Holiday Bazaars.

• Author: Anderson, Tasha
• Position: 'TIS THE SEASON EAT SHOP PLAY STAY

November and December are chilly, snowladen months in Alaska, and they are also the perfect time to get out and do some quality shopping. While Alaskan artists provide exceptional wares throughout the year, they gather at various bazaars and shopping events in the weeks preceding the holiday season, creating a fun and unique shopping experience for all of Alaska's residents. No matter who or what one may be shopping for, the gift-seeking opportunities below are sure to offer up the ideal gift, whether that's fresh peanut brittle, hand-forged tools, or mittens made from recycled sweaters, Alaska's bazaars offer something for everyone. Put on a hat, snag what's left of the PFD, and get out to support local Alaskan vendors and score some fantastic items.

November

The Bad Girls of the North Holiday Unique Boutiques take place this year on November 3 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and November 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lakefront Anchorage. Don't miss the amazing collection of artists at this unique craft show Shop for art, a variety of jewelry, handcrafted soaps, silk scarves, handmade clothing, pottery, leather purses, metal art, gourmet foods, home decor, and one-of-a-kind artwork. badgirlsofthenorth.com

The Coffman Cove Holiday Bazaar at the Howard Valentine School runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 4 The Bazaar features crafts, food, and fun and is sponsored by the "By The Sea" Arts b Seafood Festival Committee. Santa will be available for photos from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and door prize giveaways will take place from Noon to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Attendees can bring food items for donation to the Food Bank, ccalaska.com/events/holiday-bazaar/

In Wasilla at the Curtis Menard Sports Center, the Mat-Su Holiday Marketplace takes place November 4 and 5, 2017. This bazaar is a one-stop holiday shopping extravaganza for the Valley, presenting an opportunity to shop for unique, one-of-a-kind gifts from more than one hundred vendors, including jewelry, furs, original art, fleece, pottery, etched glassware, and more. Parking is free; admission is $4 for adults, and children age twelve and under are free. fairbanksevents.com/mat-su-holiday-marketplace/

The 2017 Holiday Food and Gift Festival takes place November 4 and 5 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday at the Dena'ina Center in Anchorage. This fun family-oriented event features strictly-Alaskan handmade items including clothing, jewelry, bath products...