Holiday & Winter Markets on the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway
November 15, 2023
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The holiday season is upon us and that means spending time with friends and family, enjoying some seriously good food, and of course, putting together your holiday shopping list. The North Shore has a wide variety of fantastic local shops, artisanal studios, and talented craft makers throughout, and many towns and cities have holiday and winter markets that showcase their finest wares. Be sure to shop local this season to find the most unique gifts for the special people in your life. Check out these Holiday & Winter Markets on the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway!
Artisans Holiday Marketplace
Date: Saturday, December 2nd and Sunday, December 3rd, 2023
Time: Varies
Location: Abbot Hall, 188 Washington Street, Marblehead
Come and enjoy the Artisans Holiday Marketplace at Abbot Hall on December 2nd and 3rd featuring 19 artisans this year! There will also be a Girl Scout table with crafts for kiddos and cookies for sale. New in 2023, you can stay late for the Artisans After Party with extended hours from 5:00 – 7:00 pm with Bubble Bar Boston, door prizes, snacks, and music. Your holiday shopping adventure awaits!
Holiday Artists’ Market at Salem Old Town Hall
Date: Saturday, November 25th, 2023
Time: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Location: 32 Derby Square, Salem
Salem Arts Association is pleased to present their Annual Holiday Artists’ Market at Salem Old Town Hall during Thanksgiving weekend and Small Business Saturday. This festive market will feature more than 50 local artisans, live music, and a seasonal theme. They are looking forward to seeing a lively market with all kinds of opportunities for our community to browse and shop for treasures for yourself, friends, and family. Featuring a variety of local artisans and crafters offering original fine art, unique gifts, and hand-made housewares to delight yourself or gift to others.
Beverly Downtown Winter Market
Dates: Friday, December 8th and Saturday, December 9th, 2023
Time: 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Location: Downtown Beverly
Two nights of strolling, shopping and entertainment are coming to Downtown Beverly this holiday season as part of the 2023 Downtown Winter Market. Festivities will occur on Cabot St on Friday, 12/8/23 and on Rantoul St on Saturday, 12/9/23. Both events are from 4-8pm. Local businesses will be open for shopping and special activations, and pop-up artist markets can be found at the locations below. Participating businesses and venues will have luminaries displayed outside their doors. Find musical performances and special guests throughout both nights.
Cape Ann Makers Market – Holiday Market at Cruiseport
Date: Saturday, November 25th, 2023
Time: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Location: 6 Rowe Square, Gloucester
Come out to the Cape Ann Makers Market – Holiday Market at Cruiseport Gloucester on Small Business Saturday and shop the more than 40 creative Cape Ann Artisans, Crafters and Makers! The event will feature an incredible selection of coastal inspired and holiday themed handmade gifts, including jewelry, metalsmithing, painting, photography, fiber arts, hand harvested artisanal sea salts, natural body care and much more. So shop local for your friends, your family, or yourself while also supporting your local economy this post-Thanksgiving weekend!
Holiday Market in the Shipyard
Date: Saturday, December 2nd, 2023
Time: 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Location: 66 Main Street, Essex
Shop, sip, and be merry at the Holiday Market in the Shipyard! Sip while you shop from multiple vendors and the Essex Shipbuilding Museum giftshop at this indoor shopping event. Fill your bags with vintage, artisan crafts and goodies. Shop local and support small businesses this holiday season.
Winter Market at Appleton Farms
Date: Saturday, December 9th, 2023
Time: 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Location: 219 County Road, Ipswich
Join the celebration of the holiday season at the Winter Market at Appleton Farms, featuring curated gift ideas, organic winter vegetables, and fresh baked goods from Appleton Farms own store along with a selection of other local edibles and gifts from area artisans, crafters, and producers of fine foods. There is no better way to knock some holiday to-do’s off your list with unique and memorable gifts, while simultaneously supporting small local businesses – and having a fun festive time while doing it! Their culinary team will keep you warm with our famous wood-fired pizza & farmhouse baked goodies for purchase.
Holiday Invitation Nights: Sip & Shop
Dates: December 1st, 8th, and 15th, 2023
Time: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Location: Downtown Newburyport
Mark your calendars, book a babysitter, and call your friends to make plans for three great nights in Newburyport during their Holiday Invitation Nights! While not a winter market per se, this evening sip and stroll is full of holiday charm and supports great local businesses. Enjoy merchant hospitality, live entertainment, shopping, and dining in beautiful and festive downtown Newburyport, The Tannery, Merrimac Place, and Horton’s Yard. Spend your evening strolling from shop to shop as you stock up on holiday gifts while enjoying munchies and beverages offered by local merchants. These Newburyport Invitation Nights will get you in the holiday spirit and will turn any Scrooge into Kris Kringle.
Holiday Makers Market
Dates: Saturday, December 9th, 2023
Time: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Location: Salisbury Elementary School, 100 Lafayette Road, Salisbury
Keep it handcrafted, homegrown, and “made from scratch” this season! Explore dozens of artisans, crafters, growers, and culinary experts at the Holiday Makers Market in Salisbury. This beautiful sea-side town is a great place to visit any time of year, and be sure to explore a true holiday wonderland at the 11th Annual SeaFestival of Trees through December 3rd.
Why not pair a lovely afternoon of holiday shopping local with a delicious dinner? If you want some options to consider, check out our blog post on 10 High-End Dining Options Along the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway.