Asheville has a passion for local, so keep those good karma points accruing and check out one, or all, of some of the best holiday markets Asheville has to offer! The Big Crafty is happening this Sunday (you can read more in The Asheville Post), but the holiday market fun doesn’t stop there. These markets support local artists, local nonprofits, and in some cases, both! Bring a friend and shop ’til you drop, Asheville!
December 4 – 9
2012 Holiday Market, Asheville Art Museum
Holiday Market Reception & Silent Auction: Sunday, December 9, 1 – 5 p.m.
Asheville Art Museum, 2 South Pack Square
The Asheville Art Museum’s annual holiday market is a great place to find locally and regionally made gifts, art, jewelry, and other objets d’amour. Get there early to check out the best pieces and the best prices, and consider attending the reception and silent auction if you can’t make it to the market itself.
December 6
W.E.A.R. Asheville, Our Voice, 7 – 9 p.m.
Pack Place, 2 South Pack Square
The W.E.A.R. Asheville event is a less traditional approach to the typical holiday market. This event is a benefit for Our Voice, Asheville’s local rape crisis nonprofit. Tickets are $25 each, and the event will feature more than a hundred pieces of handmade jewelry from which you can choose, and you can enjoy dessert, drinks, and music while you mingle. Purchase tickets via Our Voice’s website or by calling 828.252.0562.
December 7
Holiday Collection: Exceptional Earrings, Mora Designer Jewelry
Mora, 9 West Walnut Street, 5 – 8 p.m.
We clearly have a love affair happening with Mora Designer Jewelry, and this Exceptional Earrings event is just one of the reasons why they are a great local business in which to spend your holiday gift money. More than 15 local artists will have work on show and for sale, so you are likely to find that perfect something for the special someone in your life. It’s also an excellent opportunity to drop a hint to your special someone for your perfect something.
December 14 – 16
Cool Craft Market, HandMade In America
VIP Preview Party: Friday, December 14, 5 – 8 P.M.
Market: Saturday, December 15, 10 A.M. – 5 P.M. and Sunday, December 16, 11 A.M. – 4 P.M.
HandMade In America, 125 South Lexington, Suite 101
No holiday market would be complete without a showing from our fabulous local crafting community, so be sure to visit HandMade in America’s Cool Craft Market. This first of what hopes to be an annual holiday market will feature 25 vendors from around Western North Carolina, featuring everything from the functional (gorgeous pottery and kitchenware), to the form (decorations, art, and ornaments). To top it off, the VIP preview party is a benefit for Homeward Bound of Asheville, so bring an item to donate and enjoy first pick of the best crafts in WNC.