The early days of the pandemic limited the number of Christmas markets that popped up around this time last year. But we’re living in endemic Covid mode right now and that means an uptick in the number of festive markets to check out this month.
Unlike the ordinary holiday markets you might be familiar with, the ones in the list below have a cooler/quirkier edge, thanks to the assortment of small businesses and independent creative enterprises from Singapore that are selling one-of-a-kind gifts.
Ahead, the folks behind the events give us a lowdown on what to expect.
ABOUT THE ORGANISERS: “North East Social Club is a collective (in the loosest sense of the word) that decided to do things because we can. The first two members live along the North-East line so that’s where the name comes from.”
WHAT THE CHRISTMAS MARKET HAS TO OFFER: “Solutions for your last-minute gifting predicament – you can even get haircuts, tattoos, and tarot readings.”
BUYS TO LOOK OUT FOR: “We would rather not be seen as favouring a specific subset of vendors… So the answer to this is two for $20 sangrias from the bar.”
WHEN: December 11, from noon to 9pm and December 12, from noon to 6pm
WHERE: Projector X: Riverside, #04-13 Riverside Point
SPECIAL MEASURES TO TAKE NOTE OF (IN LIGHT OF COVID-19): Make sure you’re fully vaxxed and properly masked up. Do ask for permission and hand sanitiser when you’re handling the vendors’ wares and remember to bring your own shopping bag.
ABOUT THE ORGANISERS: “Super Freak boutique is a place of respite from the homogeny, at the intersection of fashion, art, and music, where visual and popular culture collide.”
WHAT THE CHRISTMAS MARKET HAS TO OFFER: “Pre-loved/thrifted clothes and accessories as well as handmade wearable goodies.”
BUYS TO LOOK OUT FOR: “Daniela Monasterios Tan (of art collective A Stubborn Bloom) will bring a mobile mending station to spruce up your garments with some visible mending, beads or even patches (also available at the Super Freak store). Send her an Instagram DM for a pre-event ‘consultation.’ Drag queen Becca D’Bus is offering a discounted sneak peek at PieHole, her upcoming line of fully upcycled, all-gender clothing. There will also be a flash 30 per cent sale at the shopfloor side.”
WHEN: December 12, from 11am to 8pm
WHERE: #01-02 Stamford Court
SPECIAL MEASURES TO TAKE NOTE OF (IN LIGHT OF COVID-19): Attendees have to be fully vaccinated or have a negative PET test result to enter. Each customer’s status will be checked at the door. There is limited capacity in the shop, so RSVP for guaranteed entry. Due to safe management measures, each time slot booking is 45 mins. Customers will need to leave the flea when the time is up, in order to make way for attendees of the next slot.
ABOUT THE ORGANISERS: “Underground Market was started up originally with the thought, ‘Why let the unworn or pre-loved quality clothes go to waste?’ With this in mind, our founders Venetia Sng and Pia Chandra-Masters gathered a few friends who were fellow fashion bloggers and held the first flea at the basement of Pia’s home eight years ago, hence the name.”
WHAT THE CHRISTMAS MARKET HAS TO OFFER: “Beyond the usual quality fashion finds from influencers, Underground Market has invited an exotic plant vendor The Botanical Assembly, an artisan Johanna Pan who specialises in textiles, ceramics and printmaking, and Aye Kooky, a quirky accessories brand to join us so that customers can support local businesses while doing some Christmas shopping as well.”
BUYS TO LOOK OUT FOR: “Vintage accessories from brands like Christian Lacroix, handmade porcelain earrings, exotic plants and cute pre-loved apparel.”
WHEN: December 11, from 11am to 6pm
WHERE: The Co@Duxton, 99 Duxton Rd
SPECIAL MEASURES TO TAKE NOTE OF (IN LIGHT OF COVID-19): The premise only allows vaccinated visitors. However, a non-vaccinated child below 12, who is accompanied by a vaccinated adult, is allowed entry.