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This week in St. Paul shopping, Landmark Center hosts the annual Old Fashioned Holiday Bazaar and the Holiday Gift Stroll, First Friday in Lowertown, Grand Meander takes over Grand Avenue, and more:

Thursday-Saturday: 31st Annual Old Fashioned Holiday Bazaar
What: Head to St. Paul’s historic Landmark Center to meander through this seasonal marketplace featuring over 75 exhibitors shilling unique, hand-crafted gift items made by Midwest artists. If you’ve never been inside the Landmark, you’re definitely in for a treat, as the structure is one of the area’s most beautifully maintained historic structures. Take your time exploring the vendor booths while listening to happy holiday tunes, then recharge with some tasty snacks and pastries. Participate in the “gift stroll” which invites you to trek to neighboring shops, Sophist-a-Gifts and the Artist Mercantile. Have your “Gift Stroll Card” (available at all three locations, no purchase necessary) stamped at each stop and receive a free gift, plus, be entered to win one of six awesome prize giveaways. (Entry: $3)
When: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, December 2 & Friday, December 3; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, December 4.
Where: Landmark Center, Musser Cortile/3rd floor, 75 W. 5th St., St. Paul, 651-292-3230, landmarkcenter.org

Thursday-Saturday: 3rd Annual Holiday Gift Stroll
What: Landmark Center is really hopping this weekend. In addition to the Old Fashioned Holiday Bazaar, Landmark’s gift shop is hosting the gift shops of Rice Park for the 3rd Annual Holiday Gift Stroll. Artist Mercantile, Sophist-A-Gifts, Landmark Jewelers (all located within the Hamm Building) and Landmarket Gift Shop (located inside Landmark Center) will have their best offerings for sale. Plus, by picking up a Gift Stroll postcard at any of the shops anytime before the sale, shoppers can be entered into a drawing for prizes including an overnight stay at the Saint Paul Hotel; tickets to Ordway’s “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat”; an Orrefors crystal vase; an assortment of theatre tickets, restaurant and shopping certificates and more. And if you visit all participating shops, you can receive two free tickets to “Sample Night Live” at the History Theatre (a $40 value). (Pictured: Artist Mercantile)
When: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, December 2 & Friday, December 3; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, December 4.
Where: Landmark Center, Musser Cortile/3rd floor, 75 W. 5th St., St. Paul, 651-292-3230, landmarkcenter.org. Pick up postcards at Artist Mercantile, 24 W. 7th Pl., 651-222-0053; Sophist-A-Gifts, 405 St. Peter St., 651-291-7948; Landmark Jewelers, 402 St. Peter St.,651-222-2282; or Landmarket Gift Shop, Landmark Center, 75 W. 5th St., 651-292-1239.

Friday: Loeber + Look Jewelry Trunk Show
What: The 30-year jewelry collaboration between husband and wife artists Ken Loeber and Dona Look offers contemporary, clean-lined, 18 karat gold and sterling silver. Meet the designers, place special orders and enjoy refreshments at St. Paul’s Grand Hand Gallery.
When: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, December 3; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, December 4; Noon-5 p.m. Sunday, December 5.
Where: The Grand Hand Gallery, 619 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-312-1122, thegrandhand.com

Friday: Lowertown First Friday
What: Missed Black Friday? Get your first at St. Paul’s monthly art crawl, Lowertown First Friday. The studio crawl always provides plenty of opportunities to check out what the art district’s artists are working on – and scoop up some new arty pieces. Participating buildings include Jax Building (253 E. 4th St.), Northwestern Building (275 E. 4th St.), Lowertown Lofts Artists Cooperative (255 E. Kellogg Blvd.), Northern Warehouse (308 Prince St.), adn Tilsner Artist Cooperative (300 Broadway St.), as well as openings at AZ Gallery (308 Prince St.), Black Dog Cafe (308 Prince St.) and Echo Arts (275 E. 4th St. #B200) – plus several Lowertown bars and restaurants will be featuring food specials, along with entertainment. Click here for a map of Lowertown First Friday locations. (Pictured: Art from Jax studio #204)
When: 6-9 p.m. Friday, December 3.
Where: Various artist studios and galleries throughout the Lowertown district,
lowertownfirstfridays.com

