These festive shopping events offer a chance to connect with local makers and find unique gifts for everyone on your list.
by Addie Ladner
Holiday markets offer a great way to get to know local makers and smaller-scale retailers in the Triangle. With a mix of offerings from candles to spices to clothing, records and housewares, each market has its own personality and appeal. Read on for a list of holiday markets in Raleigh, Cary and Durham to explore this year.
The Boylan Heights Artwalk
This sprawling, quirky sale takes place on the porches and front yards of residents’ homes in the funky, historic neighborhood of Boylan Heights. Wander it to find handcrafted goods from wooden vessels to ceramic jewelry to paintings to photographs.
Dec. 3 | 12 – 5 p.m.; free admission; Boylan Heights neighborhood; boylanheights.org
Theatre Raleigh’s Holiday Market
In addition to showcasing handmade goods, Theatre Raleigh’s holiday market will include live entertainment from its upcoming show, The 1940s Radio Hour. While they’re shopping and listening, guests can grab a festive drink at the bar.
Dec. 3 & 10 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; free admission; 6638 Old Wake Forest Road; theatreraleigh.com
WALTER’s Celebrate the Season
Enjoy an upscale shopping experience with the energy of a holiday party. Set at CAM this year, guests at WALTER’s Celebrate the season can expect a modern, artful atmosphere, along with festive food and beverages from Blackbird Brewery and Westgate Wine and Catering Works. Keep an eye out for some familiar faces you’ve seen in the pages of the magazine!
Dec. 6 | 6 – 9 p.m.; $25; 409 W. Martin Street; waltermagazine.com/celebrate
Holiday Market at The Durham Hotel
Expect tons of hip Triangle brands in the Bull City hotel’s retro-styled lobby. Proceeds from the holiday market at The Durham Hotel will benefit Y Learning from the Durham YMCA, an afterschool program designed to keep kids from falling behind in school.
Dec. 6 | 6 – 9 p.m.; $10; thedurham.com
The Mayton Holiday Market
This is a great family-friendly option with a photo opp with Santa in The Mayton Hotel’s library and 20 local vendors. If you prefer an adults-only outing, head to the Peck & Plume bar for live music and festive drinks for purchase.
Dec. 6 | 3 – 6 p.m.; free admission; 301 S. Academy Street, Cary; themayton.com
This article was originally published on November 16, 2023 on waltermagazine.com
