Why shop at big box store or on Amazon when the best one-of-a-kind gifts can be found close to home — and are frequently handmade by small, regional creators?
The season for holiday gift boutiques has arrived. Here are a few area events where you can jump start your holiday shopping and get a dose of culture as well.
Off the Wall Holiday Market
West Windsor Arts, 952 Alexander Road, West Windsor
The annual juried artisan market, which opened on November 7, features unique and affordable gifts, from original artwork to jewelry, functional pottery to women’s accessories. Through Sunday, December 21, shoppers will find carefully selected handmade items for sale in the arts center’s gallery as well as online at westwindsorarts.org.
The more than 50 artists whose work in various media is part of the show include:
Marina Ahun, Meta Dunkly Arnold, Medha Atre-Kulkarni, Hana Aviv, Bettina, Seema Bhattacharjee, Judy Caccavale, Franne Demetrician, Brooke Diorio, Kimberly DucoteSchimmel, Kate Eggleston, Jayme Fahrer, Noreen Gelling, Rashmi George, Debbie Gibbs, Jane Conlon Goble, Nalini Goel, Frances Gunther, Aarti Gupta, Caryl Harris, Marzena Haupa, Joelle Hofbauer, Lily Huber;
Margaret Kalvar-Bushnell, Rene Kammeyer Seeland, Jeremy Karatka, Kathleen L. Kent, Nelli Kouzmina, Lori Langsner, Dayle Lehr, Eleni Litt, Lyric Lucas, Brenda McCue, Krista Paluchowski, Tammy Pesarini, William Plank, Pam Potenza, Ramya Rajiv, Arleen Ramos-Szatmary;
Deirdre Rawlins Sheean, Francine Roche-Kay, Elaine Rosenberg, Linda R. Rothstein, Rooma Sabir, Kirsten Sanford Miller, Preeti Sant, J. Marion Simmons, Anamika Sinha, Sumi, Laura Warne, Monica Wolf, and Jennifer Wright.
Every purchase made supports the artist and the center’s mission to inspire a creative community that is engaged, inclusive and equitable. Gallery hours are Saturdays, November 22, December 6, and December 13, from 2 to 4 p.m., and Sunday, December 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The WWAC also opens its Holiday Artisan Market on Saturday, December 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The shop offers handcrafted items made by artisans including jewelry, accessories, ceramics and one of a kind items for the home. Expert craftsmanship and safe materials make each item valuable. The shop is open in the center’s lobby year-round, with special inventory and hours for the holidays.
For more information about the shows, visit www.westwindsorarts.org.
Artist Winter Chalets
Arts Council of Princeton, Hinds Plaza, Witherspoon Street, Princeton
The Arts Council of Princeton’s Artist Chalets have become a winter tradition in Hinds Plaza. These festive pop-up shops each feature local artisans offering fun and unique gifts from textiles and jewelry to candles, pottery, and beyond.
The shops are open Thursdays through Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. through December 21. Different vendors are featured each week. Beyond the four vendors occupying chalets each week, up to 10 additional vendors have vendor booths on the plaza on Saturdays and Sundays.
Chalet artists include:
November 20 through 23: Red Sean; Cozy Croissant Embroidery; Vintage College Gifts; and Rebecca Graham Ceramics.
November 28 through 30: Flore Organic Botanics; Grove 11; Katerina NYC; and ZapGlass.
December 4 through 7: Jean Ceramics; Sofia Victoria Jewelry Designs; Scott Staats Glass; and joeyfivecents.
December 11 through 14: D.Star Design; OverSea Creations; Shedhead Vintage; and The Lucky Neko.
December 18 through 21: Yardsale Press; Artie Art; Aisha Likes It; and Chesney Printmaking.
For more information and to view the list of weekly booth vendors, visit www.artscouncilofprinceton.org.
Holiday Boutique
Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie, Cadwalader Park, Trenton
Ellarslie’s annual gift shopping boutique takes place Saturday, November 22, from noon to 5 p.m., and Sunday, November 23, from noon to 4 p.m. Holiday shoppers and art lovers browse the galleries of Trenton City Museum in a festive atmosphere. Artisans, crafters, and more offer high quality, one-of-a-kind goods including handmade jewelry, original artwork, home accents, ceramics, accessories and other wearables, and Trenton memorabilia, and antiques.
This long-running event supports the collection and programs of the Trenton Museum Society and showcases the talents of local artisans.
For more information, visit www.ellarslie.org.
