‘Tis the season to be ridiculously busy. From making holiday wreaths at The Veil to Christmas Charcuterie workshops at Bite by Bite & Co. to the Krampus Ball, a person could find something holidayish to do every single day from Thanksgiving on.
But let’s not forget the reason for the season and that’s gift giving (and receiving).
And because everyone’s holiday shopping needs are different — some need hot cocoa while others require a frosty pint in hand — we present this sampling of holiday markets so you can shop small, shop local, and cross every name off your gift-giving list. Then, and only then, you might consider heading out to the Richmond Big Band Christmas show.
Give the gift of local art, drop by one of the area’s biggest and best holiday markets, Winter Market at Studio Two Three, which features clothing, print items and a slew of other handmade treasures from local artisans. Runs through Dec. 23, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (and until 8 p.m. on Thursdays). 109 W. 15th St. Find more information, go here.
Treat yourself to the joy of VMFA’s third annual Holiday Bazaar, which transforms the Pauley Center’s solarium, adjacent to Floris at VMFA, into a festive holiday delight. You can expect handcrafted gifts from local artisans and an array of holiday-themed décor (think ornaments, cards, gifts, stocking stuffers, and wrapping paper) to brighten your home. Daily through Dec. 22, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Art Works’ Made in RVA Holiday Shop takes place on Friday, Nov. 28 at 11 a.m. This festive shop offers a variety of handmade items by local artisans, including candles, soaps, prints, jewelry, pottery, totes, cards and more. 320 Hull St. More info here.
The nationally celebrated shopping holiday known as Shop Small Saturday will be held on Saturday, Nov. 29 in downtown Richmond. Come downtown and support local businesses like Odd Bird, Verdalina, Jean + Cook, TXTUR, Shockoe Bottom Clay, Fountain Bookstore, for this shopping holiday that highlights local and small business owners. More information here.
Bundle up and bring the dog and the kids to the Artisan Market at Brambly Park every Sunday through mid-December for an outdoor shopping experience. The urban winery will host local artisans selling handmade jewelry, apparel, ceramics, candles, woodworking, home décor, and art to satisfy all your gift-giving needs. Runs through Dec. 14, 3 to 6 p.m.
The Bizarre Market Holiday is finally legal, marking its 21st year highlighting the absolute best in handmade excellence from the Richmond area. Ceramics, jewelry, housewares, accessories, art, paper goods, candles, skin care goods, knits, and oddities from 100 artists at the Visual Arts Center. Starts Nov. 29 and runs through Dec. 23, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Holidaze Market at Gallery5 will be held this year on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can join RVA Krampus for an evening of festive shopping featuring the work of talented local crafters and artisans. Bring new unwrapped toys to donate, if you like, for the Toys for Tots drive. 200 W. Marshall St.
Inspired by the Virginia Museum of History and Culture’s exhibition,“Give Me Liberty: Virginia & The Forging of a Nation,” its Holiday Makers Market features artists, artisans, and specialty vendors from across Virginia and the wider mid-Atlantic region, offering unique goods with both modern and historic inspiration. Besides doing your holiday shopping, enjoy live demonstrations of crafts and trades. Saturday, Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mosey on over to Maymont’s Merry Market to sip on seasonal beverages and indulge in sweet treats while browsing goods crafted from wood, clay, yarn, leather, glass, metal and natural materials at their market featuring over 75 artisans. Visit Saint Nicholas, hop aboard the holiday train, get creative with festive crafts, and sing along to your favorite holiday tunes with the Greater Richmond Chorus. Dec. 6 and 7, noon to 5 p.m.
The Holiday Artisan Market at Zorch Pizza Parlor in Forest Hill looks to be a fun event for the whole family, and that includes Fido. Shop holiday gifts made by local artists and makers selling the fruits of their labor, all handmade or vintage. Shopping bonus: it’s happening at a place with both pizza and a full bar. Sunday, Dec. 7, 1 to 5 p.m.
For those requiring beer and games before holiday shopping, head to Bingo Beer’s 2nd annual Holiday Market. Once your thirst is quenched and you’re thoroughly entertained, check out the array of makers selling art, home décor, jewelry, woodworking, vintage, and handmade apparel. Option to repeat the beer and games once gift buying is complete. Dec. 13 and 14, noon to 5 p.m.
The Richmond Punk Flea Market offers the kind of gifts every punk wants: vinyl and cassettes, vintage clothes, taxidermy, toys, retro games, comic books, horror and B movie memorabilia, weirdo art, and perhaps best of all, oddities. Tickets at the door. It’s all happening at the ACCA Shrine Center. Saturday, Dec. 13 and 14, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Head to the Holiday Artisan Market at Strangeways Brewing in Scott’s Addition if you’re looking to stuff stockings with DIY and vintage gifts for home and wearing, not to mention indulgences. Grab a beer first to make the whole process even more enjoyable. Sunday, Dec. 14 from noon to 5 p.m.
The Winter Black Market at Fallout is not your granny’s holiday market, but it is the place to find ghoulish goods and creep-tastic creations from punk quilts to household oddities to goth jewelry for the holidays from Richmond sellers and makers. And if your gift buying isn’t supporting local artisans, what’s the point anyway? Sunday, Dec. 14 and Sunday, Dec. 21, 5 to 9 p.m.
A fragrant place to shop if you like the smell of hops is Hardywood’s Barrel Room during their Christmas Market, especially if you require beer and artisan pizza to keep your energy up while gathering gifts. There’s something for everyone on your list crafted by local artists and makers selling handmade home décor, art, jewelry, and apparel. Friday, Dec. 21, noon to 5 p.m.
River City Witches is presenting their 7th Annual Yule Witch Market at Diversity Richmond. Grab a hot drink from their food vendors while shopping, then turn your attention to vendors offering crystals, candles, art, yuletide altar supplies, clothing, books, Krampus joys and unique one-of-a-kind gifts for loved ones. Because what holiday celebrant doesn’t want a treat from Pagan Bakery? Friday, Dec. 21, noon to 5 p.m.
