Holiday markets in RI: Where to shop for unique handmade gifts while getting in the spirit

Susan McDonald
·3 min read

The holiday shopping season is fast approaching. If you're looking for a more festive alternative to the malls and big-box stores, why not consider a holiday market?

Popularized in European cities where vendors line the streets in stalls offering special trinkets and uniquely crafted gifts, holiday markets let you sip hot cocoa as you browse and embrace the spirit of the season while checking names off your shopping list. You'll find many options around Rhode Island, with varying vendors, foods and vibes.

Here are our top picks, organized chronologically. Most are free unless otherwise noted.

Holiday Invitational Arts & Artisans Gift Marketplace (debloisgallery.com), through Dec. 23, DeBlois Gallery, 134 Aquidneck Ave., Middletown. Local crafters and artists offer their creations, which promise to be both affordable and unique.

The 15th Annual Holiday Craft Fair and Festival, featuring the work of crafters and artists as well as continuous live music, takes place Dec. 2 at the Blackstone River Theatre in Cumberland.
The 15th Annual Holiday Craft Fair and Festival, featuring the work of crafters and artists as well as continuous live music, takes place Dec. 2 at the Blackstone River Theatre in Cumberland.

Rhode Island Christmas Festival (www.rhodeislandchristmasfestival.com), Nov. 18-19, West Warwick Civic Center, 100 Factory St., West Warwick The event offers a varied mix of more than 80 crafters creating jewelry, candy, quilts, books, pottery and metalwork, with vendors representing Colorstreet, Tupperware and Paparazzi. Music completes the mood, and kids can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Christmas in the Valley (christmasinthevalleyri.com) Nov. 24-26, Foster Country Club, 67 Johnson Road, Foster. This show is juried, which raises the bar a little to participate. There are no duplicates among booths featuring jewelry, batik, wines, pottery, candles, glassware, honey, handbags, totes and woodworking. Santa will also be there.

Providence Flea (providenceflea.com), Fridays, Nov. 24, and Dec. 1, 8 and 15, plus Sundays, Nov. 26, and Dec. 3, 10 and 17. Farm Fresh Market Hall, 10 Sims Ave., Providence. Local vendors, artisans and makers offer tables laden with their creations as well as one-of-a-kind vintage finds. Enjoy munchies from rotating food trucks and even cocktails and craft beers.

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32nd annual Holiday Craft Show (oceanstateartisans.com), Nov. 24-26, Ocean State Artisans, 5600 Post Road, East Greenwich. Admission is $3 with $1 off if you bring a canned good. A juried show, this gathers more than 75 local exhibitors offering all handmade items and made-to-order fresh wreaths. Kids can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Christkindlmarkt (gacsri.org), Nov. 25, German American Cultural Society, 78 Carter Ave., Pawtucket. Inspired by the famous markets in Germany, the group creates a similar feeling with its outdoor beer hall and indoor kitchen featuring traditional goulash. Sated, you can shop for sweet treats, crafts such as embroidery and ceramics, honey products and pickles.

"Knotted Branch," by sculptor Gillian Christy. She is one of 90 artists and craftspeople participating in the Fine Furnishings Shows' annual Holiday Market, Dec. 2 and 3 at the WaterFire Arts Center in Providence.
"Knotted Branch," by sculptor Gillian Christy. She is one of 90 artists and craftspeople participating in the Fine Furnishings Shows' annual Holiday Market, Dec. 2 and 3 at the WaterFire Arts Center in Providence.

Foundry Show (foundryshow.com), Nov. 30-Dec. 3, Dec. 8-10, Pawtucket Armory Center for the Arts, 172 Exchange St., Pawtucket, free admission with canned good. The artists working in the area gather to offer pieces from all mediums, including ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, leather goods, metal, painting and illustration, photography, mixed media and wood.

15th Annual Craft Fair and Festival (riverfolk.org), Dec. 2, Blackstone River Theatre, 549 Broad St., Cumberland. Shop the wares of more than 25 vendors while area musicians offer continuous seasonal music. You’ll also find an assortment of baked goods, including traditional Welsh cakes.

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Fine Furnishings Annual Holiday Market (Fine Furnishing Shows (finefurnishingsshows.com), Dec. 2-3, WaterFire Arts Center, 475 Valley St., Providence. More than 90 juried artists and crafters have a wide array of handmade furniture and accessories made of wood, fabric, glass and other mediums.

Nest earrings by Kristin Aylward, who will be among the artists participating in the Audubon Society of Rhode Island's Holiday Craft Fair on Dec. 2.
Nest earrings by Kristin Aylward, who will be among the artists participating in the Audubon Society of Rhode Island's Holiday Craft Fair on Dec. 2.

Audubon Society of RI (asri.com), Dec. 2, Powder Mill Ledges Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield. For crafts with a natural flair, visit these 20 booths offering everything from jewelry and photography to bird houses, ornaments and stationery.

Providence Artisans Holiday Show (waterfire.org), Dec. 17-18, WaterFire Arts Center, 475 Valley St., Providence. Fuel up with treats from various food trucks, then shop the wares of 80 local artists offering handmade work that ranges from paintings to jewelry and from clothing to photography.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: 11 great holiday markets in RI where you can buy unique local gifts