CLEVELAND, Ohio -- This year, consider tackling gift shopping through Cleveland’s holiday market scene, and support local crafters, creators and more in the process.
Some of the most unique items will be on sale at fairs, pop-ups, art walks, festivals and more around Greater Cleveland neighborhoods. It’s never been easier to shop local.
We put together a guide to some of the festive shopping opportunities you can check out -- with an emphasis on local businesses. Some of these markets include more than just shopping. Expect other festive treats, including caroling, ice skating, holiday light displays and even appearances from Santa himself at some of these events.
Here are some of the 2021 holiday markets in Northeast Ohio:
(Photo by Lisa DeJong, The Plain Dealer)
Christkindlmarkt at Sanctuary on Green
Stock up on nutcrackers, ornaments, nativity scenes and other festive gear at Sanctuary on Green’s annual Christkindlemarkt. The event will run until Dec. 27, offering plenty of holiday gifts perfect for the season.
1936 S. Green Road, South Euclid
11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, through Dec. 27. Hours vary around holidays.
Heights Arts Holiday Store
Find local and regional crafts at this year’s Heights Arts Holiday Store, open until New Year’s Eve. The shop features jewelry, music, cards, books by local authors and more. Starting Dec. 1, the shop will open seven days a week with extended hours. Visit the gallery’s website for more information on when to visit.
2175 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights
Hours vary, through Dec. 31
(Photos by Maureen Koopman)
Home for the Holidays pop-up store
The Home for the Holidays pop-up shop breathes new life into an otherwise vacant storefront in Lakewood. The shop is open for in-person browsing, but also includes an online shop. Stop by for handmade items, including snack foods, candles, clothing and more.
17010 Madison Ave., Lakewood
Through Dec. 23
facebook.com/HomefortheHolidaysLakewood
La Cosecha Galeria Holiday Market
New vendors will appear every week at La Cosecha Galeria’s annual holiday market event, taking place Fridays until Christmas Eve. Find sculptures, embroidery, photography, antiques and more at the shopping experience -- which also features food and beverages for sale.
4490 Pearl Road, Cleveland
4-8 p.m. Fridays, through Dec. 24
(Photo courtesy of Michael Corrigan)
Océanne pop-up at Pinecrest
Local jewelry designer Anne Harrill will launch an East Side location of her brand Océanne, with a pop-up at Pinecrest this holiday season. Her minimalist jewelry and apparel selections will be for sale, along with other brands, including 1820 House, Hemlock, Cai & Jo and Svona studio.
200 Park Ave., Suite 411, Orange Village
Through Jan. 29
(Photo by Allison Wood, special to cleveland.com)
Medina Candlelight Walk
Downtown Medina hosts one of its biggest events of the year with its Candlelight Walk, the weekend before Thanksgiving. Attendees can enjoy caroler performances, a visit from Santa Claus, fireworks and nighttime tree lighting. But the main draw of the Candlelight Walk is its holiday market, this year hosted at Root Candle at its headquarters on Liberty Street, offering unique gift options. Free.
Public Square, Medina
11 a.m.-9 p.m., Nov. 19 and Nov. 20; 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Nov. 21
Auburn Arts District
Three art markets will take place in the Auburn Arts District’s Reithoffer Gallery this season, on three separate weekends. Shop for gifts made by local artists along with vintage finds, and also enjoy appetizers and beverages, at each event. Tickets $10.
17711 Ravenna Road, Chagrin Falls
3-8 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays: Nov. 19-20, Nov. 26-27, Dec. 10-11
facebook.com/AuburnArtsDistrict
(Image courtesy of BAYarts)
BAYarts Holiday Shop
Stop by BAYarts and find an artsy handmade gift for anyone on your holiday list this season. The gallery’s annual holiday shop includes extended hours, which stretch up to Christmas Eve. Free.
The space will also host a holiday trunk show with snacks and drinks available at 6 p.m. on Dec. 8. ($5 suggested donation)
28795 Lake Road, Bay Village
Nov. 20-Dec. 24
Crocker Park Holiday Market
Along with train rides an appearances from Santa, Crocker Park will host a Holiday Market for the festive season, featuring Cleveland shops and vendors. The pop-up will take over a storefront near the Cheesecake Factory, dubbed “Santa’s Village.” Free.
