Holiday markets near the Lake Erie shore offer unique shopping options

PORT CLINTON - With the holiday shopping season well under way, sometimes shoppers are searching for something unique, something different, or something that reminds you of times gone by.

There is plenty of opportunity to shop and experience a wonderland of holiday vendors at multiple locations hosting holiday markets in the Port Clinton area this season.

Holiday Market at Gideon Owen

Set up like European Christkindlmarkets, the Holiday Market at Gideon Owen Winery in Catawba Island Township is sure to be another smashing success this year.

Spanning three weekends, the second annual Gideon Owen Holiday Market was owner Quintin Smith's dream come true of creating a public square for residents and visitors to gather and celebrate the season.

"We wanted to create a community place," Smith said. "We created the square... and it has been a wonderful success."

What they created was something out of a Hallmark Christmas movie, Smith added.

Featuring picturesque glass greenhouses, an expanded roster of vendors, food huts, live entertainment and more, Smith hopes it will become a community tradition in years to come.

Holiday Market organizer Lorraine Karl said there will be more than 20 vendors each weekend, some rotating while others will be all three weekends, and that there was something for everyone: a shopping experience with handcrafted gifts, treats, traditional Christmas ornaments, festive food and wine and music for visitors of all ages.

There is no entrance fee to the market this year.

As a special bonus, you can meet Santa Claus on Saturday, Nov. 25, from 2 to 4 p.m.; Dec. 2 from 2 to 6 p.m.; and Dec. 9 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the market.

Gideon Owen had Christmas mugs specially made for the market and a tree lighting for their 18-foot tree with more than 6,000 lights, which was lit on Friday at 5:30 p.m.

"It's all about the community and traditions," Karl said. "We want to make it so that kids can look back in five or 10 years and remember it."

Operating hours are Nov. 25 and 26, Dec. 1 to 3, and Dec. 8 to 10 — Fridays and Saturdays are noon until 7 p.m and Sundays, noon to 4 p.m.

Gideon Owen Winery is at 3845 E. Wine Cellar Road. For more information, visit the Gideon Owen website at gideonowenwine.com.

Holiday Market on the Water

Looking for that last minute baked good, jam, or gifts the week before Christmas?

Holiday Market-On the Water will take place at Island Port, home of the Jet Express, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 16 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 17. It is located at 3 N. Monroe St.

The event is being organized by the duo who bring the nonprofit Sunday Farmers Markets to Port Clinton in the summer and fall, Abbie Fox and Courtney Kast. This is the first year for the Holiday Market-On the Water.

“We will be bringing in talented small business owners, growers, makers, and creators of all kinds, including a variety of our farmers market vendors,” Fox said.

This market boasts artisan handmade goods, meats, baked goods, jams, jellies, honey, and gifts galore. Visitors can enjoy live music, a festive holiday treat, and a cash bar while for shoppers.

With more than 50 vendors and businesses participating, the market will offer shoppers a variety of gifts such as jewelry, boutique merchandise, local beach glass art, plants, pet accessories and much more to check off their Christmas wish list.

Parking is free in the Jet Express parking lot, and the entrance fee is a donation of canned food, which will be donated to Port Clinton’s local food pantry, Fox said.

For more information about the Holiday Market-On the Water, visit the Facebook page by searching "Holiday Market-On the Water" or "The Sunday Farmers Market-Port Clinton, OH."

This article originally appeared on Port Clinton News Herald: Holiday markets open near the Lake Erie shore