The Holidays are quickly approaching and we encourage you to shop small this year. Skip out on the long lines at the mall and head to a town near you with small and local businesses. We’ve put together a list of 15 holiday markets, bazaars and towns that are offering unique and homemade items crafted with love and attention so you can find the perfect gifts for your friends and family this Holiday Season.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Asbury Park! Their annual Holiday Bazaar is inspired by the traditional “Weihnachtsmarkts” holiday markets held in Germany. The Bazaar will showcase handcrafted goods and unique holiday gifts by local and regional makers and small businesses, holiday music and entertainment, Photos with Santa, food & libations, craft workshops, kids activities, festive décor, music, and more. Bazaar Dates – Black Friday, Nov 24 & Every Sat & Sun, Nov 25-Dec 17, 12-5 PM & at The Asbury Hotel, Every Sun, Nov 26-Dec 17, 12-5 pm. Grand Arcade of Convention Hall https://www.asburyparkbazaar.com/holiday-bazaar-2023
After you shop all the stands at the Bazaar, here are some local eats to check out in Asbury:
Don’t miss Whitechapel Projects Small Business Saturday weekend celebration at their Holiday Bazaar. This gorgeous venue features an indoor space and giant Sailcloth tent for all your shopping needs! WCP is a beautiful arts, food and cultural venue featuring a sustainable restaurant and bar inspired by local ingredients, products and community collaboration. The event is free, all ages, and pet friendly. Saturday & Sunday, Nov 25th & 26th, 2023, 12-5 pm, 15 2nd Ave, Long Branch, NJ https://www.asburyparkbazaar.com/holiday-bazaar-2023
Here are some local eats and shops to check out around Long Branch:
Join Porta in Asbury Park for a series of shopping events featuring a curated collection of 25 local handmade artists and makers coming together for a wonderful holiday celebration. Market Dates – November 26th from 12-4pm, December 3rd and 17th from 12-4pm and December 21st from 5-9pm. 911 Kingsley St, Asbury Park https://www.asburyparkbazaar.com/holiday-bazaar-2023
Once you shop the vendors at the Holiday Market, head into town and check out these other local businesses:
Looking to do some Holiday Shopping in South Jersey? We have just the place! Visit Cape May Convention Hall on December 2 and 3 from 9am to 4pm for the annual Crafts at Christmas Show! Shop local vendors all offering handmade, unique items. Cape May Convention Hall 714 Beach Avenue https://www.capemaychamber.com/events/details/crafts-at-christmas-12-02-2023-10996
Take the day and explore Cape May after the Craft Show and check out some other local businesses:
The Noyes Holiday Market & Gingerbread Village is taking place Saturday & Sunday – December 2 & 3, 2023 from 12 – 5 PM at the Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University. Admission is free so come check out some craft vendors, take photos with Santa, enter the Atlantic City themed gingerbread house competition, make some crafts and grab a snack from their food and drink vendors. 2200 Fairmount Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 https://www.artsgarageac.com/noyes-holiday-market
Explore all Atlantic City has to offer after the Market and check out some local eats:
Downtown Toms River’s Town Hall courtyard will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland Village on December 2nd and 9th from 12-6pm. Vendors, kid’s activities, hot chocolate station, holiday music and more will be available. Downtown businesses will also be open for some local shopping and food sampling. 33 Washington St. Toms River, NJ 08753 https://downtowntomsriver.com/event/winter-wonderland/
Explore Downtown and try some of these local businesses:
FRESH markets returns to Red Bank for their holiday pop-up market at the Basie Center On December 9th and 10th from 12-8pm. There will be up to 20 vendors to check out for unique items and well as food to purchase. 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank 07711 https://www.asburyfresh.com/markets/2023-holiday-pop-up-weekend-at-the-basie-center
If you need a place to stay or some dinner options, these are the places to be!
Don’t miss the 27th Annual St. Paul’s Craft Fair November 18th from 9am-4pm, always on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, to get a head start on your holiday shopping for everyone on your list! Support local artisans and hand crafters by purchasing one-of-a-kind gifts from a huge selection of items displayed on 50 tables throughout the huge Fellowship Hall. Stop by the kitchen for some baked goods and lunch that will directly support the church’s missions. Admission is always free and so is the raffle to win handmade gifts! 80 Embury Avenue Ocean Grove, NJ, 07756 https://www.oceangrove.church/calendar/holiday-craft-fair
Ocean Grove is an adorable small town located next to Asbury Park. Support these local shops!
