The holiday purists will tell you that it’s not proper to think about Christmas until after Thanksgiving is over, but with less than four weeks separating the two holidays this year, it’s as good a time as any to break with tradition and get a head start on your holiday shopping.
If you’re stuck on where to begin, consider supporting regional artisans and causes at these upcoming holiday markets.
Off the Wall Holiday Market
West Windsor Arts, 952 Alexander Road, West Windsor
The annual juried artisan market, which opened on November 17, features unique and affordable gifts, from original artwork to jewelry, functional pottery to women’s accessories. Through Saturday, 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 event got its name from the affordable, original artwork also on display, ready to be purchased on the spot and literally taken “off the wall.” The exhibition of fine art by local and regional artists — working in oils, acrylics, photography, mixed media, watercolors and more — provides an opportunity for shoppers to pick up an original gift while supporting local artists.
“This show is all about providing an opportunity for local artists and artisans to share their craft and giving them space to sell their work,” says Aylin Green, executive director of West Windsor Arts. “You can feel good about it, knowing that you are sustaining the local arts economy, and finding one-of-a-kind items. We create a festive environment and encourage shoppers to get to know the makers, many of whom count on events like this to sustain their artistry.”
The participants this year are dozens of local artisans, including a mother-daughter team who specialize in hand-sewn gifts, an amigurumi crochet artist who crafts whimsical characters, a scented candle maker, and so many others.
Hours for the show are Saturdays and Sundays, November 23 and 24, and December 7, 8, 14, and 15, from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Additional special hours are Saturday, November 30, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Monday and Tuesday, December 2 and 3, from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.; and Saturday, December 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more information about the show and participating artists, 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 22. Different vendors are featured each week.
Participating artists include:
November 21 through 24: Beyond the Wildflowers; Megan Gray Arts; Carolina’s Line & Sofia Ramirez; and Tuft Broad.
November 29 through December 1: Flore Organic Botanics; Ceramar; Dirtsa Studio; and Emma Tabachnick Pottery.
December 5 through 8: Red Sean; lucid ladybug; D. Star Design; and Fiona C Studios.
December 12 through 15: OverSea Creations; Redwood Durable; little b natural organics; and Knitworked.
December 19 through 22: Jean Ceramics; Yardsale Press; Joan Ramone; and Vintage College Gifts.
For more information, visit www.artscouncilofprinceton.org.
Holiday Boutique
Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie, Cadwalader Park, Trenton
Ellarslie’s annual gift shopping boutique takes place Saturday, November 23, from noon to 5 p.m., and Sunday, November 24, 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. Among the vendors participating this year are Ardmore Earthwares, Cross Pollination Gallery, Hanneke de Neve Fiber Arts, Marsha Dowshen Pottery, Sleepy Cat Jewelry, Terri the Honey Lady, and many others.
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 2024, an arts and crafts event with proceeds going to support local families in need. The theme for this year is “Homemade for the Holidays” and features more than 40 area artisans and vendors. Shoppers will have the opportunity to buy one-of-kind gifts, clothing, visual art, fine crafts, handsewn items, as well as home and holiday decor. The market takes place at HomeFront’s Lawrenceville Campus on Saturday and Sunday, November 23 and 24, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.
HomeFront’s mission to end homelessness in Central New Jersey is accomplished through the agency’s comprehensive slate of supportive programs. The market is hosted by the agency’s healing art programs, ArtSpace and SewingSpace, which stress the life-affirming powers of creativity. Several of the vendors at the Holiday Market will be prior clients and volunteers of these programs.
“Not only is this a fun event, HomeFront’s Holiday Market delivers significant impacts across many areas. We are supporting struggling families, while encouraging the HomeFront artists and artisans, boosting their feelings of self-worth. Shoppers are giving back to their community in a valuable way,” said Ruthann Traylor, director of ArtSpace and SewingSpace.
“HomeFront is seeing increased numbers of families in need in Mercer County,” said Sarah Steward, CEO of HomeFront. “And we deeply appreciate all the community support and volunteerism that happens at the agency every day. The holidays are an opportunity to share your own abundance and blessings with others who may not have as much.”
For more information, visit www.homefrontnj.org.
Props and Frocks Rummage Sale
Playhouse Barn at Bucks County Playhouse, 70 South Main Street, New Hope, Pennsylvania
For the theater enthusiast in your life, take this opportunity to shop items from the costume collection at Bucks County Playhouse. The sale, taking place Saturday, November 23, from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, November 24, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. features a variety of clothing and accessories for all genders and all ages.
