Shop these Central Jersey holiday markets for gifts with artisan twists
It's tempting to swoop Amazon and buy all of your holiday gifts in one spot. But for those looking for unique, one-of-a-kind gifts made by local artisans, Amazon just won't do.
These holiday markets are popping up throughout Central Jersey and offering everything from holiday wreaths to home decor to "evil" holiday portraits.
Many of these markets also offer holiday activities like photos with Santa or a gingerbread house contest, all surrounded by live holiday music.
Off the Wall Holiday Market, Princeton: December weekends
The West Windsor Arts Council is again presenting its Off the Wall Holiday Market, which is an artisan market featuring handcrafted items like jewelry, pottery, women’s accessories and home decor. The event also includes the Affordable Art Show, where all art pieces are $400 or less. Artwork includes oil paintings, acrylic paintings, photography, mixed media and watercolor paintings.
The Off the Wall Holiday Market is open from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 9 and 16, and Sundays, Dec. 10 and 17. On Dec. 23, the market is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is not open on Christmas Eve.
Go: 952 Alexander Road, Princeton Junction, free; westwindsorarts.org/event/holiday-market-dec-2-and-3/2023-12-02/.
Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market, Trenton: Dec. 9 and 10
The Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market is running its Wreck The Halls rendition of its regular market with hundreds of offbeat vendors from across the United States, selling items like original art, all things vintage, independent clothing lines and taxidermy.
The event, which is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 9 and 10, also includes celebrity guests, live music, live tattooing, "evil holiday portraits" and author signings.
Go: CURE Insurance Arena, 81 Hamilton Ave., Trenton, $15, or $10 after 1 p.m. on Sunday; trentonprfm.com.
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Somerset County 4-H Holiday Craft Festival, Bridgewater: Dec. 9 and 10
The Somerset County 4-H Association will host its annual Holiday Craft Festival with local artisans selling their handmade crafts from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 9 and 10. Onsite will also be a running train display by the Somerset County 4-H Trainmasters, pictures with Santa, a gingerbread house contest, and refreshments for sale.
Go: Ted Blum 4-H Center, 310 Milltown Road, Bridgewater, free; 4histops.org/events/holiday-craft-23.
Flounder Brewing's annual Kringle Market, Hillsborough: Dec. 9 and 10
Flounder Brewing Co. is hosting its annual Kringle Market at Carriage Farm from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 9 and 10, featuring more than 40 craft vendors. (Rain dates are Dec. 16 and 17.)
Central Jersey Nurseries will also be there to sell fresh wreaths, garlands and trees. Nonprofit Steps Together will sell drinks to benefit the Somerset County families it supports.
Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will also stroll the market before going to Flounder Brewing for free photos. Flounder Brewing's Brass Band will play classic holiday tunes.
Go: Carriage Farm at 2 Clerico Lane, Hillsborough, $10 per car, cash only; facebook.com/events/1084627609368410.
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Highland Park's Night Owl Market, Highland Park: Dec. 9 and 10
Main Street Highland Park will host its final artisan Night Owl Market of the season from 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 9, and from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 10.
Go: The Market Pavilion, 212 Raritan Ave., Highland Park, free; facebook.com/events/268642179462930/268642192796262/.
Horror Sideshow Holiday Flea Market, Edison: Dec. 16
The creators of the New Jersey Horror Con and Film Festival are presenting the Horror Sideshow Holiday Flea Market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 16, with vendors selling horror memorabilia, vintage items, pop culture items, toys and comics.
Go: New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center, 97 Sunfield Ave., Edison, $10, cash only at the door; horrorsideshowmarket.com.
Contact: JIntersimone@MyCentralJersey.com
Jenna Intersimone has been a staff member at the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey since 2014, after becoming a blogger-turned-reporter following the creation of her award-winning travel blog. To get unlimited access to her stories about food, drink and fun, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. You can also follow her on Instagram at @seejennaeat and on Twitter at @JIntersimone.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: NJ holiday markets: Here's where they're popping up
