Craft fairs and markets offer a bounty of unique and traditional gifts
Ready to make a serious start on some holiday shopping? Or can’t get enough of craft fairs? December offers plenty of opportunities to get acquainted with local makers and sellers around Greater Columbus.
Looking for an eclectic flea market? Check out Festivus at 400. Want to find out what the Women of Color Owned entrepreneurs are doing? That’s just down the street.
Farmers markets, otherwise closed for the season, will open for holiday buying, and anyone looking for items not to be found in big-box stores will have opportunities aplenty.
Look for a craft show close at hand, or make a trip of it and explore some new areas as well as new makers and vendors.
Scan the list for some possibilities you might not have considered. In chronological order: h Gifts of the Craftsmen, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays (special evening hours of 5 to 8 p.m. Thursdays); and 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays, Ohio Craft Museum, 1665 W. 5th Ave.: Featuring pieces crafted by more than 125 artists, most of whom hail from Ohio, including jewelry, pottery and toys. (www.ohiocraft.org)
h Pearl Holiday Market, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 9, 41 S. High St.: Sip hot chocolate and listen to live music while picking up honey, succulents, books, baklava, jerky, wallets and more. (The Pearl Market Facebook page)
h Festivus at 400 Square, 6 to 10 p.m. Dec. 10 and noon to 7 p.m. Dec. 11 and 12, 400 Rich St.: Studios and galleries will be offering artworks and upscale crafts, while an eclectic flea market may suggest quirky gift possibilities. Don’t miss the opportunity to unload your grievances at the Festivus Pole. (www.friendshipflea.com)
h St. Mary Holiday Farmer’s Market, 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 10, 700 S. 3rd St.: A special indoor and outdoor market will give visitors a chance to stock up on Christmas decor as well as produce, meat, jams and other treats. (Saint Mary Farmers Market GV Facebook page)
h Franklin County Junior Fair Crafts Show and Bake Sale, 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 10 and 9 to 3 p.m. Dec. 10, Edwards Building, Franklin County Fairgrounds, 5305 Northwest Parkway: Get your fill of cookies and other baked treats, and pick up some locally made crafts. (www.fcfair.org)
h Woco (Women of Color Owned) Market, 11 to 4 p.m. Dec. 11, Gravity Columbus, 500 W. Broad St.: Dozens of women of color from around the area will be on hand to sell wares including clothing, skin and hair care products, jewelry, candles and food. (zorashouse.com)
h Columbus Winter Avant-garde Art & Craft Show, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 12, Makoy Event Center, 5462 Center St., Hilliard: Pick up some unusual arts and crafts, as well as food products, made in Ohio and the surrounding states. Admission: $3, or free for kids younger than 12. (www.avantgardeshows.com)
h Not Your Mama’s Craft Market, 11 to 4 p.m. Dec. 12, Brewdog, 96 Gender Road, Canal Winchester: Shop a curated selection of handmade goods from around the Midwest, and then take a break to have brunch and a beer with Santa, or pet the reindeer he’ll have posted outside. (notyourmamascraftmarket.com)
h Merriment Market, 11 to 4 p.m. Dec. 18 and 19, Land-grant Brewing, 424 W. Town St.: Shop and drink local while enjoying live music. (landgrantbrewing.com)
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