Among the items for sale are antique dresses, business wear, evening wear, dance shoes in multiple sizes, and more. Specialty items include Pink Lady and T-Bird Jackets from the recent production of “Grease,” dresses worn by Candace Bushnell and Marilu Henner, thigh-high red boots from “Kinky Boots,” and more.
For more information, visit www.bcptheater.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 23 and 24, from noon to 5 p.m. Shoppers can also enjoy wine tastings, wines by the bottle, and live music on both days.
For more information, visit unionvillevineyards.com.
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 24, from 1 to 4 p.m.
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 30, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, December 1, 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.
More than 40 talented artisans will be on hand offering handcrafted jewelry, pottery, woodworking, original art, skincare, gourmet treats, and much more. Seasonally themed treats, beverages, and concessions will be available for purchase.
For more information or to reserve timed entry tickets, visit www.groundsforsculpture.org.
Holiday Hops & Mistletoe Market
Riverhorse Brewing Company, 2 Graphics Drive, Ewing
The Ewing-based brewery brings together the magic of the holidays with local makers, brews, and festive fun on Small Brewery Sunday in collaboration with The Central Gab. The event on Sunday, December 1, from noon to 4 p.m. features music by Matt Marino and a special appearance by The Grinch.
Among the vendors who will be in attendance are: Dynasty Threads; Eternal Permanent Jewelry; Sibling Rivalry Sweets; Trailblazing Kitchen; Spoiled Rotten Barkery; David Celli Art; Lilly East Designs; Cherry Grove Farm; Tater Bear; The Ordinary Mom Baking Co; Wood Working; Hook Yarn & Figure; Z Scribbles; and Baker Dog Treats.
For more information, see the event page on Facebook or visit www.riverhorse.com.
Greenwood House’s Holiday Gift Boutique
Cobblestone Creek Country Club, 2170 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville
The senior healthcare facility hosts a holiday gift boutique along with a buffet lunch on Tuesday, December 3, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Entrance to the boutique is free. Lunch is $35, and reservations are requested by Monday, November 25.
For more information or to register, visit weblink.donorperfect.com/HolidayGiftBoutiqueLuncheon2024.
Christmas Bazaar and Luncheon
St. Matthews Episcopal Church, 300 South Main Street, Pennington
The church’s traditional annual event takes place Saturday, December 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The luncheon, $10 per person, features homemade “Creole Christmas” cuisine. Available for purchase are homemade made Norwegian waffles, a variety of hostess gifts, and jewelry. Attendees can also participate in a quilt raffle.
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 available in two sizes: 22” diameter with red accents ($67) and 20” diameter with gold accents ($57).
New this year is pre-ordering online on the Garden Club website at gardencluboftrenton.org/products/seasonal-wreath. All wreaths will be available for pickup on Saturday, December 7, at the Trent House or in Pennington or Hopewell. Pick-up arrangements will be confirmed with buyers by December 3.
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
The farmstead’s annual holiday celebration taking place Saturday and Sunday, December 14 and 15, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. includes “Crafters in the Kean Barn,” where you can find a variety of gifts and holiday decorations from more than 10 craft vendors in the pole barn.
The 1711 house will be decorated for the Christmas season in the theme of Winter Wonderland and Santa will be there to listen to Christmas wishes and to take photos.
Other attractions include several hands-on old-time activities, a holiday craft for kids, a scavenger hunt, and live music. The blacksmith shop will be in operation. Food will be available for purchase.
There is a $5 admission fee for the event; children under 5 are free.
For more information, visit www.holcombe-jimison.org.
Wreck the Halls
Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market, CURE Insurance Area, 81 Hamilton Avenue, Trenton
The holiday edition of the country’s largest do-it-yourself convention and marketplace runs Friday through Sunday, December 13 through 15, from 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the weekend. General admission is $15.
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.trentonprfm.com.
10×10 Red Dot Fundraising Exhibition
Artworks Trenton, 19 Everett Alley, Trenton
This unique annual tradition offers people the chance to give the gift of affordable art for the holidays while also supporting up-and-coming regional artists and the nonprofit Artworks Trenton.
More than 100 Trenton area artists — experienced and novice alike — create art on a 10”x10” canvas. The diverse works are created specifically for Artworks in oil, acrylic, mixed media, photography, pastel, watercolor, and more. Every piece in the exhibit is for sale for $100, with proceeds split evenly between the artist and Artworks.
The exhibit and sale open with a reception on Saturday, December 14, from 6 to 9 p.m. The show and sale continue through Saturday, January 4.
For more information, visit www.artworkstrenton.org.