172 Crocker Park Blvd., Westlake
Various hours, Nov. 20-Dec. 24
(Photo by John Petkovic, The Plain Dealer)
Local Artists Market at Now That’s Class
Now That’s Class will welcome about 20 vendors for a full day of local shopping on Saturday, Nov. 20. Find an eclectic array of gifts made by area artists in the punky West Side music venue. Free. Afterwards, stick around for a show featuring Y.A.Y.A, Luv, Cousinfloyd and more. (Tickets $10-$12)
11213 Detroit Ave, Cleveland
1-6 p.m., Nov. 20
(Photo by Becki Silverstein)
Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows
Original artwork will be sold at Avon and Strongsville’s Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows. Both events feature artists and crafters selling creations, along with concessions available for order. Some proceeds from the events will benefit local nonprofits. Tickets are $3, kids under 12 years old get in free.
The organizers behind the Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows will also host one other Northeast Ohio event, running the Solon Hometown Holiday Market on Dec. 11. Free.
Strongsville Ehrnfelt Recreation Center, 18100 Royalton Road, Strongsville
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 20; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 21
City of Solon Recreation Center, 35000 Portz Parkway, Solon
10 a.m.-4 p.m., Dec. 11
Emerald Event Center, 33040 Just Imagine Dr., Avon
10 a.m.-4 p.m., Dec. 18
(Photo by Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com)Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com
Winter RiverFest
Find the perfect gift for your park-loving pal at Winter RiverFest, and enjoy some festive fun while you’re doing it. The event, put on by Cleveland Metroparks, features park merchandise and locally made items for sale in its retail shop. While you’re shopping, sip on a beer from the bar and try some ice skating. Free.
1785 Merwin Ave., Cleveland
Nov. 26-Jan. 2
Larchmere Blvd. Holiday Stroll
The holiday spirit will be in the air at Larchmere Blvd.’s annual Holiday Stroll event, which is now in its 50th year. Attendees can get a cup of hot chocolate while perusing local shops along the eclectic street, enjoying shopping specials and giveaways. Horse and buggy rides will also be available. Free.
Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland
Nov. 26-27
Made Cleveland pop-up
Made Cleveland will host a pop-up shop in the former City Buddha space on Coventry Road, partnering with Larchmere Fire Works. Look for gifts, and also watch live glass blowing demonstrations, inside the store space. An online shop is available, too. Before the store opens, join for a sip & shop event on Nov. 24, from 5 to 8 p.m.
1807 Coventry Road, Cleveland Heights
Noon-7 p.m., Nov. 27-Dec. 23
(Photo by Lynn Ischay, The Plain Dealer)
Little Italy Holiday Arts + Small Business Fest
Take in the sights and sounds of Little Italy while shopping for friends and family at the neighborhood’s Arts + Small Business Fest, set for the weekend after Thanksgiving. The event, which runs for three days this November, will incorporate one-of-a-kind sales with gallery showings. Free.
Mayfield Road, Cleveland
5-9 p.m. Nov. 26; Noon-9 p.m. Nov. 27; Noon-5 p.m. Nov. 28
(Photo by John Petkovic, The Plain Dealer)
Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Third Fridays at 78th Street Studios
78th Street Studios will open its doors to the public for several shopping events before the holiday season arrives. It will host its monthly “Third Fridays” event, featuring live music and food and drink specials all evening long with local art for sale on Dec. 17. The galleries will also be open for a Black Friday event on Nov. 26 and a Small Business Saturday event on Nov. 27. Free, reserve tickets on Eventbrite.
78th Street Studios, 1305 W. 80th St., Cleveland
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 26; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 27; 5-9 p.m. Dec. 17
CLE Holiday Market
Use your weekends to visit CLE Holiday Market. The event series will offer festive goods at the West Side Irish American Club this season, all created and distributed by locals. Free.
8559 Jennings Road, Olmsted Township
Weekends, Nov. 26-Dec. 19
Holiday at the Hildebrandt
What used to be a meatpacking plant has transformed into a hub for artists at the Hildebrandt Building. This year, the space unveils a new vendor mall to feature even more local businesses at its annual event.
3619 Walton Ave., Cleveland
10 a.m.-5 p.m., Nov. 27
facebook.com/hildebrandtprovisionscompany
(Photo by Lisa DeJong, The Plain Dealer)The Plain Dealer
Cleveland Bazaar
This season, the Cleveland Bazaar will pop up in three locations around Cleveland for holiday-themed markets. First, the shopping experience will take over the 5th Street Arcades as a part of Cleveland Winterfest on Nov. 27. Then, it’ll appear in Lake Affect Studios on Dec. 5. Finally, Cleveland Bazaar will wrap up with its biggest event: a holiday show at 78th Street Studios on Dec. 11 and 12.