Sunday: Moxie Salon Cut-a-thon
What: Time to get that ‘do cleaned up for the holidays – and what better way to do it than for a good cause. Moxie Salon’s St. Paul location is diong an all-day cut-a-thon this weekend with all proceeds going to Habitat for Humanity. It’s only $20 a cut (dry cuts only); walk-ins are welcome but just to be safe, call for a reservation (cash or check only). Moxie is also holding a winterwear donation drive to benefit The Listening House of St. Paul (a shelter and community resource center for homeless and disadvantaged persons); if you donate three or more items, you can receive 20 percent off take home products and/or ProTools.
When: Noon-6 p.m. Sunday, December 5.
Where: Moxie Salon Midway, 722 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul, 651-251-6820, moxiesalon.com

ONGOING:

Handcrafted Holidays
What: The Grand Hand’s annual Handmade Holiday bazaar opens for the holiday shopping season just in time for Thanksgiving. Stock up on fresh finds and perennial favorites, including a wide selection of ornaments, jewelry, prints, and pottery as well as work in fiber, glass, metal and wood. We’ll be adding new goods throughout the season, with plenty of options under $60. -Jahna Peloquin (Pictured: Jewelry by Brittany Foster)
When: During store hours November 19-December 24.
Where: The Grand Hand Gallery, 619 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-312-1122, thegrandhand.com

November Deals at FiveTwoSix Salon
What: Every month, St. Paul salon FiveTwoSix – which was recently named one of the top 100 salons in America by Elle Magazine – has tons of ways to keep you pretty with great deals and promos. This month, get your winter hair fix with Bumble & Bumble’s Wear and Care Quenching Treatment; the line starts at $35, and you can take 20 percent off when you invest in all four treatments from the line. For your dry skin fix, take in a winter skin spa treatment from Dermalogica; get a 30 minute treatment for only $35, and take home its Smooth and Renew kit with free travel size samples for only $36 ($66 value). More deals running through the month: get a free 4 oz. Bumble & Bumble hairspray with a Messy or Dressy production collection purchase; free makeup touch-ups from Smashbox Cosmetics after any hair or spa appointment; and if you refer three people to your stylist, you’ll receive a free haircut, and they’ll receive a complimentary Bumble & Bumble product.
-Jahna Peloquin
When: Through November.
Where: 526 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-222-3839, 526salon.com

Content shared with l’etoile magazine.

Black Friday was only the beginning. This weekend, holiday shopping in St. Paul really gets a kick start, thanks to a bunch of St. Paul’s finest boutiques. Snag locally-made fashions, accessories, gifts and art for your loved ones while enjoying libations, gifts, prizes, and deals galore. And remember: shopping local is a virtue.

ONGOING THROUGH SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6:

Up Six Holiday Sale

Head to vintage capital of the Twin Cities, St. Paul, for Up Six’s annual holiday sale. Snag 15 percent off all jewelry, 20 percent off all clothing and accessories, and 10 to 50 percent off all furniture and housewares. On Saturday and Sunday, snack on cookies from Bread & Chocolate and hot apple cider. While you’re in the area, check out St. Paul’s other fab vintage shops, many of which are part of the St. Paul Retro Loop. (We recommend Lula’s Vintage Wear and Sophie Joe’s Emporium.) Bonus: You can pre-shop the sale on Monday if you mention hearing about it on l’étoile. (Begins noon Tue. Ends 4 p.m. Sun. 157 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul. 651-917-0470.)