When you get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays, plan a day at Smithville to slow it down, enjoy your family and be reminded of the simpler pleasures of the holidays. Smithville in December is just what your holidays need! The shops at Smithville are open November 24 – Dec. 23 2023 – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday : 10am – 7pm, Friday and Saturday: 10am – 9pm and Sunday: 11am – 7pm. The Holiday Train Ride runs all throughout December and Light Show on the Lake is everyday in December 5:30-8:30. 615 E Moss Mill Rd, Smithville https://www.historicsmithville.com/smithville-events/december-smithville/
After exploring everything Smithville has to offer, you’re going to want to fuel up at one of their eateries:
Celebrate Downtown Haddonfield‘s many brunch and breakfast locations and Shop Small all in one weekend. Don’t miss “Brunch Big, Shop Small” during Small Business Weekend on Saturday, November 25th & Sunday, November 26th! Downtown Haddonfield merchants will open early, and many restaurants will host breakfasts/brunch specials. Downtown Haddonfield, https://downtownhaddonfield.com/events/brunch-big-shop-small-business-weekend/
After you shop small and try all the brunch spots across town, here are so other local food stops worth indulging in:
Enjoy all thing local at Bell Works Fresh first holiday market of the season! Join Bell Works on November 25th from 1-6pm with live music by DJ gray from 2-5pm in the Main Atrium! Come check out up to 75 vendors and find the perfect gifts for your friends and family this Holiday season. The Market will also be open November 29th, December 2nd, 6th, 9th, 13th and 16th. 101 Crawfords Corner Rd, Holmdel https://bell.works/events/bell-works-fresh-saturday-holiday-market/
Bell Works is such a cool place to explore with local eats, shops and activities:
Red Bank is a shoppers paradise home to a mix of family-owned mom and pops all the way to nationally admired brands. From gorgeous couture clothing to trendy boutiques, vintage wares, antiques, exclusive retail shops, world-class jewelers and bohemian-chic apparel, Red Bank retailers have a little something for everyone. Come on out this Holiday season and shop under the lights on Broad Street. Red Bank BroadWalk, https://www.facebook.com/RedBankVisitorsCenter/
If you need some holiday catering, these businesses are who you need to reach out to!
New Egypt Flea Market Village is a unique shopping village, located in New Jersey, that offers a wide variety of vendors in a quaint and convenient location. From collectibles to furniture, new and old, you can find almost anything there. Come on out on Small Business Saturday November 25th and explore the Market Shoppes, additional vendor stands, food trucks and take photos with Santa! On December 1st from 5-9pm, come on out for the Holiday Market & Tree Lighting and join in on the festivities and show some small town holiday spirit. 933 Monmouth Rd, Cream Ridge https://newegyptfleamarket.com/events/
After finding the perfect gifts at the flea market, head into town for some local eats:
The Keansburg Fire Company #1 will be hosting their 3rd Annual Holiday Bazaar on Monday, November 27th from 6-9pm. The Holiday Bazaar will be taking place next to the tree lighting at Friendship Park so come on out, support local and enjoy the holiday cheer. Pictures with Santa will also be available! 11 Manning Place, Keansburg https://www.facebook.com/keansburgfirecompany/
Spend the whole day in Keansburg before the Holiday Bazaar and fill up on breakfast, pastries and beer:
Join Belmar Clay Project for an enchanting Holiday Market! This festive season, experience the joy of giving with unique, handcrafted pottery treasures that will warm hearts and homes. Their talented artisans have been hard at work creating an exquisite array of one-of-a-kind ceramics that make perfect gifts for your loved ones and beautiful additions to your holiday décor. Come on out December 16th & 17th 1-7pm and support local artists and artisans as they showcase their passion and craft. Hot cocoa and treats will be available as well as seasonal tunes, and cozy vibes. 710 10th Ave, Belmar https://fb.me/e/41X4G4xu1
There’s so much to see and do in Belmar so here are a few spots to check out:
Join Colonial Nursery in Lincroft for a lovely Christmas Market. Shop over 20 unique, boutique and specialty vendors set up within the holiday décor of the cozy greenhouse indoors! Buy for your self and a loved one. Finish your Holiday shopping at this fabulous holiday Market, try their food trucks and bring the kids for the pony rides. 1124 W Front St, Lincroft, https://www.facebook.com/events/847620949844328/
Here’s your chance to take the stress out of holiday shopping! Shop Stress Free at Body Boutique for unique gifts sales on services enter this years raffle to win great prizes and browse local vendors! Come on out to Keyport November 25th for Small Business Saturday and shop throughout the town during Miracle on Front Street! 52 West Front Street, Keyport, https://www.facebook.com/events/303601332497853/
Holiday Made in Monmouth will take place on Saturday, December 9th. The event will be held at Brookdale Community College in the Robert J. Collins Arena and Recreation Events Center from 10 am to 4 pm. Over 200 vendors of products made in Monmouth County will be on display and for sale. Made In Monmouth is a program for both vendors and visitors to encourage people to shop locally and to create new and important items that the public will want to buy! All events are free to both vendors and the public. Brookdale Community College, https://fb.me/e/6BVq1ye6d
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