Holiday Market
HomeFront, 1880 Princeton Avenue, Lawrenceville
Shop with a purpose this holiday season at HomeFront’s “Holiday Market with a touch of ArtJam.” Local artisans and vendors offer one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted gifts, art, delicacies, and more. Proceeds benefit HomeFront programs helping families facing homelessness and poverty. The market takes place at HomeFront’s Lawrenceville Campus on Saturday and Sunday, November 22 and 23, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
For more information, visit www.homefrontnj.org.
Holiday Artisan Market
Unionville Vineyard, 9 Rocktown Road, Ringoes
Artisans selling their homemade goods line the walls of the vineyards’ tasting barn on Saturday and Sunday, November 22 and 23, from noon to 5 p.m. Blue Jersey Band plays live jazz each day from 1 to 4 p.m. Bites by Kulinary Kings on Saturday and Ms. Fu’s Yummy Food Truck on Sunday are available for purchase. Shoppers can also enjoy wine tastings and wines by the bottle.
Among the vendors scheduled to be on site are Briar Candles, Cherry Grove Farm, Chesney Printmaking, Gorgeous Goat Creamery, Hot Graham Sauce Company, Mr Big Stuff Cookie Co, Nonesuch Studio (handmade jewelry), Periwinkle Skies (natural paints and herbal teas), Queen Honey, Rustic Roots Craft Company, Scrub a Lil Deepa (wellness products), Solstice Farm (wool and felt products), The Crafty Shark (sewn household items), Turning Heads (ceramics), Uncle Eddie’s Touch of Sauce, Woodcrest Design (wine bags and placemats), and Woops! Macarons.
For more information, visit unionvillevineyards.com.
Harvest Bazaar & Bake Off Contest
Witherspoon Street Presbyterian Church, 124 Witherspoon Street, Princeton
The annual Harvest Bazaar is a celebration of community, creativity, and Thanksgiving spirit taking place Sunday, November 23, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Enjoy a variety of homemade baked goods, seasonal treats, and handcrafted items for sale, perfect for sharing with loved ones or adding a touch of warmth to your holiday table. The highlight of the day is the friendly Bake Off Contest, where bakers of all ages compete for top honors — and bragging rights — for their most delicious pies, cakes, and cookies.
For more information, visit www.witherspoonchurch.org.
Holiday Boutique
Ewing Library, 61 Scotch Road, Ewing
The Friends of the Ewing Library hold a mini book sale and flea market on Sunday, November 23, from 1 to 4 p.m. Holiday books and other seasonal offerings will be among the items for sale.
For more information, visit mcl.org/events/book-sales.
Artisan Holiday Market
Grounds For Sculpture, 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton
Immerse yourself in art and then take some of it home with you during Grounds For Sculpture’s Artisan Holiday Market, taking place Saturday, November 29, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, November 30, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. outside the Domestic Arts Building. Admission to the event is free with park entry and free for members.
Discover more than 50 talented artisans offering items such as handcrafted jewelry, pottery, woodworking, original art, skincare, gourmet treats, and more. Food and beverages from Constellation Culinary Group will be available for purchase in the Auditorium.
For more information or to reserve timed entry tickets, which include admission to the full sculpture park, visit www.groundsforsculpture.org.
Holiday French Market Flower Sale
The Garden Club of Princeton, Mercer Island, Nassau Street at University Place, Princeton
Bundle up and come shop a variety of holiday arrangements, amaryllis, wreaths, and other Christmas gifts on Friday, December 5, from 10 a.m. to noon. The sale is hosted by The Garden Club of Princeton and all proceeds support The Garden Club of Princeton’s Community Trust projects, like the ongoing maintenance at All Wars Memorial Park, a veteran’s memorial in downtown Princeton.
For more information, visit www.gcprinceton.org.
Sip & Shop Holiday Market
The Watershed Institute, 31 Titus Mill Road, Pennington
Visit the Watershed and enjoy light refreshments while you shop from local craft sellers offering beautiful one-of-a-kind creations and products. Market hours are Friday, December 5, from 6 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, December 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, visit www.thewatershed.org.
Christmas Bazaar
St. Matthews Episcopal Church, 300 South Main Street, Pennington
St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Pennington opens its doors for its annual Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, December 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering handmade gifts, holiday foods and family activities as part of a six-decade community tradition. Admission is free.
Co-chairs Cindy Luciano and Amy Eckel said this year’s bazaar continues the long-standing focus on community connection, with proceeds supporting local food pantries, youth programs and international outreach.
The bazaar traces its roots back 65 years. Archival church photos show volunteers preparing baked goods and decorations in the 1960s, and organizers say the event has continued to draw strong crowds even in challenging years.
