[UPDATED] Seven Holiday Markets to Browse with a Drink

An E-Som Market at La Brasa this July. / Photo provided

No matter how you spin it, holiday shopping is usually a drag. With the season in full swing, it’s becoming harder to avoid the hectic mall crowds and sprawling department stores. But you can take the stress out of your next shopping excursion at seven pop-up markets at breweries, bars, and beyond.

The Hawthorne

At this series, featured vendors include Sailormade, R. Murphy Knives, Porcelain and Stone, Urban Kitchen Handmade Soap, and many more, every Monday through December 12. While you peruse, enjoy seasonal cocktails and light snacks provided by the award-winning Kenmore Square bar.

Mondays, November 28-December 12, 5-7 p.m., the Hawthorne, 500 A Commonwealth Ave., Fenway/Kenmore, 617-532-9150, Event Page.

SoWa Boston

The South End power station is hosting a winter weekend bash full of regional vendors, with stiff cocktails and fresh java on hand from Area Four and Black Magic Coffee. The complete list of participating companies has yet to be announced, but expect plenty of sweets, knitwear, Christmas decorations, and more. Wine Riot will also have a tent sent up nearby with food trucks and complimentary wine samples. Tack on Friday’s monthly art crawl, SoWa First Fridays, and you have one festive extravaganza.

Friday, December 2, 5-9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, December 3-4, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., SoWa Power Station, 540 Harrison Ave., Event Page.

La Brasa

There have been a slew of “E-Som” pop-up markets since the series launched last year, and there are two more on the books before the year is out. On December 3, shop products from a packed list of vendors like Maca, Black Market Modern Vintage, and Vessel Candle Co. And on December 10, the East Somerville restaurant welcomes Blackburn Supply, Craft & Caro, Tapwater Designs, and more. La Brasa serves brunch during each event, and specialty cocktails will be available courtesy of guest bartenders and distilleries. Jason Cool (Central Kitchen) is shaking up cocktails with spirits from Phillips Distilling Company on December 3, and Nick Korn of Offsite will be behind the bar using spirits from Drink Italian on December 10.

Saturday, December 3, and Saturday, December 10, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., La Brasa, 124 Broadway, Somerville, 617-764-1412, labrasasomerville.com.

Row 34

Fort Point’s veritable beer bar is throwing three Sunday pop-ups in its private dining space, the Cooler Room, to showcase local artists. While browsing locally made jewelry, ceramics, and clothing, sip on small-batch craft beers and snack on small bites from the seafood-laden menu.

Sundays, December 4th-18th, 4-6 p.m., Row 34, 383 Congress St., Fort Point, 617-553-5900, row34.com.

Meeting of the Makers

JP Beer Garden briefly returns from its real-estate hunt hiatus to bring mulled wine and their signature pretzels to this holiday bazaar. This series sees local artists from Somerville and Jamaica Plain converge to present their wares, so expect local ceramics from Ogusky Ceramics, jewelry, apothecary products, and more.

Friday, December 9, 5-10 p.m., Laura Baring Gould Studios, 204 Summer St., Somerville, meetingofthemakers.com.

Night Shift Brewing

The Everett brewery is opening its taproom to local vendors like Kitchen Millie, the Daily Robot, Inkwell Trading Co., and many more. Night Shift is also joining in on the market experience by offering new and vintage merchandise for sale. Stop by, grab a pint, and get some holiday shopping out of the way.

Sunday, December 11, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Night Shift Brewing, 87 Santilli Highway, Everett, 617-294-4233, Event Page.

Notch Brewing. / Photo provided

Notch Brewing

This Salem biergarten is channeling its inner German Christmas market this December. Sip on single-hop pale ales and Czech lagers while you peruse local vendors, including Creative Salem, Boston Woodturning, Harbor Sweets Handmade Chocolates, Sully’s Brand, and many more. Bambolina will have its smoker on-site to cook up some grub. The brewery is updating its vendor roster in the days leading up to the market, so keep an eye out for new additions.

Sunday, December 11, 2-4 p.m., Notch Brewing, 283R Derby St., Salem, 978-238-9060, notchbrewing.com.