There’s one date in December you might not be aware of that embodies the spirit of the season without a sleigh.
The 5th of December is “Small Business Saturday”, a dedicated day of supporting the little man (and woman) and an incredible opportunity to discover your own city. Liverpool is swanky and has swagger, it has organic and home-grown but it doesn’t need to be sealed and stamped as that leaves no room to evolve. It leaves no room to be influenced and encompass different communities and tastes which it seems to be doing every day.
From baristas to barristers and from candle stick makers to illustrators and beyond, today we appreciate what you do, not just today but especially today for what you do day in and day out. Saturday is packed full of fun things to do so we’ve brought together a few suggestions to make the day extra special.
GO TO THE WINTER ARTS MARKET
Liverpool’s annual market returns this year in an incredible setting. Over 200 stalls will be propped up at St. Georges Hall and there’ll be art, crafts, prints, designs and more importantly cake on offer. This is an in incredible opportunity to give the gift of local this year and you’ll struggle to find a more beautiful setting to do so. Entry is just a couple of quid and it is on the whole weekend from 10am-5pm. Details are here.
USE YOUR INDEPENDENT LIVERPOOL CARD
All the cool kids have one of these in their pocket. If you’re unaware of our card, it’s basically a flash card that brings you fantastic year-long discounts and deals at close to 100 of the best independent cafes, bars, restaurants and shops in Liverpool. The idea is to be rewarded for shopping local and would you believe it, we’re doing a special Christmas sale at the moment. They’re either £12 for one (instead of £15) or £18 for two (usually £20) Save money at places like Lucha Libre, Free State Kitchen, Slim’s Pork Chop Express, Moon & Pea and more! Get yours here.
BUY YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE
You can’t beat the smell of fresh pine. Got your tree yet? Fear not, there’s only a small section of society proactive in their meticulous tree dressing thus far. They’re probably the same people who take it down before mid-February too. Constellations, the award-winning space so beautiful you don’t mind bearing the cold, have a Christmas tree market on from now up until Christmas. There’s a lovely Dad and lad-duo behind it that have the perfect centre-piece to your living room just waiting.
Address: Constellations, Greenland St, L1 0BS
VISIT GRANBY’S CHRISTMAS MARKET
The Granby four streets story is a true Liverpool story. It’s a touching and beautiful tale of how a community can revitalise their community and work together to improve their surroundings rather than being desperate to leave. Derelict buildings were shown love, empty buildings were repurposed and amid the post-apocalypse, a fight, oasis and community was born. Read it here. They’re hosting a Christmas market on Saturday on Ducie St Street between 10am-3pm and there will be lots of handmade products such as soaps and candles as well as North African inspired clothes and food. More here.
VISIT A BOOKSHOP
Books wash away from the soul the dust of everyday life. There’s no better feeling than sinking your teeth into a good book. A unique portable magic that allows you to escape from the world, into another world, far more interesting than your own. Whilst they’re quite rare these days, Liverpool loves its literature and has an abundance of bookshops in the city that are all unique. Read our guide on bookshops in Liverpool here. Head there on Saturday for next page turner.
HAVE A COFFEE
But first, coffee. Contemporary society runs off it, we meet up with friends over it and it is arguably the most important meal of the day. Oh, what on earth would we all do without coffee? We’d all be so unproductive and slouching. Liverpool’s full of beans and is knocking out cups of Joe that’ll brighten your day. From Bold Street Coffee to Cow & Co, read our guide to the best coffee spots in Liverpool here.
VISIT ONE ART
One Art is the brainchild of Katherine Caldwell, Freida McKitrick and Karen Edwards and brings together 14 different artists. They’ve been popping up, quite literally, all over Liverpool ONE recently but have found home at Peter’s Lane for the next few months. The shop brings together painters, illustrators and photographers in a gallery-style setting and is full of incredible work.
Address: 1 Peters Lane, L1 3BT
GIVE THE GIFT OF LOCAL
Local: the gift that keeps on giving. A few months ago we launched an online shop on our website and we’ve collated some of Liverpool’s most talented artists. From prints to mugs and from cards to posters, we’ve got every occasion covered and there’s some pretty interesting stuff on there. We’ve also just launched our local Christmas hampers, we’ve got luxury ones, gin ones and more! Check it all out here.
VISIT REX
In a time of rising rents, the small and unique are being priced out of the high street. Enter REX, a new concept store in Liverpool that brings 100’s of local independents together under one roof. From peanut butter to prints and just about everything in between, this is the kind of shop you can get lost in for a few hours. There’s a treasure trove of curios just waiting to be discovered. Rallying behind local has never been easier,
Address: Metquarter, L1 6DA
LOOK OUT FOR AWESOME LIVERPOOL
Ourselves and other guys and girls behind Awesome Liverpool (a monthly £500 giveaway campaign to make Liverpool more awesome) will be handing out 100 £5 notes in pink envelopes on the street this Saturday. The big idea is to create an oasis of giving where you do something nice for someone less fortunate with the money which will spiral into a chaos of kind gestures. Whether it be a coffee for a homeless person or paying somebody’s bus, let’s put some smiles on people’s faces. More details here.