Shoppers will find an array of baked goods, including cakes, pumpkin pies and gingerbread cookies, along with frozen soups and casseroles. A “Home Treasures” section will feature antiques, glassware and housewares, while the “Home for the Holidays” area will offer gently used Christmas décor such as ornaments, wreaths and lights.
Handmade crafts will include knitwear, jewelry, cards and painted wine glasses, with two vendors specializing in holiday ornaments. Youth-made items from Kairos Creates and pet gift baskets from the Pampered Pets table will also be available. Seeds to Sew, a nonprofit supporting women in Kenya, will sell handcrafted bags and accessories.
The Taste of Norway stand will offer heart-shaped waffles with lingonberry jam and Nordic-themed gifts. Children can shop on their own in the Secret Santa boutique, and Santa is scheduled to make appearances for photos and conversation.
The Creole Christmas Café will serve jambalaya, crawfish étouffée, gumbo and red beans and rice, with most lunch options priced around $10.
A raffle featuring two handmade quilts, assorted gift baskets and gift cards will be held, with tickets priced at $5 each or $20 for a bundle of five.
Street parking is available, and purchases can be made by cash, check or major credit card at a central checkout station.
For more information, visit stmatthewspennington.org/christmas-bazaar.
Decorated Wreath Sale
William Trent House, 15 Market Street, Trenton
The Trent House Association and the Garden Club of Trenton are continuing their decades-long partnership selling decorated wreaths for the December holidays.
The talented and creative members of the Garden Club will decorate fragrant balsam wreathes from Maine, accented them with freshly harvested sprigs of silvery and aromatic eucalyptus, shiny magnolia tips, faux red berries, and seasonal ribbons. The wreaths are 22” diameter with a choice of holiday red, red & black checks, gold, or candy cane stripe ribbon. Cost: $67.
Pre-ordering is available online on the Garden Club website at gardencluboftrenton.org/products/seasonal-wreaths. All wreaths will be available for pickup on Saturday, December 6, at the Trent House or in Pennington or Hopewell. Pick-up arrangements will be confirmed with buyers by December 2.
Proceeds to benefit the William Trent House and the Garden Club of Trenton.
For more information, visit www.williamtrenthouse.org.
Christmas on the Farm
Holcombe-Jimison Farmstead Museum, 1605 Daniel Bray Highway (Route 29), Lambertville
Holcombe-Jimison Farmstead Museum presents its sixth annual Christmas On The Farm event on Saturday and Sunday, December 13 and 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5.
Returning this year will be the skilled artisans and craftspeople selling their wares who have been the backbone of this event. Other activities include photo ops, old time crafts, theme related Christmas ornament for our younger visitors, as well as a special visit with Santa. Plan to enjoy live music by Long Hill String Band on Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. On Sunday music will be by Sawmill Run Old Time String Band from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Holcombe-Jimison Farmstead includes The 1711 House, Hunterdon County’s oldest deeded home, which will be decorated in rustic décor for its featured host, none other than Santa. This year’s theme is Nutcracker, so guests will be treated to nutcracker creations by volunteers Sue and Phil Thatcher, and they will be available for purchase at the end of the event.
For more information, visit www.holcombe-jimison.org.
Holly Jolly Holiday Makers Market
MarketFair, 3535 Route 1, West Windsor
More than 30 local artisans and craftspeople form a wonderland of local creativity, artisan crafts, unique gifts, and specialty items for the holidays on Saturdays and Sundays, December 13 through 21 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
There will be live music from 3:30 to 6 p.m. on Saturdayd and 2 to 5 p.m. on Sundays with complimentary hot cocoa. Holiday movies for the kids and family will be featured all weekend long, and kids can write a letter to Santa at the Santa Letter Writing & Craft Center. Visit Center Court to wave hello to Santa and have gifts wrapped free of charge.
For more information, visit www.marketfairshoppes.com.
Wreck the Halls
New Jersey Punk Rock Flea Market, The Dome at Adventure Crossing, 515 Monmouth Road, Jackson
The holiday edition of the country’s largest do-it-yourself convention and marketplace runs Saturday and Sunday, December 13 and 14, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $15 for one day or $25 for both days.
The organization formerly known as the Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market has rebranded to encompass the whole state as the New Jersey Punk Rock Flea Market, and as such, the event has left its traditional home at Trenton’s CURE Arena for a venue in Jackson, Monmouth County.
Hundreds of artists and creators from more than 30 states will be on hand to sell their wares. Also part of the fun are a selection of food trucks, celebrity guests, on-site tattooing, classic pop up arcades and art galleries, live music, and DJs.
For more information, visit www.punkmarket.com.
