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Bundle up and bring your holiday-shopping list downtown: This year, the Denver Flea has partnered with Union Station to create the 12 Days of Holiday Flea, a gathering of Colorado makers inspired by Europe’s traditional outdoor holiday markets.
On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from November 23 through December 16, Union Station’s sprawling Wynkoop Street plaza will be packed with hundreds of local makers and artisan brands selling everything from gourmet loose-leaf teas to “Fortlandia” (that’s Fort Collins, btw) tees. Come hungry: Several Union Station restaurants will host booths featuring tasty fare and holiday cocktails, and food trucks will be parked nearby, too.
Shopping for gifts for the home? Vendors vary by weekend, but here are a few spots where we’ll be browsing this year.
Blade & Knoll Denver artist Christina Graziano’s modern, sculptural pieces for the home are definitely distinctive. We love her cascading woven-horsehair chandeliers, which do double duty as textural objets d’art or functional light fixtures that emit a soft glow. Graziano’s smaller pieces—including wall art, ornaments, and mobiles—make for memorable, one-of-a-kind gifts. Or opt for jewelry; her collection of eye-catching earrings is simply stunning.
The Antiquated Owl We hereby give you permission to shop for yourself this holiday season—and recommend you start at the Antiquated Owl. The Nederland-based couple behind the business discovers well-loved antique pieces with character, then updates them with bold new upholstery. Their unique combinations of vintage craftsmanship with colorful bohemian fabrics yield fresh designs that will change the dynamic of any room for the better.
Tuxberry & Whit For the sweetest designs on paper, stop by Tuxberry & Whit, where you’ll find hand-illustrated cards to deliver along with your holiday gifts, as well as the thank-you notes you’ll be writing come January. Whip-smart yet whimsical, the three sisters behind this brand share a singular style that’s tailor-made for holiday gifting.
TRI Vintage + Wares The husband-and-wife team behind this Lafayette-based business combines socially conscious shopping with a love of travel in all their offerings. From gorgeous textiles to smaller home goods and pottery, you’ll find a thoughtful and diverse collection here. We love their wooden spoons, the perfect stocking-stuffer for any home cook.
Sixpenny This Denver-based home-furnishings designer, manufacturer, and seller made waves in the furniture industry in 2017 by replacing wholesalers and distributors with a direct-to-consumer approach that sells stylish, high-quality furnishings online and in a traveling series of pop-up shops—all at direct-from-maker pricing. Stop by the booth to try out their super-comfy designs before you buy, and stay for a drink at the bar. Founders Jon Allen and Kevin Lehrer will be there too; private meetings are available by appointment.
The Holiday Flea takes place on the plaza at Denver’s Union Station Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, November 23–December 16. Admission is $5; use code 5280HOME to receive 20 percent off entry tickets. For more information and hours, visit denverflea.com.