5th Street Arcades, 530 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
10 a.m.-8 p.m., Nov. 27
Lake Affect Studios, 1615 E. 25th St., Cleveland
Noon-6 p.m., Dec. 5
78th Street Studios, 1305 W. 80th St., Cleveland
Dec. 11-12
(Photo by Allison Carey, The Plain Dealer)
Screw Factory markets
The Screw Factory in Lakewood will host holiday market events on two occasions: Small Business Saturday, and the annual Holiday Market, which takes place just a few days before Christmas. The Small Business Saturday market is a one-day-only event, whereas the Holiday Market runs for three full days. Both events are free.
13000 Athens Ave., Lakewood
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 27; 6-10 p.m. Dec. 17; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 18; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 19
(Image courtesy Crafty Mart)
Crafty Mart
After going virtual last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, Akron’s Crafty Mart will return the weekend after Thanksgiving to offer an early start on holiday shopping. The fair will also showcase the organization’s new Carbon Black Event Space. Free.
Bounce Innovation Hub, 526 S. Main St., Akron
11 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 27; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 28
(Photo by Tom Jewell, special to cleveland.com)Tom Jewell/Special to cleveland.com
Van Aken Makers Market
For Small Business Saturday, Van Aken will host a Makers Market featuring local vendors, and some of the shopping district’s merchants will also run deals. The Shaker Heights development has placed a focus on featuring local businesses in its layout, making it an easy place to shop small.
3401 Tuttle Road, Shaker Heights
10 a.m.-4 p.m., Nov. 27
(Photo courtesy Gordon Green)
Gordon Green Tree Farm
Shop for a Christmas tree, while also visiting local vendor booths, at Gordon Green’s tree farm. The venue space will also include a hot cocoa bar, fire pits and a reindeer onsite. On Dec. 3, enjoy a special holiday date night with a live DJ and cocktails.
5400 Detroit Ave., Cleveland
Noon-8 p.m. daily, Nov. 28-Dec. 9
ArtCraft Studio Show
Looking for some fine art for gifting this season? More than 20 downtown Cleveland artists will join 30 regional artists at this year’s ArtCraft Studio Show, in the historic ArtCraft building on Superior. The long-running event is one of the largest fine art markets in the area. Free.
2570 Superior Ave., Cleveland
11 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 3; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 4; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 5
Holiday Market on Hale Farm & Village
Rustic items made onsite at Hale Farm & Village will be on sale at the organization’s annual Holiday Market. That includes candles, chocolates, glass art and more. Free.
2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath
4-8 p.m., Dec. 3
wrhs.org
Off The Wall Holiday Show and Members Sale at Zygote Press
Artists at Zygote Press will show off their work, and sell some of it, too, at the gallery’s annual holiday sale and winter showcase event, Off The Wall. The event runs on weekends in December, offering plenty of opportunities to snag a unique print or two. Face masks are required for all attendees at the event. Free.
1410 E. 30th St., Cleveland
Dec. 3-23: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Noon-5 p.m. Sundays. Appointments can be made on weekdays.
(Image courtesy E.J. Thomas Hall)
Christmas Arts & Crafts show at E.J. Thomas Hall
Now in its 41st year, the Christmas Arts & Crafts show at E.J. Thomas Hall is a local institution. The weekend-long event, always held on the first weekend of December, will feature plenty of local vendors and holiday cheer. Tickets $4.50-$5, free for children under 12 years old.
Face masks will be required at the event.
198 Hill St., Akron
Dec. 3-5
Ransom Sage Farm Holiday Market
Now that fruit-picking season is over, Chardon’s Ransom Sage Farm will lean into the holidays with its upcoming market. There, vendors will offer various handmade products, including cocoa bombs, rope baskets, jewelry, jams and jellies at its holiday market. Free.
505 OH-44, Chardon
6-9 p.m. Dec. 3, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 4
CIA Student Holiday Sale
Current students at the Cleveland Institute of Art will sell their handmade works of art at the school’s annual Student Holiday Sale. Formats like glass, ceramics, photography and more will be available. Along with the student sale, CIA will host its 100 Show + Sale, an event that offers individual pieces of artwork for $100 each. Free to attend.
