd from noon–8pm both days. With the continued goal to Support Local Artists and Musicians, this holiday twist on the annual cultural gathering will feature one of a kind gifts for friends and family, live entertainment by area musicians, silent auction, and so much more. The Winter Showcase is the perfect place to soak in the creativity of your local Montana community. Come check every name off your holiday shopping list! This family friendly event will entertain all weekend long.
Western Sustainability Exchange presents the WSE Holiday Farmers Market on Saturday, Dec. 2nd from 9am–4pm. This festive shopping event features local vendors with handmade jewelry, toys, apparel, baked goods, artwork, kids activities, and much more. Also returning this year, Santa Paws! Have photos taken with Santa between booth stops. Proceeds will benefit Stafford Animal Shelter. The market takes place at the Livingston Civic Center.
Also on Dec. 2nd, the Antique Market will host the return of its Holiday Open House Extravaganza! from 10am–5pm. Come for sales throughout the store, refreshments, and plenty of good cheer! This event is meant to wish everyone the happiest and healthiest of holidays. Get ready to wrap and “Come See What Time Left Behind” in Four Corners.
Finally, the annual Christmas Stroll, Downtown Bozeman’s greatest holiday tradition, returns Saturday evening, Dec. 2nd from 4:30–7:30pm. Santa Claus will work his way from the Emerson down Main Street, singing Christmas carols and lighting the downtown holiday lights with thousands of spirited community members in tow. Then enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, pictures with Santa, live entertainment, downtown shopping, holiday treats, and much more! Buttons will be available for purchase following Thanksgiving at various Bozeman locations.
ALL events are open to the public. Further information about these local holiday shopping opportunities and other happenings can be found throughout this issue of The BoZone. •
