It’s here–the biggest shopping season of the year is now upon us. Though Christmas is not for more than 50 days, by early November we’re already thinking about what to get for our kids, friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers.
Many of us wait until Black Friday and Cyber Monday to score the best deals at the big box stores. I used to shop that way, too. But this year I am going to shop local when I can and support independent businesses, crafters, and artisans. Not only will my money be kept close to home, but my loved ones will have gifts that are much more unique than in years past.
Below are 18 holiday markets in the Iowa City area that I’ll be shopping at for my gifts this year. I can’t wait for the festive spirit that awaits me when I browse the tables at these bazaars. I’ll probably feel much more jolly than I do when waiting in the long lines at Target and Best Buy, because many of these events feature live music, food, drinks, and activities for kids.
Also, don’t forget about Shop Small Saturday on November 26 as another way to support your local businesses.
A Very Merry Christmas in The Barn
The Barn | 3271 V Ave. Wellman
When
Nov 4-5
Friday 4pm-8pm
Saturday 9am-3pm
Details
Admission: $3
Event Page
Description: Eclectic mix of vintage, nostalgic, new, and old items in The Barn from the four “Barn girls”
Holiday Arts & Crafts Show
Riverside Casino and Golf Resort | 3184 Highway 22, Riverside
When
Nov 5-6
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. both days
Details
Admission: Free
Event Page
Description: Vendor fair featuring Midwestern-made woodwork, pottery, holiday décor, holiday gift items, and more
2nd Annual Holiday Bazaar
Kirkwood Training & Outreach Services | 3375 Armar Dr., Marion
When
Nov 12
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Details
Admission: Free
Event Page
Description: A variety of crafters and direct sales consultants
Other Entertainment: Free entertainment provided by Prairie Land Entertainment
Charity Support: Last Hope Animal Rescue
Holiday Bazaar Craft & Vendor Show
Hoover Elementary School | 148 N Oliphant St., West Branch
When
Nov 13
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Details
Admission: Free
Event Page
Description: A variety of crafters and direct sales consultants
Toys for Tots 4th Annual Christmas Vendor Show
Cedar Rapids Marriott | 1200 Collins Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids
When
Nov 13
10 am. – 3 p.m.
Details
Admission: Free
Event Page
Description: Over 40 vendors and direct sales consultants
Charity Support: Toys for Tots, requests donations of new and unwrapped toys
8th Annual Grace Baptist Church Holiday Bazaar/ Flea Market
Grace Baptist Church | 1461 E Post Rd., Marion
When
Nov 18-19
Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m – 1 p.m.
Details
Admission: Free
Event Page
Description: A variety of crafters, vintage items, and direct sales consultants
Other Entertainment: Free swag bags for the first 50 guests
Prairiewoods Holiday Bazaar
Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center | 120 E Boyson Rd., Hiawatha
When
Nov 19
8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Details
Admission: Free
Event Pages: Facebook event and website
Description: Handmade goods from 13 local vendors, fair trade items from developing nations, and baked goods
Other Entertainment: Pastries and coffee available before event and lunch available during event
Charity Support: African Women Empowered selling handmade items that support African women refugees in Cedar Rapids
Holiday Market at Baby Time
Baby Time | 4341 1st Ave. SE Suite 123, Cedar Rapids
When
Nov 19
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Details
Admission: Free
Event Page
Description: Vendor fair of locally made mom and baby items
Iowa City Holiday Market
Robert A. Lee Recreation Center | 220 S. Gilbert St., Iowa City
When
Nov 19, Dec 10
8 a.m. – 1 p.m. both days
Details
Admission: Free
Event Page: November 19 and December 10
Description: Indoor version of the Iowa City Farmer’s Market featuring handcrafted and homegrown items from farmer’s market vendors
Cedar Rapids Festival of Trees and Holiday Market
Doubletree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex | 350 1st Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids
When
Nov 19-20
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. both days
