The holiday season has started, and with it, all but the most prepared or grinchy of us have started thinking about gifts. What can we get that’s distinctive but personal, upmarket but affordable? Ponder no longer because it’s also market season in SouthWestRaleigh and several unique art and craft fairs are being held around the hood. See below for a lineup. Happy shopping and don’t forget a special gift for yourself too!
Handmade Market
The Handmade Market ~ November 10
This designer craft market features fine art, apparel, jewelry, accessories, housewares, paper goods and more. Women’s Health Magazine touted the Handmade Market as a “best bet” and Buzzfeed listed this show as one of the top “35 Indie Craft Fairs Every Creative Person Needs To Visit”.
Carolina Artisan Craft Market ~ November 10 – 12
Fine craft artists present a striking variety of glass, ceramics, wood, both wearable and decorative fibers, metal, leather, basketry, printmaking and mixed media, as well as one-of-a-kind handmade furniture and both precious and semi-precious jewelry.
Fall Craft Fair ~ November 11 & 12
The NC State Farmers Market features hundreds of handmade crafts at its annual Fall Craft Fair. Pick up holiday decorations, local produce, and fresh baked goods while you’re there.
Carolina Artisan Craft Market
NCSU Holiday Crafts Fair ~ November 18
Handmade pottery, glass, jewelry, wood, fiber arts items and more at the North Carolina State University’s Crafts Center. Meet the artists and enjoy complimentary refreshments while you shop.
Christmas Carousel Holiday Gift Market ~ November 24 -26
Going strong for 30 years, this market is one of the largest collections of arts, crafts, and holiday gifts assembled in one location. Over 250 exhibitors from across the Southeast showcase holiday items and unique gifts. Santa will be there too!
Shop for Good Day Market ~ December 2
Shop unique local vendors and peruse unique items offered up by nonprofits and local businesses with part of all proceeds benefiting local causes. Eat, drink, visit with Santa, get your gift wrapping done and more.
Christmas Carousel Holiday Gift Market
St Nicholas European Christmas Market ~ December 8 & 9
The Christmas Market features food and gifts from Poland, Ukraine, Germany, Slovakia, the British Isles, Scandinavia, and Italy. You’ll find unique, handmade, collectible, and vintage gifts, baked goods from traditional recipes, pierogi and kielbasa sales, delicious Slavic foods, and entertainment, including Irish Step Dancers, old-fashioned caroling and The Little German Band and Dancers, children’s activities, and even a visit from the real St. Nicholas.