Hit three holiday art markets in three corners of Philly this weekend

Just as the seasonal aisles at Acme and CVS get a little gap-toothed and ragged, there’s still time to check out three neighborhood-centric arts and crafts bazaars, if your gift list isn’t complete, or if you want to find something nice for yourself (and after the past year, I’m pretty sure you deserve it).

South Philly

On December 16 and 17, the popular Punk Rock Flea Market lands at the BOK building (1901 S. 9th Street; enter at Mifflin Street) from 10am to 5pm. Vendors at this sprawling fest of darkly whimsical and weird vintage and handcrafted stuff (like pretty much every garishly loveable pop-culture image you could think of, emblazoned on jewelry, coasters, or tiles) are already promising things like painted skulls and “filthy wearables” I can’t describe here. Each of the market’s two days will have a different set of more than 100 vendors, and the $3 admission lets you come and go for the whole weekend.

And while you’re down near Passyunk, do yourself a favor and stroll the avenue for drinks or dinner, then take a turn up the Miracle on South 13th Street (between Tasker and Morris). It’s not exactly punk rock, but you will find National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Yukon Cornelius, and the Eiffel Tower.

Kensington

For the horticulturalist close to your heart, Kensington's annual Greensgrow Holiday Bazaar (2501 E. Cumberland Street) is also running on Saturday and Sunday, December 16 and 17, from 10am to 4pm. A neighborhood favorite featuring the work of local makers, the Bazaar boasts fine art and crafts (including jewelry, ceramics, woodworking, and natural bath and body products) from a different roster of vendors each day. And, of course, the Greensgrow event specializes in the necessary piney accessories: trees (tabletop to tall), evergreen swags, and unique gifts such as rosemary bushes and winter-flowering plants to brighten the coming months.

Santa will be on hand Sunday from 1 to 3pm, and from 11am to 1pm, it’s the Bad Sweaters & Bloody Mary Happy Hour with Rowhouse Spirits, to toast the farm’s 20th year and compete for prizes for the best bad holiday sweaters.

Mt. Airy

Philly’s Northwest arts community is also out on December 16 and 17, with the eighth annual Mt. Airy Art Garage Holiday Market, running from noon to 6pm each day. MAAG got its start as a holiday market before it ever had a building, and now, while it’s in a major transition to a new home base, the tradition continues. This curated art fair features jewelry, photography, handmade leather goods, ceramics, handblown glass, lotions and soaps, fine art, “botanical art,” and lots more, with live music for festive community-centered browsing. It’s happening at 7165 Germantown Avenue.