Holiday Markets in the Rio Grande Valley

I know that Halloween *just* came and went, but I’m already thinking Christmas.  For the sake of my sanity – and my budget – I try to shop early.

But I also want to support small businesses and shop owners.  This benefits our community by keeping money here AND it helps me find unique, different gifts.  I love personalized and handmade items, but I am NOT crafty.

I’ve developed a list of RGV fairs and festivals that showcase other people’s creativity.  It’s all in the spirit of Christmas!  Then again, there’s always the danger that I will find something that I’d like to bring home myself!

Here are some great places to find local artisans, crafters, and holiday goods:

2nd Annual Craft Bazaar

I missed this bazaar last year, but I love paper goods!  Handmade cards can be so sweet.  Not only can you find cards and cardmaking supplies, there will also be over 20 tables filled with all types of handmade items including  jewelry, woodwork, wreaths, machine embroidery, purses, wall hangings, table runners, dishtowels and more.  There is no admission charge and parking is free. For information call 956-581-5766.

• Saturday, November 8th
• 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• First Presbyterian Church
• 1102 Ash Drive, Mission TX

3rd Annual Antique Barn Sale

I hear that this barn and the antiques are fabulous!  The Antique Barn Sale features antique and vintage furniture, glassware, vintage jewelry, re-purposed décor, and an array of unique “found objects”. Come and enjoy a beautiful day in the country, rain or shine!

• Saturday, November 8th, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday, November 9th, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• First Presbyterian Church
• 2 Mile and Bryan Road, Mission TX

BT MOPS Annual Community Market

Support moms in the RGV by shopping at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Community Market!  There are vendors for baby items, bows, jewelry, soaps, gorgeous painted shoes and festive wreaths, PLUS some favorite (not-crafty) standards: Pampered Chef, Scentsy, Doterra, etc.  Some of the best deals at the Community Market are the silent auction items.  You can easily find restaurant gift cards, memberships to local museums (IMAS!), and even items for dads (golfing, home improvement).

• Saturday, November 15th
• 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• BT McAllen
• 2001 Trenton Road, McAllen TX

Fall Into Christmas Bazaar

The youth of St. Paul are planning their second annual Christmas Bazaar!  They have plans for a bucket raffle, concession stand and 40 vendors.

Admission fee: $1 per person

• November 15, 2014
• 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• St. Paul Lutheran Church
• 300 W. Pecan Ave., McAllen TX

Mustang Market Day

The McAllen Memorial High School student council is hosting their first ever market day.  So far, they have representatives from Origami Owl, Onsite Cellular Repair – and some neat items like adenium plants, clay jewelry, essential oils, soaps and lotions.

• November 15th, 2014
• 10am-3pm
• McAllen Memorial High School cafeterias

Market Square

This event happens annually at Holy Spirit Catholic Church.   The parish hall is full of vendor tables with beautiful items.  Last year, there was some vibrant painted glass artwork that I loved.  This year, you can bring your kids for cookie decorating and a visit with St. Nicholas.

• Sunday, November 16th
• 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Holy Spirit Parish Hall
• 2201 Martin Avenue, McAllen

Santa’s “Workshopping” Event

Make a list, check it twice. Get a little something for everyone nice!

• Sunday, November 23th
• 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• McAllen Elks Lodge
• 3500 Jordan Road W.
• (2 streets south of the Exp 83 and Ware Rd intersection)

Annual International Festival

Not only can you find Christmas gifts at this festival in early December, you’ll find FOOD.  There’s an array of international foods, including Greek, Russian/Ukrainian, Ethiopian, Romanian and more.  Buy some baklava for yourself (or as a teacher gift), and check out all the handicrafts, holiday gifts, and homemade candles for sale.  You can also tour the church and enjoy free entertainment.

• Saturday, December 6th
• 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• St. George Orthodox Church
• 704 West Sam Houston Blvd., Pharr

Holiday Mercado

Holiday Mercado is a family-friendly annual event.   Come take pictures with the kids, view booths full of great products, shop with the family, and revel in the Holiday spirit!

General Admission is $6 • Children Under 12 are Free • Seniors 65+ $3 with Photo ID.  If you bring one canned good to donate to the Food Bank, you can take $1 off admission.

• Saturday and Sunday, December 6th and 7th
• 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• McAllen Convention Center

McAllen Tamale Fest

This is another opportunity to support a worthwhile cause while also getting some shopping done!  McAllen TamaleFest benefits the McAllen Boys and Girls Club, and includes a children’s fun run and marathon mile, a tamale competition, a tamale eating contest and tamale making classes.  But most exciting for shoppers are the arts and crafts booths –  Mexican and local artisans will bring their Mexican products or items with a Hispanic theme.  Last year, there were some gorgeous corn husk wreaths, and I’m hoping to scoop one up in 2014.

• Saturday, December 6th
• McAllen Municipal Park

That’s all I have for now, but I’m keeping an eye out for other fun markets, bazaars and festivals.

If you are a local crafter and have a website or an event that we should visit, post your link in the comments.  You can also add other events to the RGV Moms Blog Event Calendar.