With Christmas figuratively just around the corner, now is the time to double-check your list and shop for a variety of handmade arts, crafts, jewelry, pottery, metalwork and more from local merchants at specialty markets throughout metro Atlanta.
Hyperlocal events like Christmas art and creative markets are important to community retailers during the holiday season, often offering unique items and driving the local economy. “It is very important to bring awareness to local makers and brands that encourage the community and retailers to dedicate money and [support] to local people [businesses],” said Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon, CEO and founder of The Village Retail at Ponce City Market. “When local artisans are placed front and center, we create a shared ecosystem.”
In addition to shopping, this lively seasonal market is family-friendly and features activities such as photos with Santa, opportunities to create holiday greeting cards and enjoy delicious food and drinks. Consider this special market another way to celebrate Christmas with the people you care about, a chance to start a new family tradition and time spent getting to know local business owners. “This event is a fun environment to introduce and showcase artists and their work. They are also a platform for participants and artists to interact, learn and respect each other while celebrating the unique location where the event takes place,” said Randall Fox, founder of the Atlanta Foundation For Public Spaces and organizer of the inaugural holiday market. at Piedmont Park this year.
The following 11 holiday markets can help kick-start your arts and crafts shopping season. (Unless noted, admission to the market is free.) When shopping for others, be sure to treat yourself to something cool and special, too.
German holiday market. Wind through the festival German Christkindl Market and shop for ornaments from Kaethe Wohlfahrt, one of Germany’s leading Christmas ornament stores as well as wooden toys, jewelry, clay and hardwood pipes, crafts, bath and body goods and more. For those who work up an appetite while shopping, pick up favorites like German Glühwein, also known as mulled wine, and traditional foods like pretzels, schnitzel and bratwurst. Hours vary. Nov. 25-Dec. 24. 290 East Paces Ferry Road NE, Atlanta. christkindlmarket.org.
Black owned business. With a mission to support Black owned brands looking for a home for their products, the Village Retail Holiday Market will be a retail experience rooted in storytelling and upward mobility, the intersection of causes, culture, shopping and community. To kick off the holiday season on Small Business Saturday, the store will house Black creators offering clothing, accessories, candles, beauty products and more for everyone on your shopping list. Noon-5pm November 26-27 and December 4, 11 and 18. The Shed along the Beltline’s Eastside Trail and at The Trestle, the breezeway that connects Ponce City Market to the Beltline. Ponce City Market, 675 Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Atlanta. 404-907-1918, thevillageretail.com.
New event. Thanksgiving weekend will mark the inauguration Piedmont Holiday Gift Market, a two-day event. Event-goers will be able to wander the gardens while exploring gift items from approximately 100 artists including painters, photographers, sculptors, glassblowers, leather and metalworkers, goldsmiths and carpentry. The atmosphere will also be lively with live music and holiday-themed hot drinks from select vendors. 10am-5pm November 26 and 11am-5pm November 27 Piedmont Park, 1215 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. affps.com.
One city, three events. Athens will be home to a variety of holiday markets. The first is Southern Brewing Holiday Market, a two-day event that will celebrate the season with goods from local artists and creatives and seasonal spirits. The next event, a two-night event, will be hosted in the courtyard at Big City Bread Cafe and features local artists and crafters offering handmade gifts and treasures. The third event will be the city’s annual holiday market and craft fair at West Broad Farmers Market, made festive with artisan goods, children’s holiday crafts, music and fresh produce and baked goods from local farmers. Southern Brewing Holiday Market event, 2-7 pm Dec. 3-4. 231 Collins Industrial Blvd., Athens. 706-548-7183, visitathensga.com. Big City Bread Cafe Event, 5-9pm Dec 8-9. 393 N. Finley St., Athens. 706-340-1973, visitathensga.com. West Broad Farmers Market event, 11am-2pm Dec. 10. 300 S. Rocksprings St., Athens. 706-765-4020, athenslandtrust.org.
Handmade gifts. A lively all-day artist market, aptly called Indie Craft Experience, will feature more than 70 vendors offering holiday crafts, art and vintage items, handmade gifts and food. For even more incentive to visit this unique community destination market, the first 100 people in line will receive a tote bag. Entry fee is $5 for everyone 13 and over. 11am-5pm Dec 3. Atrium at Uptown, 575 Morosgo Drive NE, Atlanta. indiecraftexperience.com.
Craft Fair. Complete your list of prizes for everyone who has made it Christmas Craft Party, hosted by Timothy Lutheran Church’s TLC Youth Group. Visitors will find a beautiful array of crafts, art and more. 9am-2pm Dec 3. 556 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770 928-2812, timothylutheran.360unite.com.
Farm fun. Attendance to Third Annual Outdoor Winter at Market, held at Still Family Farm, will find a variety of holiday gifts and be able to take photos with Santa, create holiday cards against a backdrop of Christmas-themed arrangements and warm up with concessions such as hot chocolate and cookies. 10am-4pm Dec 4. 5682 Macland Road, Powder Springs. 678-283-6951, stillfamilyfarm.com.
Santa in town. Shop for holiday gifts for everyone on your list at Alpharetta Christmas Market. In addition to various crafts, food, decorations and jewelry, visitors will be able to take pictures with Santa. The event will take place 9am-4pm Dec 10; photo with Santa, 10 a.m.-noon. Alpharetta Community Center, 175 Roswell St., Alpharetta. 678-297-6100, awesomealpharetta.com.
Make sure it’s local. Swing by Artist & Flea Market Holiday Shopping Celebration for special events filled with holiday merchandise, activities and treats. Local merchants will offer everything from home goods and accessories to clothing and personal skin care products and more. 11am-6pm Dec 17. Ponce City Market, 675 Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Atlanta. 404-900-7900, artistsandfleas.com.
