I think everyone who lives in Santa Barbara attended last year's Holiday Night Market inside the…read morevacant Paseo Nuevo Macy's. We all wanted to unite and help out the local businesses who were trying to make up for lost profits and wages after the natural disasters. Sadly enough, this year's Night Market was dishearteningly and abruptly cancelled in October by Paseo Nuevo leaving many artisans displaced, with hopes to find somewhere quick to sell their amazing art and goods this Holiday Season. Thanks to Santa Barbara Trading Post's Vashti Wilson who pulled strings and all her resources to throw 2019's Twilight Holiday Market. She is an Air Force mother who had experienced European markets and wanted to bring this to Santa Barbara. If you ask me, this year's market is BETTER THAN EVER! It temporarily transported me home to Chicago's Christkindlmarket--without the frigid temperatures and mandatory cider in German boot mugs! The Twilight Market is outdoors right on De La Guerra Plaza within a heated tent with Christmas lights decorating the surrounding plants and palm trees. Step inside to explore 40+ local vendors and artisans selling their creative creations. A few of my favorites were: Island View Outfitters (screen printing shirts and stickers), AZ Designz (leather goods), Horse & Carriage Co (custom string art), Hot Cherry (therapeutic cherry pit wraps and pillows), RoHo Goods (ethical Kenyan products), & Pura Luna Women's Apothecary (plant remedies and goods). Everyone was super friendly and enthusiastic, plus many more to see that I failed to mention. If you're hungry, enjoy some smoky barbecue from Kaptain's BBQ Shack... Side note: There's the option to order in advance by texting your order to 805-617-0825 including your first/last name and phone number. There is also fingerlicking popcorn from Hippy Pop Popcorn, caffeinated hot beverages from the Nitro Shack, and rotating beer and wine offerings that changes daily to support multiple breweries/wineries. Genius! During the evenings, they have bands perform to add to the ambiance and outdoor patio seating. Markets like this is what I truly love about our tiny beach town of Santa Barbara--everyone pulls together to help and support one another to make exciting things happen. I would love to see the city create a permanent shared space for all these artisans to have pop-up shop off State Street since there is so much talent. For now, feel free to ask for a business card or find them on Etsy and/or Instagram. The market is running daily for two weeks straight from December 6th-23rd Mondays-Saturdays 4 pm - 10 pm and Sundays 12 pm - 6 pm. Go support your local artisans and small businesses to make a difference this Holiday Season!

This is a great pop-up shop that opens periodically out in front of India House restaurant. They…read moreare usually open on the weekends. They have art, wall hangings, jewelry, and all the etc. from India. Plus, their prices are very reasonable. Getting to this shop is very easy. It is located near the end of the State Street shopping district. Parking can be found in the public lots around the area and the at 75 minute street parking spots. So, it is usually pretty easy to find a parking spot Overall, this is a fun pop-up shop on State Street. Whether you just stop by as you are walking down State Street or travel to it to find that unique piece of Indian art, this is a fun place to shop.

Fresh uni right on the harbor. Saturday and sunday it is sold from the morning until when it sells…read moreout (which on most Saturdays seems to be by like 11am or so). The airof the harbor with the freshness of the Uni really makes for a great Saturday morning, truly!

My boyfriend and I actually found this place through Reddit, and I'm so glad we did. It's a small…read moreblue tent on the pier, set up alongside other fishermen selling their catch of the day. And honestly? This was probably the best and freshest uni I've ever had. The uni was light, creamy, slightly sweet, and packed with umami - truly one of the best fresh seafood experiences we've had. They provide simple sauce packets like lemon juice and ponzu, and we paired ours with seaweed wraps we brought from home, plus a little lemon and ponzu - perfection! I also loved the whole reef-to-table concept. They'll shuck and clean everything for you on the spot, but if you prefer to take them unshucked, they knock $5 off each one - totally worth it if you want to enjoy a picnic on the pier or nearby beach. What really made the experience extra special was chatting with the owner, Mike. His passion for fishing, high-quality food, and serving his community was such a breath of fresh air and really tied the whole experience together. If you're into high-quality, incredibly fresh seafood, this spot is an absolute must-visit when visiting Santa Barbara!

This is a food stand that we stumbled upon as we were biking near the Sunday arts and crafts show…read more She sells specialty cookies that you can't find elsewhere. Each Specialty cookie is $5/each. Some flavors are matcha and white chocolate with pistachio paste; walnuts and black sesame with sesame paste, and more. If you follow her on instagram, you get a free cookie too. These are all unique flavors. She mentioned that she can ship out these cookies too. Excellent service as she also lets you sample these cookies and have free ice tea. The stand is located towards the end of the art fair and is closer to Cabrillo blvd. And garden st.

From the owner: Unique Stuffed Cookies | Handmade with Love | Disabled U.S. Veteran Operates | Popup Shop Every…read moreSunday at Santa Barbara Art & Craft Show | DM to order

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