Buy and shop locally for the holidays in Long Island City

Christmas decorations outside Manducatis Rustica, Vernon Blvd, LIC

We all know how rough this economy is right now, but there’s much to be said for doing your part to stimulate the Long Island City economy in particular by buying and shopping locally this holiday season. There’s a bunch of retail options on Vernon, and several LIC sites will be host to special holiday sales and markets as well:

Saturday 12/5

• St. Mary’s Church is hosting a Holiday Flea Market from 9am-7pm in their Parish Hall Basement. Call 718.786.0705 for booth information. 1008 49th Ave, LIC

Sunday 12/6

• Yoga Studio 6 is having a Holiday Sale from 2-5pm featuring fashion designs by Project Runway finalist Jillian Lewis and jewelry designs by Gaye Bassin. Refreshments will be served. 27 28 Thomson Ave, Work Studio 6 (1st Floor, inside Arris Lofts), LIC, 718.361.5515

• The Slovak-Czech Varieties store on Jackson Ave is having a Christmas Sale Party with European product tasting. Featuring hand-blown European Christmas ornaments, Christmas chocolates, crystal and art glass, wooden toys and games, dry salamis, sausages, cheeses, pastries, wafers, candy, and other European specialities. Each customer receives a gift as long as supplies last. 11am-5pm. 10-59 Jackson Ave, LIC, 718.752.2093

After shopping, you can also stop over to some special LIC events and fundraisers to party it up and purchase some unique gifts while supporting local arts institutions.

Arts/Fundraisers/Fashion

• Secret Theatre is celebrating the opening of their brand new 3000 sq ft, 100-seat theatre with a Gala Opening Fundraiser Event on Saturday, December 5th from 5pm-7:30pm. There will be a silent auction, gift bags, raffle prizes, art from Mark Kostabi, a signed copy of Tim Gunn’s book, a ribbon cutting ceremony and a champagne toast, as well as live music, drinks, and a free buffet and coffee provided by Manducatis Rustica. Tickets on sale now, $10. The last two performances of ‘Cyrano de Bergerac’ are also on the 5th; matinee at 3pm, last performance following the gala at 8pm. 4402 23rd St, LIC, 718.392.0722

• Flux Factory is having a Box Set Fundraiser on December 10th, a “stellar night of performances, music, free booze, and excellent people,” as well as “specially commissioned prints at extremely ridiculous prices. Art makes awesome holiday gifts!” Open bar cocktails start at 7:30pm, performances at 8:30pm, suggested donation $20. 39-31 29th St, LIC

• Ethereal Boutique is having a Holiday Fashion & Trunk Show at SHI Restaurant on December 16th. Doors at 6pm, show at 8pm. Hair and makeup sponsored by Primp & Tease Salon. 4720 Center Blvd, LIC, 347.242.2450

• Local Project gallery is having a ‘Last Minute Art Sale’ and Christmas celebration on December 20th at 2pm. 45-10 Davis St, LIC