A round-up of Christmas markets, pop-ups and fairs

In case you have Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market fatigue already, here are a few great local alternatives over the coming weeks. Enjoy:

Centrepiece 2013 at Symphony Hall

Centrepiece’s annual exhibition at Symphony Hall showcases the work of nearly 30 independent designer maker jewellers from the Jewellery Quarter (including five graduates from last year’s Design Space scheme). Inspired by the exterior of the new Library of Birmingham, this year’s exhibition is themed ‘Links’ and runs until Monday 23rd December. More about centrepiece and the designers that are involved on the centrepiece website.

Crafty Muthas at The Mailbox

The Mailbox has teamed up with West Midlands group Crafty Muthas for a special Christmas market this season. The stalls will sell unique handmade items such as jewellery, accessories, cakes and more. Crafty Muthas is an established crafts group and curator of the hugely popular quarterly craft fairs, Bearwood Handmade. The markets will be open on Friday 29th – Saturday 30th November and Friday 13th – Saturday 14th December, open 1-8pm on Fridays and 10am-5pm on Saturdays. More about their collaboration on The Mailbox website.

Volume: Birmingham’s Art, Book and Print Fair

Volume celebrates the best in independent publishing, brought to you by Capsule’s Library of Birmingham Discovery Season. Birmingham’s Art, Book and Print Fair, will host speakers, panel discussions, workshops and a fair. It is a unique event bringing together existing organisations in collaboration. 5th-7th December. More information on the LoB website.

Made by Walsall Christmas Pop-up

Made By… is a collective of artists, designers and makers, and they are opening their pop-up shop in the Saddlers Centre, Walsall for the second time this year. They will be selling all the items they make and design, as well as vintage furniture, homewares and delivering festive workshops on the weekend of the pop-up. It’s on 5th-8th December. More info on their facebook page.

24 Carrots Christmas Market in St Paul’s Square

The second 24 Carrots Christmas Market takes place in St Paul’s Square on Thursday 12th December. Another opportunity to support local crafter makers and buy your Christmas presents from independents. Event details on the JQ website.

Bert & Gerts

Bert & Gert’s Craft Market will be taking up a weekend residence in the Pavilions Shopping Centre on 29th & 30th November, 6th & 7th December, 13th & 14th December and 19th, 20th & 21st December. Lots of local stalls selling locally made arts and crafts goodies! More info on their website.

DIGMAS

On Saturday 14th December the Custard Factory will be teaming up with Digbeth Dining Club and local independent retailers/gift makers to bring you a winter wonderland filled with street food, music, entertainment, shopping, pampering and family fun. Buy a gift that no one else can give from a selection of one-of-a-kind vintage, handmade, bespoke and alternative gifts. Indulge in delicious street food, mulled wine and hot cocktails. Line up tbc, keep a look out here.

Woodstocking in Moseley

There is an event called ‘Woodstocking’ happening at Woodbridge Gallery on 14th December. There will be crafts on sale, as well as performances of live music, poetry reading and storytelling – all contributors are based in the Midlands. Entry costs £1.  More info on their facebook event.

—below are events previously listed on this round-up post, but since adding new markets and updating the list they have been and gone–

• Barber Institute of Fine Arts Craft Fair and Family Day – The Barber are having a Christmas Craft Fair and Family Day (Saturday 23rd November, 11am-4pm), with artists’ stalls, live storytelling (12.30 & 2pm), drop-in Christmas Cracker making during the day and carols from The Bournville Graduates (1-2pm). Great excuse to head over there and check out their exhibitions too. More from the Barber on their website.
• Moseley Arts Market (which conveniently runs along side the Moseley Farmers’ Market.) Lots of wonderful designers to buy unique gifts and christmas goodies from. It’s on between 9am-3pm on the Moseley High Street, Saturday 23rd November. I follow their updates on twitter.
• Stirchley Community Market at The Roadhouse. Tuesday 26th November is the last Stirchley Community Market of the year. They will be bringing a selection of their usual roster of hyperlocal stallholders together, however on this occasion the Stirchley Community Market is at Birmingham’s Rock and Metal live music venue, The Roadhouse. So to go with the stallholders’ high quality homemade crafts and edibles which you can purchase, you’ll also be welcome to join The Roadhouse’s Christmas Open Mic party. Tuesday 26th November, 4-11pm, more on the Stirchley Community Market website.
• Winter Art Fair Four of Birmingham’s galleries have collaborated to present a special Winter Art Fair at Ikon from Friday 29 November to 1 December. Ikon Gallery, Eastside Projects, The Lombard Method and Grand Union will show art for sale by international and British artists. More info on the Ikon’s website.
• Marketplace – Contemporary Craft Fair at the mac – mac’s popular Christmas Craft Fair returns on Saturday 30th November and Sunday 1st December. They feature a range of high quality work from exciting designer makers. “With more than 50 exhibitor stands each day, this is an exclusive opportunity to buy and commission the very best in unique crafts, direct from the maker. ” It took place on the weekend just gone too, I went and bought all kinds of lovely Christmas presents – as well as a few treats for myself. You’ll find goodies from the likes of wonderful illustrators currentstate, Sarah Ray, Ruth Green and Catherine Bowdler, as well as ceramics, jewellery, bags and much more. Full list of stallholders on the mac website.

Any that should be added that I don’t know about yet, please write in the comments or pop an email to createdinbirmingham[@]gmail.com