Here it comes, friends. The dreaded inbox full of black Friday e-blasts from big box stores makes landfall this week. This time of year, retailers are desperately trying to rope you into the excitement with alluring deals, and loud, panic-inducing advertisements. It’s hard not to feel the pull of shopping even if, in theory, you’d much prefer a quiet season of friends, family, and foods covered in cheese.
Wish you had a more intimate, feel-good shopping experience to look forward to over the holidays? Holiday craft fairs are the perfect way to buy top quality, one-of-a-kind gifts, and support the arts in your own city. By doing that, you’re also putting more cash into the local economy, and meeting the very person who made the hat, scarf, teapot, or body scrub you’re giving this season. That makes for a far more interesting story than clicking “purchase” on your laptop.
Our Holiday gift guides start tomorrow on Baltimore Fishbowl, full of local finds from a large range of stores in the city. But today, I thought I’d supply you with a calendar full of truly alternative shopping opportunities (not to mention, chances to socialize and meet some talented folks). Below is a roundup of the best Craft Fairs and Holiday Markets in Baltimore.
Bazaart
Saturday November 26 // 10:30am-5pm // American Visionary Art Museum
Benefit Baltimore Market
Tuesday, November 29 // 5pm-10pm // Peabody Heights Brewery
Park School Holiday Artisan Market
Thursday, December 1 // 3:30pm-6:30pm // Park School
Holiday Makers Market
Saturday, December 3 // 10am-5pm // Shops at Greenspring Station
Makers Alley
Saturday, December 3 // 9am-1pm // Local Color Flowers
OUT of HAND
Sunday, December 4 // 10am-4pm // Knights of Columbus
Holistic Holiday Market
Sunday, December 4 // 10am-3pm // Mt Vernon Marketplace
Merry Mart
Sunday, December 4 // 11am-7pm // Creative Alliance
MICA Art Market
Wednesday December 7 – Saturday, December 10 // Maryland Institute College of Art
Holiday Heap
Saturday, December 10 // 9am-5pm // St John’s Church
Last Stop Hops + Shop
Thursday, December 15 // 5pm – 9pm // Peabody Heights Brewery
Did we miss an important one? Let us know in the comments below!
Rachel Bone’s column – The Rack, is proudly sponsored by The Village of Cross Keys, celebrating 50 years of featuring some of Baltimore’s best shopping, dining and lodging in a courtyard setting. Click to See What’s Happening at the Keys this Season.
All are welcome to Make Studio’s A(nother) Holiday Thing this Saturday 12/3 from 2-7 pm, 3326 Keswick Road (around the corner from the 34th street lights!) Fun hands on activities, shopping, free snacks and hot chocolate (while it lasts). https://www.facebook.com/events/167574890374763/
Yes! Please let everyone know about 2016 Wise Penny Holiday Sale, at 5902 York Rd., run by the Junior League of Baltimore, Inc., on 12/3 and 12/4, from 10-5. Saturday will have local vendors of all cool kinds: pottery, quilts, handmade wooden bowls made from naturally fallen Baltimore trees, jewelry, organic make-up, local hot sauce, and much more, in addition to the usual amazing deals at the WP. Plus, Santa will be there on Saturday for photo-ops, and there will be a free, staffed craft table for the kids so parents can shop. Shop local at the best designer consignment store in town! https://www.facebook.com/events/1268104529927210/