Charmed Life

Shop Handmade Holiday Gifts at These Local Craft Markets

We break down the best places to support Baltimore artisans this season.

Gift-giving season is in full swing, and there are plenty of neighborhood markets highlighting local artisans throughout the month of December. As the year comes to an end, discover one-of-a-kind presents for everyone on your list.

Friday-Sundays, 12/4-27: Old Westminster Winery’s Holiday Shop
Eat, drink, and be merry all month long at The Field Market at Old Westminster Winery. With vendors specially curated for the holiday season, there are plenty of handcrafted goods to choose from. Cozy up with seasonal drinks, wood-fired pizza, and a glass of your favorite wine while you browse. Featuring live music and a festive light walk, this market is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. Old Westminster Winery, 1550 Old Westminster Road, Westminster, Fridays and Saturdays 12-8 p.m., Sundays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

12/4: Ellicott City’s Midnight Madness
More than 70 one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants are decking their halls and stocking their shelves with treasures for the 42nd annual Midnight Madness. Find sidewalk sales, festive cocktail and food offerings, and specials galore to make your holiday merry and bright. The night will kick off with a virtual tree lighting ceremony on the Ellicott City Partnership Facebook page at 6 p.m. Afterwards, safely enjoy all of the fun activities including the holiday train wonderland walk. Main Street, Ellicott City, 6 p.m.-12 a.m. 

12/4-6: Virtual Holiday Heap
Log on to Charm City Craft Mafia’s virtual Holiday Heap market this year and browse the shops of talented Baltimore vendors. The three-day event will show makers of modern ceramics, prints, tea, chocolate, and many more. A handful of artists are also offering discounts if you get your shopping done during the event. Supporting Baltimore small businesses has never been easier now that you can do it safely from the comfort of your home.

12/6: First Sunday Arts Holiday Market
The first block of West Street in the Annapolis Arts District will be filled with 50 local artisans featuring some of the region’s best artists, crafters, musicians, and food. Shop from wheel-thrown pottery, hand-knitted hats and scarves, photography, fused glass, home décor, and more. For those who prefer to shop online, there is a virtual festival that highlights more than 200 local artisans. Arts District, 55 W St., Annapolis, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

12/12-13: Bmore Mindful Market at The Wine Collective
Lena Evergreen Events is putting together this COVID-careful craft fair—which will allow visitors to shop during 30-minute rolling time slots—outside of The Wine Collective in Hampden. As its name suggests, the gathering will bring together socially conscious craftspeople who are mindful of everything from sourcing to labor to packaging. In addition to access to all of the vendors (think the likes of Charm School Chocolate, Eaarth Bones Jewelry, Battle Ceramics, and more), ticketholders will enjoy live music, heated (and spaced out) living room-like areas, hot butter cider from Tom Cat’s Kitchen, a free donut from Cloudy Donuts, and discounts to Union Collective vendors during their visit. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. $25. 

12/12: Holiday Makers Market at Green Spring Station
Now in its fifth year, this holiday shopping extravaganza is once again bringing 15 makers from all over Charm City to Green Spring Station. Enjoy live music while strolling around the socially distanced marketplace, which will feature unique gifts from 5 Cow Farm Boards, J’Adorn Designs, Tiny Dog Press, Charm School Chocolate, Definition Studio, and more. Don’t leave without stopping by the special holiday pop-up shop curated by Taken in Towson. 10751 Falls Road. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 

TO 12/31: The Greenhouse Holiday House Pop-Up Shop
The greenhouse at Good Neighbor coffee shop in Hampden is hosting a month long pop-up this December. Filled with thoughtful gifts, holiday decorations, trees, garlands, and wreaths, there is plenty to peruse. Good Neighbor, 3827 Falls Road. 

Saturdays 12/5-19: Fadensonnen Holiday Market
Support artists, makers, and small businesses this winter at Fadensonnen’s holiday market in its Old Goucher courtyard. Spread across three days to reduce crowds, the natural wine bar will be showcasing a variety of local vendors. Shop for floral arrangements, candles, jewelry, and more in an outdoor, socially distanced setting. Fadensonnen will be serving up hot cider and plenty of holiday cheer. Masks are required throughout the event. Fadensonnen, 3 W 23rd St., 10 a.m.-2 p.m

Wednesdays-Sundays 12/2-23: Downtown Partnership Holiday Shop
Every Wednesday through Sunday in the month of December, the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore Holiday shop will be in full swing. Featuring a variety of local makers, the open-air market is an ideal opportunity to shop for coffee, soap, honey and more. One Charles Center, 100 N Charles St. 12-8 p.m.

Saturdays 12/5-19: 32nd Street Farmers Market
Starting on Small Business Saturday, the 32nd Street Farmers Market is bringing the community together to shop and eat in its open-air environment. Featuring long-time favorites and new holiday vendors, there’s plenty to get excited about. 400 E 32nd St., 7 a.m.-12 p.m.