Nation’s largest ‘Alternative Christmas’ market returns to Solana Beach

AlternativeChristmasThe Alternative Christmas Market will mark its 25th year at Solana Beach Presbyterian Church (SBPC) on Sunday, Nov. 21. This event will feature schoolbooks for Ethiopia, medication for moms-to-be in Burma and even an acre of rain forest in Peru. Last year, more than 800 shoppers spent an estimated $130,000 at the market, which extends for several more Sundays and can be found online at

www.alternativechristmasmarket.org

.

Buyers receive certificates with descriptions of their purchases that are suitable for gift wrapping or slipping into a Christmas card.

Shoppers can buy meals for local Marine Corps families and toys and clothing for San Diego-area foster kids. At this year’s market, there will be more than 70 different gifts, ranging in price from $5 for nails to build homes in Tijuana to a $3,500 college scholarship. High quality hand-made crafts will also be sold to help struggling artisans around the globe.

Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 21 (smaller markets will be held at the same times Nov. 28, Dec. 5 and Dec. 12) at Solana Beach Presbyterian Church’s Debin Hall located at 120 Stevens Ave., Solana Beach. Free parking is provided. For more information call 858-509-2580 or visit

www.solanapres.org

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