It’s that time of year to start your holiday shopping for friends and family. A number of festive events will feature dozens of local makers and craftspeople who sell a wonderful variety of handmade goods for guests to shop from. Shoppers are bound to find something for everyone on their list!
Miracle on Main Street in Zelienople
Zelienople’s largest charity event of the year, Miracle on Main Street, takes place December 5th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Area residents are invited to attend this family-friendly event featuring tons of activities like sleigh rides, a live nativity with animals, a light-up Christmas parade, cookie decorating, photos with Santa and more. “I personally love that this event was born of a vision to keep Christ in Christmas, bless local businesses, and bring hope to Christmas for children,” said Megan Murphy, the event’s director. Donations will be accepted for this year’s charity beneficiary, the Harmony Fire District, who was impacted by floods earlier this year.
Handmade Arcade’s Holiday Market
One of the biggest holiday markets in the city returns December 6th and 7th at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Hosted by Handmade Arcade, the Holiday Market celebrates 20 years of shopping small and supporting the region’s creative economy by connecting shoppers with handmade, one-of-kind products created by talented vendors. Over 275 makers and artists from around the region will be on site to sell their handcrafted products at the market. Guests can participate in free interactive art-making activities and view live artistic demonstrations as well.
“One thing I’m especially excited about for this year is that over 40% of our selected makers are selling at the Holiday Market for the very first time,” said Kelsey Ford, Handmade Arcade executive director. “Shoppers who love this Holiday Market each year will enjoy purchasing holiday gifts from their favorite returning artists, as well as new artists they may have not met before.”
Tickets for the Holiday Market are free, and there will be two paid, ticketed events on Friday evening and Saturday morning for attendees who want to shop without the crowds.
Lawrenceville Cookie Tour
The city’s highly anticipated Lawrenceville Cookie Tour is back December 14th and 15th. The Cookie Tour runs along Butler Street and Penn Avenue and includes over 75 vendors with a large variety of cookies. During the tour, visitors can stop by each participating business to pick up free homemade cookies, and they’re encouraged to stay and shop among the stores and grab a bite to eat at area restaurants. The event is open to all ages and does not require an admission ticket. Just look for the gingerbread man sign to signal the cookie stop along the tour. Other businesses will also offer a complimentary cup of coffee or a glass of beer for adults. For those who want a lift, Molly’s Trolleys will run a free trolley ride up and down the street on tour days.
“What makes this event so exciting is seeing people come back year after year for this cheerful Lawrenceville tradition,” said Ross Greenberg, business district coordinator of Lawrenceville Corporation. “We love the boost it gives our local businesses during the holiday season, and who doesn’t love a cookie?”
I Made It! Market for the Holidays
The 17th annual I Made It! for the Holidays is coming up on November 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Block Northway. Over 100 artists from across the region will be on site to showcase their items, including: jewelry, housewares, ceramics, woodworking, candles, honey, jelly, baked goods, dip mixes, stickers, children’s items, pet gifts and more.
“Our artists come from all across Pittsburgh and offer high-quality, handmade artisan wares. Shoppers can learn directly from the artists about their processes, order personalized items, and hear the story behind each maker’s passion,” said Carrie Nardini, I Made It! Market director. “There’s always the opportunity for attendees to grow their collections and to try new locally crafted brands.”
Additional market events will take place around Pittsburgh this season, and more information can be found on the I Made It! Market Facebook page.
WeihnachtsMarkt
The WeihnachtsMarkt in Harmony’s National Historic District recreates the magic of holiday markets that are famous in Europe. On November 9th and 10th, families can enjoy live entertainment and demos, German food and drinks, horse-drawn wagon rides, Harmony Museum tours and free kids’ activities. Shop from the many holiday gifts and treats sold by high-quality vendors and artisans. Admission is $8 per adult, $6 per seniors/students/Harmony museum members, and ages 12 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time on Eventbrite.
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