Holiday Cheer in High Gear at Country Mart

By Nick Masuda | December 7, 2021

Santa is available on Sundays from 1-4 pm

The Montecito Country Mart might be a bit small, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t pack a big punch.

Just ask Kristin Teufel how busy she is nowadays trying to coordinate a multitude of events, pop-ups, and marketing of the holidays at the MCM.

“I feel like I’m going around the clock,” Teufel said. “We are super busy. And that’s a great thing.”

Here is a quick glance at what patrons can expect at the MCM throughout December:

Getting in the Holiday Spirit

Looking for a place to get in the holiday mood, particularly coming off a 2020 where the “vibe” of the holidays was restricted to one’s home?

The MCM has plenty to help with holiday cheer.

Kiddos can get a complimentary photo with Santa every Sunday from 1-4 pm, while holiday children’s crafts are popular with locals every Thursday from 3-6 pm.

MCM has also partnered with Unity Shoppe with a month-long fundraiser, with patrons having the option to take a tag off the Giving Tree and dropping off a gift at the Poppy Store.

Finally, the MCM is hosting a book signing on December 5 at Montecito Mercantile with local Beach Boy Bruce Johnston to celebrate the release of The Beach Boys on Tour 1966 by Bill Yerkes. The signing will benefit the Surfrider Foundation.

They’ll Just Pop Up!

Montecito Mercantile is a hub of holiday activity

Pop-up experiences are all the rage in the retail space, particularly around the South Coast, so it makes sense for MCM to have a few over the holidays.

Every weekend in December, Sant and Abel (santandabel.com) will have pajamas for the whole family — even for the four-legged loved ones. Styles range from stripes to ginghams to the Gray Malin Collection.

On December 11, 17 and 19, Clare V will have on-site, hand-painted monogramming available from 11 am to 3 pm.

On December 17-18, Gabriela Artigas Jewelry will host a trunkshow at Clic.

Back by Popular Demand

The MCM Holiday Market returns on December 11-12, including the popular Ysidro, who will have sake spritzes on hand (learn more www.ysidro.com).

Chainstitch Embroidery and monogramming will be onsite on December 12, with plenty of options ranging from napkins, aprons, sweatshirts, backpacks, shirts, hats, and more.

There will also be a vintage eyewear trunkshow at Cynthia Benjamin.

And, of course, there will be more pop-ups!

Magill LA (magill-la.com) will have menswear described as “East Coast prep meets California sun” available.

MRE Jewelry (mrejewelry.com) will have plenty of bling for everyone in the family.

The Parker Thatch (parkerthatch.com) trunkshow at Montecito Mercantile will feature tennis bags, Montecito totes, Montecito sweatshirts, new pickleball bags, travel jewelry cases, clutches, as well as the ability to monogram and personalize.

Finally, on December 12 only, Amy Logsdon will make custom watercolor portraits on site.

Act Now!

From December 3-5, Montecito Mercantile is hosting a beauty event with LAFACE skincare, offering products not available anywhere else, not even online.

Meanwhile, Sheryl Lowe Jewelry will also be at Mercantile starting December 1.

Support Everyday MCM Staples

With all the pop-ups and special events, the MCM also has plenty of stores that call the venue home permanently that have options for everyday holiday needs.

Here’s how to find out more about each:

Retail

Beautyhabit: beautyhabit.com
Clare V.: clarev.com
Clic: clic.com
Cynthia Benjamin: cynthia-benja min.com
George: georgesf.com
Hudson Grace: hudsongracesf.com
James Perse: jamesperse.com
Malia Mills: maliamills.com
Mate Gallery: mategallery.com
Montecito Mercantile: monteci tomercantile.com
Montecito Natural Foods: mnfsb.com
Poppy Marché: poppystores.com
Toy Crazy: gotoycrazy.com