Holiday craft shows in Toronto are a welcome alternative to the havoc to be found at most malls throughout December (though they usually come without Santas, alas). These shows are not only more pleasant to peruse, but they also typically offer unique gifts by local artisans that you can't find at many (or any) of the big Toronto box stores. From handmade knits, custom cards, and one-of-kind accessories, here are upcoming craft shows worth checking out in Toronto.

GLDSTK Standard HOLIDAY POP-UP MARKET December 7 - December 9, 109OZ second floor
Visiting this pop-up market does, of course, necessitate getting over your 109OZ bias (or at the very least, putting it aside for a few hours), though the promise of first access to some of Gouldscttock's latest creations does sweeten the deal. The holiday market features clothes and accessories from the Fall/Winter 2012 line, and will be held from 5p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6p.m. Sunday.

Toronto Young Designer's Holiday 2012 December 8, Brassaii (461 King Street West)
This sale features one-of-a-kind gifts (or more likely, presents for yourself) by local designers including avec ma soeur, Deptford Yarn Works, Arbonne and Michelle Ross Jewellery. Plus brunch as Brassaii (best of all). One day only, this cash-only holiday sale will run from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with gift wrapping available.

Milk Glass Co. Holiday Sale November 29 - December 22, 1247 Dundas Street West
Definitely not a one-day-only sale, Milk's holiday sale runs for nearly a month, offering cards, art, accessories, decor items and more from a gallery space on Dundas West. Plus hot chocolate and ambiguous-sounding "treats" to satiate you while you shop. With gift-wrapping available on-site, Milk Glass Co.'s pop-up will be running late enough for all of those last-minute, panic-stricken shoppers.

Holiday Art Market at Artscape December 9 & 16, Wychwood Barns (601 Christie Street)
Back for two Sundays each year, the Holiday Art Market at Artscape again brings lots of exhibitors, lots of decorations, and one giant Christmas tree to Wychwood Barns. This year's even will include a total of 56 vendors offering everything from handmade knits and ceramics to one-of-a-kind jewellery and a seasonal pop-up cafe. Held from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on the 9th and 16th, admission to the market is free and crowds promise to be plentiful (take that as good or bad).

City of Craft, December 8 - 9, The Theatre Centre (1087, 1093 & 1095 Queen Street West)
Now in its sixth year, City of Craft will feature over 70 participants including workshop leaders and gallery and installation operators, as well as tabelling vendors. For the strictly shopping-minded, however, there will be the usual 45 - 50 vendors of local crafters and artisans, with plenty of accessories, cards, jewellery, clothing, and other holiday gifts ready for general perusal. The sale will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5p.m. Sunday, with generally admission at $2 and kids under 12 free.

Top photo by City of Craft on Flickr