Details
Admission: Free
Event Pages: Facebook and Gazette
Description: Over 30 local vendors
Other Entertainment: Live music; trees decorated by local businesses, organizations, and artists; and a Children’s Room with Santa
Charity Support: Trees auctioned off to support Cedar Rapids Jaycees, HACAP, Shoes for Kids, and Toys for Tots
Corridor Arts and Crafts at Bella Sala
Bella Sala | 205 S. Park Rd., Tiffin
When
Nov 20
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Details
Admission: $5
Event Page
Description: Vendor fair with over 60 local businesses selling handcrafted items
Other Entertainment: Live music from Zachary Freedom, craft beer and wine samples, food from Stonewall Brick Oven Pizza and Local Burrito, and face painting and craft bags for kids
St. James Winter Vendor Show
St. James United Methodist Church | 1430 Ellis Blvd. NW, Cedar Rapids
When
Nov 26
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Details
Admission: Free
Event Page
Description: A variety of crafters and direct sales consultants and a silent auction
Other Entertainment: Concessions available
Iowa City Public Library Friends Foundation’s 5th Annual Arts & Crafts Bazaar
Iowa City Public Library | Meeting Room A | 123 S Linn St., Iowa City
When
Dec 3
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Details
Admission: Free
Event Page: Facebook and ICPL
Description: Handcrafted items including holiday décor, jewelry, and quilts donated by local artisans
Charity Support: All items are donated and proceeds support the Iowa City Public Library Friends Foundation
Old World Christmas Market
National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library | 1400 Inspiration Pl. SW, Cedar Rapids
When
Dec 3-4
Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Details
Admission: Free
Event Page: Facebook and NCSML
Description: Imports and handmade gifts
Other entertainment: Live music and dance performances, seasonal treats, free family activities, and free admission to museum exhibition galleries
2nd Annual Holiday Craft Fair
Clear Creek Amana High School | 551 W Marengo Rd., Tiffin
When
Dec 4
1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Details
Admission: Free will donation at the door
Event Page
Description: Local crafters/handmade items
Other Entertainment: Cookie walk, concessions, and pictures with Santa
Charity Support: Free will donation supports CCAHS color guard, cookie walk supports marching band
Kids Holiday Bazaar
Linn Grove Elementary School | 2301 50th St., Marion
When
Dec 10
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Details
Admission: Free
Event Page
Description: Craft fair for kids to shop for the holiday gifts they are giving, nothing priced over $10 and free gift wrapping
A Handcrafted Christmas
Muscatine Mall | 1903 Park Ave., Muscatine
When
Dec 10
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Details
Admission: Free
Event Page
Description: Vendor fair of handcrafted items including wooden crafts, soaps, baked goods, holiday décor, jewelry, quilts, and more
Other Entertainment: Live music
Downtown Holiday Market Presented by UICCU
Black Hawk Mini Park | Ped Mall, Iowa City
When
Dec 10
10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Details
Admission: Free
Event Page
Description: Ped mall in downtown Iowa City will feature a decorated tent where shoppers can browse holiday gifts from downtown stores
Other entertainment: Cash bar
Created In Iowa
Coral Ridge Mall | 1451 Coral Ridge Ave, Coralville, IA 52241
When
Mall Hours throughout the holiday season
Details
Admission: Free
Facebook Page
Description: Handmade goods, crafts, and gifts from local artists and makers!
Happy Shopping, and thank you for supporting our local artists and vendors!
Horn Elementary School in Iowa City is also having a Holiday Market in early December.
Hi this is a great listing. Would you be able to put a blurb on your page for the Created In Iowa store that is open in Coral Ridge mall? We are back by Barnes and Noble with just an outside entrance so I don’t know that a lot of people know we are there. 30+ vendors with amazing handmade items. Thanks!
I’m an African student who will be at the University of Iowa and was wondering if I could come with some African crafts to sell.
Hello, does anyone know of how I can find out what craft shows have open tables for this spring 2017.
Thanks Vickie