‘Tis the season when even those averse to shopping must make a few purchases in the name of friendship and goodwill. Fortunately, this is Richmond, and the array of shopping experiences is lively and varied, so whether you want a market with hot toddies, tarot cards or just one that’s dog-friendly, we’ve got you covered.
A Black Friday Buy Nothing event: If you agree with Lucy in “A Charlie Brown Christmas” that Christmas is a big commercial racket run by an Eastern syndicate, this is the event for you. Think of it as a moneyless yard sale and a great way to practice an alternative to capitalism. Drop off items that no longer serve you until 2 p.m. and take home some that might. That’s a holiday win-win situation for everyone involved. Nov. 29, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at First UU Church of Richmond, 1000 Blanton Ave.
Studio Two Three Winter Market: Give the gift of local arts and crafts — housewares, clothing, jewelry and artwork — from over 100 artists. Best of all, it’s open daily so shop when it’s convenient for you. Nov. 29 through Dec. 23, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Shop Two Three, 1437 Hull St.
20th Annual Bizarre Market Holiday: For two decades, Richmond’s much-loved handmade pop-up shop has featured the very best in handmade goods and artwork. With an eye toward showcasing 75 brilliant, talented and funny makers, this juried market has long been an RVA gem. Nov. 29 through Dec. 23, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily at Visual Arts Center, 1812 W. Main St.
Made in RVA Holiday Shop: Art Works has transformed their Centre Gallery into a holiday extravaganza with decorations, music, unique gifts made by local artisans, and munchies. If you’re feeling inspired, take time to make an ornament for their holiday tree, or take it home with you. Nov. 29 through Dec. 29, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Mondays and holidays at Art Works, 320 Hull St.
Nevermore Witch Market: River City Witches presents a dreary witches’ market that will remind you of the comforts of a gothic winter. Vendors will be offering comfort foods, quilts/blankets, Edgar Allen Poe-related wares, winter clothing, candles, Gothic-related wares, ghost/haunted wares, wares in black and grey, books, vintage wares, classic horror, and winter witchcraft supplies. Dec. 1, noon to 5 p.m. at Diversity Richmond, 1403 Sherwood Ave.
20th Annual Ginter Park Show: Artists and artisans showcase their watercolors, jewelry, oil paintings, illustrations, candles, scents, assemblages, collage, clothing, chocolates, purses, textiles, lighting fixtures, ceramics, pottery, pressed flower art, whimsical cards, creature peepers, wreaths, and yard art, making for a generous selection of unique, locally crafted gifts. And to keep you fueled, SB’s Lakeside Love Shack serves food from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Lewis Ginter Recreation Association, 3421 Hawthorne Ave.
Holidaze Market at Gallery5: RVA Krampusnacht and Gallery5 Arts have all your holiday shopping needs covered. The Holidaze Market gathers local artists and crafters who specialize in the spookier side of Yuletide. As befits this distinctive holiday shopping experience, hot toddies are available at the bar. Remember the reason for the season and bring an unwrapped new toy to donate to the Toys for Tots Toy Drive. Dec. 7, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Gallery 5, 200 W. Marshall St.
Merry Market at Maymont: Check out 70 local artisans offering a variety of handmade gifts for all tastes and interests in a festive setting on the Carriage House Lawn. The whole family can visit with Saint Nicholas, ride on a holiday train, and enjoy make-your-own craft activities. Refuel with a cup of hot cocoa and a sweet treat around a cozy fire pit, enjoying the sounds of holiday tunes and the ambience of historic buildings draped in fresh evergreen wreaths and garlands. Dec. 7 and 8, noon to 5 p.m. at Maymont, 1700 Hampton St.
Sixth Annual Holiday Cheers Block Party and Makers Market: Enjoy two days of new beers, handmade goods and functional art created by RVA’s favorite makers, along with a visit with Santa, food trucks, and holiday cheer at two neighboring breweries in Manchester. In partnership with Basic City Beer and Legend, the market will take over both sides of Perry Street at 6th Street with dozens of outdoor makers, live music, performances, food trucks, drink specials, and activities. Then there’s the usual Basic City game room packed with makers and those iconic glimpses of skyline views from the Legend patio. Dec. 7 and 8, noon to 6 p.m. at Richmond Makers Market, 212 W. 6th St.
Big GAY Here to Stay HoliGay Market: Make merry by helping support over 50 LGBTQ+ makers and artists. Do some holiday shopping, get yourself a treat or a queer-made trinket, move your booty to live music with DJ BearBonez, savor food from 1115 Mobile + Eddie Rose Coffee, and AF Bev Co, and get your photo taken with Gay Santa. Give a gift that gives twice: shop local, support community. Dec. 8, noon to 4 p.m. at Diversity Richmond, 1403 Sherwood Ave.
Strangeways Holiday Market: Head to Scott’s Addition for an artisan market of holiday gifts made by local vendors. Find the ideal gift among the artisans displaying handmade home décor, art, jewelry, woodworking, vintage, and handmade apparel. Dec. 8, noon to 5 p.m. at Strangeways Brewing RVA, 3110 W. Leigh St.
’90s Mall Holiday Market: It’s hard to resist a theme like “The Mall is Da Bomb,” so why try? An indoor and tented event, this market offers two days of all local shopping think vintage, home décor, art, jewelry, woodworking, and apparel — as well as pictures with Santa, special food court snacks and of course, the arcade. Dec. 14 and 15, noon to 5 p.m. at Bingo Beer Co., 2900 West Broad St.
5th Annual Holiday Artisan Market: Avoid the big box stores and shop RVA small businesses at this indoor and outdoor event featuring all kinds of artisans and craftspeople. Bring your pup and after shopping, stay for live music and games for the little ones. Dec. 15, 2 to 6 p.m. at Main Line Brewery, 1603 Ownby Lane
Winter Black Market: This is the market for the fetishists and dark souls on your gift list. Here you can shop to find body-shaped planters, sadistic monstrosities and handmade bone jewelry, all to a killer soundtrack. Fallout celebrates diversity and inclusion, so check your hate or intolerance at the door. Dec. 15 and 22, 5-9 p.m. at Fallout, 117 N. 18th St.
Shop Small Holiday Market: It’s late in the month but these two days are your chance to get special last-minute gifts from local artists, artisans and craftspeople. After your shopping is completed, stay for food, drinks and games for all ages to celebrate the end of holiday shopping. Dec. 21 and 22, noon to 5 p.m. at Bingo Beer Co, 2906 West Broad St.
Richmond Moon Market: Head to this curated craft and wellness market which brings together central Virginia’s weirdest and wildest artists, healers and craft persons in one place while featuring live music, fortune tellers and food. You can count on finding gifts of plants and flowers, jewelry, candles, clothing, art, crystals, magical supplies, art, ceramics, vintage gear, housewares, accessories, handmade botanical products and custom skincare blends. Dec. 21 and 22, noon to 5 p.m. at Stone Brewing, 4300 Williamsburg Ave.
Christmas Market at Hardywood RVA: Where better to shop than the Barrel Room for local artists and makers selling quirky handmade home décor, art, jewelry, apparel, and just about anything that makes for a special gift? And if you get hungry and thirsty, a pint and pizza are all part of the Hardywood charm. Dec. 22, noon to 5 p.m. at Hardywood Richmond, 2410 Ownby Lane.
