Holiday Markets Not to Miss
One of my favorite holiday market memories was in Florence, Italy when I was studying abroad. For the few weeks it was set up, me and my friends made a habit of meeting after class for a cup of mulled wine while shopping for holiday gifts. Markets are a compilation of fun, unexpected things and a way to meet the creative people who make them. Once market season hits, I have an excuse to spend money on random treasures and support a bunch of creative people (and to eat tasty food while I do so). Here are a few markets I can't wait to visit this season!
3. KNOW GOOD Holiday Bazaar
Know Good Market runs every month through the summer and fall right outside of Hog River Brewing co. on Bartholomew Ave. in Hartford, CT. Don't worry if you missed out on the regular market season, the KNOW GOOD Holiday Bazaar is coming up on December 8th! There's always good food (and beer, of course) to be had and a great community vibe.
The KNOW GOOD Holiday Bazaar runs from 11am-5pm on December 8th
I mean just look at that hot cocoa...
2. Candlelight Studio Stroll
Okay, so this isn't quite a market, but it will definitely get you in the holiday spirit! Take your time meandering through the many studios of Farmington Valley Arts center, inhabited by talented artists working in a variety of media, from yarn dyeing to pottery, drawing to photography, you'll have no problem checking off your holiday shopping list. Plus, it's in the most charming building (it used to be a fuse factory) lit up with string lights and candles.
The Candlelight Studio Stroll runs from 5pm-8pm on November16th at Farmington Valley Arts Center (25 Arts Center Lane, Avon, CT)
1. WeHa Artists Emporium Holiday Art Market
If you haven't heard of it already, the WeHa Artist Emporium is an open group (on Facebook and in real life) of artists and art enthusiasts. They coordinate art scavenger hunts, group art shows, and a holiday art market in West Hartford, CT. Over the past few years, I've gotten to know the work of many artists and crafters in this group and make a point to go to this show for holiday shopping. There's beautiful pottery, funky jewelry, candles made from up-cycled bottles, and much more. This year I'm excited to be 1 of 31 artists displaying and selling work! We'll be set up in Watkinson School for 2 days on December 1st and 2nd, stop by and say hi!
The WeHa Artists Emporium Holiday Art Market runs from 11am-4pm on December 1st and 11am-3pm on December 2nd in the Watkinson School gymnasium.
If you search these events on Facebook, you'll see more details and some examples of vendor artwork.
Happy shopping!
