I hate shopping. I hate walking into a big box store to see thousands of items but literally nothing for the most special people on my list.
I love art markets. Unlike the big box store, an artisan market feels intimate. The crowds may be the same, but the people who make these goods take time to tell you all about their wares. Artists are happy to guide you in your search for the right gift for your mom who hates candles but loves incense or the little sister who just doesn’t like anything (speaking for myself).
Baltimore is a hub for immense creative talent. Artists and craftspeople make their work all year around, but the holiday season is when many are able to sustain their business for the next year.
Luckily, this city has plenty of opportunities to support artists during the season.
Made in Baltimore
Open: Friday 11/18 – Friday 12/23 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
The MIB storefront has curated local artisan finds for years now. They’re good at it. This year, they’re moving the storefront from Remington to the new HEX Superette store on York Road. There are MIB lookbooks circulating around the city to showcase all the entrepreneurial talent in Baltimore. Goods include cards, home goods and even clothing — all made in Baltimore.
Location: HEX Superette, 5718 York Road, Baltimore
Here Pop Up Shop
Open: Friday 11/18 – Thursday 12/15 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
The popular pop-up shop is back in Annapolis for the holiday season, featuring local artists. Started by University of Maryland alumna and Arnold resident Ellen Lunay, Here is a pop-up shop that opens for a few weeks a few times a year. The shop focuses on handmade work from Annapolis artists, including prints, paintings and clothing. The shop is also open online, where Lunay encourages shoppers to reach out so she can help find a gift for any price point.
Location: 4 Church Circle, Annapolis
Holiday Maker-Mart Open House
Open: Thursday 12/1 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Join local artisans in Howard County for an opportunity to buy local and handmade items. The Open House brings in artisans from across the DMV area to showcase their wares. Visitors will also have the opportunity to see open artist studios as well.
Location: 8510 High Ridge Road, Ellicott City
MICA Art Market
Open: Saturday and Sunday 12/3-12/4 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Returning after a hiatus due to MICA’s COVID procedures, the Art Market at MICA is a great place to find gifts for aspiring art collectors. Items on sale here can lead to a long-term collection relationship with emerging artists. “It’s a traditional craft fair with MICA flare,” says Sarah Barnes, the event manager of the Art Market, who also works in the fabrication studio. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Barnes at artmarket@mica.edu
Location: 1301 West Mount Royal Avenue, Baltimore
Baltimore Jewelry Center
Open: Friday, 12/2 5 p.m. - 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 12/3-4 Noon - 7 p.m.
Looking for some unique jewelry for someone special? The Baltimore Jewelry Center is hosting its holiday market Dec. 2-4 at their studio on North Avenue. Shoppers can interact with local jewelry makers and support the Jewelry Center’s continued efforts to educate and support jewelry makers. Vendors include instructors, students and artists who rent studio space at the center. Select items from the sale will continue online through Dec. 16.
Location: 10 East North Avenue, Suite 130, Baltimore
Charm City Craft Mafia Holiday Heap
Open: Saturday 12/10 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
The Charm City Craft Mafia celebrates another year at 2640 Space. It has been building community with craftspeople since 2006 and has held multiple markets at 2640 Space. This year is no different. The holiday heap will feature local artisans of various media. Be sure to subscribe to their newsletter for information on early-bird shopping and tickets.
Location: 2640 Saint Paul Street, Baltimore
Station North Holiday Market
Open: Saturday 12/10 Noon - 5:30 p.m.
Station North Arts District is bringing an outdoor craft market to North Avenue between Maryland and Charles streets. The market will feature artists throughout the city and is a way for people to check out the neighborhood.
Location: North Avenue between Maryland and Charles streets, Baltimore
Clayworks Market
Open: Year-round, Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The gift of unique ceramics can spruce up any home. Luckily in Baltimore, we have a growing ceramics community. Baltimore Clayworks has been in the area for years and has a permanent shop open for browsing. At the shop in Mount Washington visitors will find pots, pitchers, plates and more. This year, Clayworks has combined Winterfest 2022 with their Annual Holiday sale so there’s sure to be wares for all. The Baltimore Clayworks Market is a great market for gifts no matter the time of year. Items can also be purchased online.
Location: 5707 Smith Avenue, Baltimore
