Your Holiday Art Market Guide

20+ markets to explore this holiday season

It’s (almost) here. The hap-hap-happiest season, filled with trees, tinsel, trimmings, and plenty of ho-ho-hos. Yes, Christmas is still almost two months away, but the holiday markets have already begun, enticing shoppers to schools, churches, halls, and other venues.

They are an opportunity for local artists, makers, and creatives of all kinds to showcase their wares. For shoppers, it’s a chance to shop small, finding one-of-a-kind items that aren’t available at retail stores, from art and jewelry to clothing, candies, foodstuffs, and more.

Among the many such endeavors that call the area home is the Charlevoix Circle Market. The holiday market began the same year as its parent organization, the Charlevoix Circle of Arts (CCA). “It’s been almost 20 years,” says Sarah Matye, executive director of the organization. “It’s a popular tradition around here. People look forward to it.”

Matye says over 50 artists and markers are represented at the market, which runs Nov. 20 to Dec. 30, with an opening reception Nov. 20 from 5-7pm, when the CCA gallery is transformed into a “holiday wonderland.”

Among the many offerings are holiday cards, jewelry, woodworking, ornaments, clothing, photography, home décor, candles, and artworks. Matye says the market is focused more on gift items than the usual displays. “The rest of the year we are focused on visual art, things you usually see in a gallery. … There are prints and art you would hang on the wall, occasionally we’ll have maple syrup, dog treats—it all depends on the vendor. There are thousands of items.”

Because the market runs for more than a month, as items are sold, the artists and artisans can restock with similar or different pieces. Thus the offerings are continually changing.

Over in Manistee, the timeline is a little bit shorter. The Victorian Port City is known for its Old Christmas Weekend and Victorian Sleighbell Parade, and a longstanding part of the tradition is the annual Sleighbell Craft Bazaar, which this year takes place Dec. 5 from 9-3pm at the Wagoner Center.

“The best thing is the wonderful vendors,” says Kathy Yoder, one of the event co-chairs. With the usual potpourri of offerings, from themed birdhouses to jewelry, cards to clothing, the bazaar provides yet another reason to enjoy the Old Christmas Weekend.

The event is in its fifth year, and in addition to the many vendors, visitors will find raffles (“this year a charter fishing trip is the top prize,” notes Yoder) and a Christmas cookie sale.

There are many more such markets throughout the region. Following is a list of some—but not all!—of the many events throughout the region featuring holiday gift sales in order of their opening date.

Oliver Art Center Winter Market
Nov. 6-Dec. 24 | Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday 12-4pm
The Frankfort art center features handmade goods, including ornaments, jewelry, ceramics, greeting cards, wearable art, prints, paintings, and photography created or assembled by regional craftspeople and artists.

Jordan River Arts Council Holiday Gift Market
Nov. 7-Dec. 19 | 12:30-4:30 daily
Locally made, artisan-crafted items and original artwork, including original paintings, prints, and drawings, ceramics, pottery, wood bowls, glassware, ornaments, and jewelry.

Crooked Tree Petoskey Holiday Bazaar
Nov. 13-Dec. 17 | Tuesday-Friday 10am-5pm, 10am-4pm Saturdays
The Holiday Bazaar features gifts handcrafted by local artisans, from knits, jewelry, pottery, ceramics, and prints to ornaments, artwork, and more. It kicks off Nov. 12 at 5:30pm with the Vernissage & Swirl, with appetizers, treats, wine, beer, cocktails, and live music.

Crooked Tree Traverse City Merry Marketplace
Nov. 13-Dec. 13 | 11am-5pm Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm Saturday
Crooked Tree Arts Center in TC is transformed into a vibrant shopping destination featuring artist booths, festive décor, live holiday ambiance, and hundreds of handcrafted treasures.