Go Live image by Meghan Sitek

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2:

Home for the Holidays at FiveTwoSix
The holiday edition of St. Paul salon spa and gallery FiveTwoSix’s monthly fashion, art and music soiree offers the usual entertainment and art, as well as tons of great gift ideas. For sale will be original art, sculpture, glass, photography, handmade candles, and a jewelry trunk show by local designers. You can also get your ‘do done or a facial acupressure for free, register for prizes, and enjoy gifts-with-purchase opportunities and refreshments. (5-8 p.m. 526 Selby Ave., St. Paul. 651-222-3839.)

Landmark Center

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3-SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6:

Old-Fashioned Holiday Bazaar and Gift Stroll at Landmark Center
Head to St. Paul’s historic Landmark Center and stroll the marketplace of over 75 exhibits with unique, hand-crafted gift items from Midwest artists in Landmark’s Musser Cortile. Afterward, head out for the gift stroll, featuring neighboring gift shops Sophist-a-Gifts and the Artist Mercantile. Visit all three shops for gifts and prizes. (10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thu. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. $3. 75 5th St. W., St. Paul. 651-292-3230. Artist Mercantile: 24 7th Pl. W., St. paul. 651-222-0053. Sophist-a-Gifts: 406 St. Peter St., St. Paul. 651-291-7948.)

CVA Art Sale

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4-SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6:

CVA Holiday Art Sale at College of Visual Art
CVA’s newly expanded Holiday Art Sale promises to be filled with fresh artwork by CVA students, alumni, faculty and staff for you to peruse and purchase. Your best bet at snatching up the hottest artwork? Friday night’s Preview Party, of course. Artwork and prints from the CVA Art Archives will also be included in a silent auction benefiting the CVA. (Preview party: 5-8 p.m. Fri. $20-25. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. Noon-4 p.m. Sun. 173 Western Ave. N., St. Paul. 651-224-3416.)

DC Ice art at AZ Gallery

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4: Lowertown First Fridays & Handmade Holidays Market Sale at Black Dog Cafe

Over 40 artists team up for the ninth annual Handmade Holidays Market Sale at Lowertown’s Black Dog Cafe, coinciding with Lowertown First Fridays art crawl. Items include jewelry, stained glass, dolls, ornaments, bags, hats, soaps, knits, paintings and more by an eclectic mix of artists. Sip a latte or glass of wine while you shop. (5-9 p.m. Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat. 308 Prince St., St. Paul. 651-292-9746.) Snag more one-of-a-kind local art at Lowertown First Fridays studio and gallery crawl, featuring open studios at Jax Building (253 E. 4th St.), Lowertown Lofts Artist’ Cooperative (255 E. Kellogg Blvd.), Northern Warehouse (308 Prince St.), Tilsner Artists’ Cooperative (300 Broadway St.), as well as galleries AZ Gallery (308 Prince St.), Black Dog Cafe (308 Prince St.), and Peach (275 E. 4th St.). (6-9 p.m. Click here for more info.)

Grand Avenue

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5:

The Grand Meander on Grand Avenue
Have an old-world, holiday experience at Grand Avenue’s annual Grand Meander, which invites shoppers and their families to revel in holiday cheer as they walk the expansive avenue. Take advantage of holiday promotions, sip hot cocoa, meet reindeer, sit on Santa’s lap and even see a penguin! You can also swing by the Saint Paul City Ballet studio (Noon-4 p.m. 1680 Grand Ave.) to see the dancers rehearsing for their premiere performance of The Enchanted Toy Shop, featuring living dolls and dancing snowflakes. If your arms get tired from all the shopping bags, you can even hop a ride on an old-school trolley. (8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Grand Avenue. Visit grandave.com for details.)  

The Commodore

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7: First Mondays at The Commodore
The Commodore Hotel, frequented by the likes of F. Scott & Zelda back in the ’20s, provides the delightful art deco backdrop to this monthly art mart. Stock up on handmade holiday gifts by artists and vendors including Lynn Alpert, Vandalia Street Press, Lisa Freeburg, Heinz Brummel and many more. (4-8 p.m. 79 Western Ave. N., St. Paul. 651-222-1751.)