11610 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
5-9 p.m., Dec. 3; 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Dec. 4
cia.edu
Hometown Vendors Holiday Craft and Vendor show
More than 40 small businesses and crafters will be in North Ridgeville for the Hometown Vendors Holiday Craft and Vendor show. Check out wood crafts, home decor, accessories and more at the free event.
8820 Bender Road, North Ridgeville
9 a.m.-4 p.m., Dec. 4
(Photo by Peggy Turbett, The Plain Dealer)The Plain Dealer
Light Up Lakewood
Celebrate the holiday season in every way imaginable at Light Up Lakewood. The event includes musical performances, photos with Santa, a parade, a tree-lighting ceremony and even a fireworks show. While all that’s going on, an outdoor vendor village will be available to peruse. Free.
Downtown Lakewood
4-8 p.m., Dec. 4
(Downie Photography)
Holiday CircleFest
Cleveland’s University Circle neighborhood will go all-out for this year’s Holiday CircleFest. The neighborhood event will feature an outdoor holiday market, ice carving demonstrations, horse-drawn carriage rides around Wade Oval, photos with Santa and live music. Holiday CircleFest will also include discounted and free admission into area museums.
Wade Oval, 10820 East Blvd., Cleveland
Noon-7 p.m., Dec. 5
Season’s Screamings at Foundry Concert Club
A dark and spooky kind of market will take over Lakewood’s rock and metal venue Foundry Concert Club for its Season’s Screamings event. The event will feature local artists, small businesses and makers who create one-of-a-kind gifts. Stick around for holiday horror movies and an open kitchen. Free.
11729 Detroit Ave., Lakewood
6-10 p.m., Dec. 10
Walkabout Tremont
On the second Friday of every month, Tremont hosts its Walkabout event, featuring restaurant and bar specials, live performances, pop-up shops and extended shopping hours at local stores. The event will take on a festive flavor in December, with a theme of “Light Up Your Holidays.”
Professor Ave. and surrounding streets, Cleveland
5-10 p.m., Dec. 10
Queer the Halls Artisan Market and Holiday Fest
The LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland will once again host its market and holiday fest on Dec. 11-12. The fest coincides with Gordon Square’s Wintertide festival on Dec. 11, which includes outdoor concerts, activities and shopping specials in the neighborhood
6705 Detroit Ave., Cleveland
Dec. 11-12
Oddmall: Chrishanukwanzmadan 2021
Oddmall’s got the perfect gift for the oddball on your list. But the event is more than a market -- the party includes photos with Santa and it might also throw in characters like Krampus, pirates, armadillos and more, according to its website.
Suggested donation of $5+.
Tadmore Shrine, 3000 Krebs Dr., Akron
10 a.m.-6 p.m., Dec. 11
(Photo by David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com)David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com
Grog Shop’s Jingle Bell Rock & Shop
Enjoy DJs’ holiday music picks at the Grog Shop, while looking through more than 30 vendor stations offering local creations at this rockin’ market. A full bar will be open, including spiked hot cocoa and Bloody Marys.
The event is a part of Coventry Village’s Winter Festival, which will also include an ugly sweater bar crawl, photos with Santa, live music and more. Free.
2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights
11 a.m.-5 p.m., Dec. 11
North Union Holiday Market
Who says it’s too late in the year for a farmer’s market? North Union, a farmer’s market series in Northeast Ohio, brings its summertime series to the chilly season. Seek out local art, wine, produce and baked goods at the boutique-style events inside the Van Aken District’s Market Hall.
3441 Tuttle Road, Shaker Heights
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 11, Dec. 18
facebook.com/NorthUnionFarmersMarket
(Photo by Mike Levy, The Plain Dealer)
Beachland Holiday Flea
At the Beachland Ballroom’s annual Holiday Flea event, find gifts that rock. Enjoy music and a unique shopping experience inside the music venue. More than 20 booths will sell music, music-themed art, vintage clothing and more -- all perfect for the music fan on your list. Free.
15711 Waterloo Road, Cleveland
10 a.m.-3 p.m., Dec. 18
(Photo courtesy of Kelly Flamos)Kelly Flamos
Vintage Shop at Mahall’s
Mahall’s main lobby will host a vintage shop in November and December for unique finds. The store will be open evenings, Tuesdays through Sundays. While you’re there, bowl a game or two or check out a concert. Free.
13200 Madison Ave., Lakewood
5-11 p.m., Tuesdays through Sundays in November and December
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