Festival of Trees & GPA Christmas Store
Nov. 13-28 | Monday-Saturday 10am-6:30pm, Sunday 12-3pm | Grayling Town Center Mini-Mall
Dozens of uniquely decorated trees and holiday gift baskets donated by local businesses and community organizations. The Grayling Promotional Association Christmas Store opens onsite with holiday decor and gifts.

Band Booster Hobby & Craft Show
Nov. 14, | 9am-4pm | Fox Ford of Cadillac, 1450 N Mitchell Street in Haring
Annual indoor, family-friendly craft and hobby show featuring local artisans and handcrafted items. Donations accepted at the door to support middle and high school band programs.

Grow Benzie Winter Holiday Market
Nov. 14 | 11am-3pm
The market at 5885 Frankfort Highway showcases gifts, handmade crafts, local growers, and festive treats from northwest Michigan artisans and small businesses.

Harbor Springs Holiday Craft & Vendor Show
Nov. 14-15 | 9am-3pm | Emmet County VFW Post 2051, 551 W. Conway Road
Featuring local artisans, crafters, and small businesses, with handmade goods, free swag bags for early attendees, and door prize entries.

Brother Dan’s Handmade Holiday Craft Show
Nov. 21 | 9am-4pm | Emmet County Fairgrounds Community Building.
Admission $2 or a donation of a non-perishable food item. Local vendors offer handcrafted goods and unique holiday gifts. Admission fees and concession sales directly benefit Brother Dan’s Food Pantry to help local families.

Traverse City Shop and Sip
Nov. 21 | 12-6pm | Grand Traverse Resort
Featuring a collection of hand-selected vendors featuring exquisite home décor, fashion-forward accessories, gourmet treats, and one-of-a-kind art pieces. Plus cocktails and other beverages, local snacks, and live music.

Hill Top Holiday Market
Nov. 22 | 2-5pm
Hill Top Coffee & Ice Cream in Benzonia welcomes local craft vendors, a special holiday drink menu, homemade treats, and a photo opportunity with Santa Claus at its 3rd annual outdoor holiday gathering.

Holiday Market at Castle Farms
Nov. 27 5-9pm | Nov. 28 11am-4pm
Part of the Deck the Halls at Castle Farms weekend in Charlevoix, this curated holiday market hosts local makers, bakers, artists, small businesses, unique gifts, crafts, and festive holiday decor.

Glen Arbor Holiday Marketplace
Nov. 27 6:30-8pm | Nov. 28 10am-3pm | Glen Arbor Town Hall.
Features a curated variety of local artisan goods.

Holly Berry Arts & Crafts Fair
Nov. 28 | 9am-3pm
The 32nd annual indoor holiday craft fair takes place at Frankfort High School, with handcrafted goods, ornaments, home decor, jewelry, baked goods, and a holiday raffle.

Empire Artisan Marketplace
Nov. 28 | 10am-4pm | Empire Township Hall
Local artisans and crafters selling unique holiday gifts, art, and handmade items. Refreshments including community favorites like homemade to-go tamales.

Cadillac Farmers Holiday Market
Nov. 30-Dec. 1, Dec. 7-8, Dec. 14-15 | 2-6pm | 117 W Cass St.
Live Christmas music, holiday gifts, kids' activities, a variety of local vendors, and food and coffee trucks.

Jingle Mingle Holiday Market and Craft Show,
Dec. 4 4-8pm | Dec. 5 10am-3pm | The Olde Mill Venue in Marion
The 7th annual event at features local holiday vendors, craft shopping, and seasonal treats.

Holiday Craft and Vendor Show
Dec. 12 | 9am-3pm | The Ellison Place in Gaylord
Numerous crafts and goods from various vendors, with swag bags for first 100 attendees and door prize entries for all.

Sip & Shop Holiday Bazaar
Dec. 12 | 5-8pm | Veterans Park Pavilion, Boyne City
Offering unique holiday gifts, including artwork, crafts, and artisan foods. Local wineries onsite will serve drinks with live music.

Pictured: Handmade holiday ornaments at Charlevoix Circle of Art.

View On Our Website