Artisans are coming to town: Nonprofit markets offer holiday cheer, goodies

The holiday season has officially begun. And with the season, comes the seasonal markets.

This Saturday, Nov. 9, several nonprofits will host holiday markets to kick things off.

Benjamin’s Hope, 15468 Riley St, Holland, will host the “B.Hope for the Holidays” artisan and merchant market 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Shoppers can spread hope for the holidays and get all their holiday shopping done in one place this season while they explore a mix of art, crafts, and unique merchandise from local artists and merchants with 15% of all net sales donated to Benjamin's Hope.

"I started volunteering at Benjamin’s Hope two years ago. It didn’t take long for me to realize what a special place it is," says organizer and vendor Beth Nordyke. "My friends and I wanted to do something good to familiarize more people with all the beautiful things that are taking place at Ben’s Hope. It is our way of giving back and also supporting a place that we know is changing lives for the better for the residents, volunteers, and staff alike."

Benjamin’s Hope is a “live, learn, play, worship” farmstead community designed to create purposeful and integrated experiences for adults with autism, their families, and the entire community. 

The event will feature items from companies such as Cherry Republic, Grace Marie Candles, Kin Coffee and Craft House, Popnotch Goods and Smitten Baking Company, Chicago Pearl Company, Geri Mateus Studios, Grace Marie Candles, Holland Bowl Mill, Karla’s Place, Seedlings Boutique and True Bloom Kids. There will also be Benjamin's Hope-created crafts available for sale as well as a silent auction.

Ray's Tamale King food truck will be on site with food available for purchase.

Those looking for one-of-a-kind gifts can shop the artisans booths featuring some of Michigan’s finest artists and discover everything from fiber art, original paintings, and ceramics to artisan jewelry, floral products and delicious baked goods to enjoy this season.

Admission is free and the first 50 people through the door receive a free tote bag filled with some special goodies from B.Hope merchants. 

CourtesyExperience a traditional Dutch Christmas Market without ever leaving the country.
Old favorites

Also this Saturday, Harderwyk Ministries, 1627 W. Lakewood Blvd., Holland, will host its Craft Sale & Secondhand Market 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is free to attend and boasts more than 75 booths filled with crafters and artisans across two buildings. This sale and market, which has a long tradition of being the Northside sale not to miss, benefits the church’s missions programs. 

Central Park Place, 421 Columbus Ave., Grand Haven, will host its 17th annual Holiday Craft & Artisan Market 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. The event will feature the work of handmade crafters, artists, makers, and some direct sales vendors. Attendees can enjoy baked goods and hot coffee as they support the local community. 

Later this month, Allendale High School, 10760 68th Ave., Allendale, will host its Artisan & Craft Marketplace 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23. Kick off holiday shopping at this annual event that features more than 200 vendors. Food trucks will be on hand.

Holland Friends of Art Kerstmarkt returns in November.

And Holland’s Holiday Kerstmarkt has several events this season. The European-style market at Holland Civic Center Place, 150 W. Eighth St., Holland, will be Saturdays, Nov. 23 to Dec. 21, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Fridays, Nov. 29, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Fridays, Dec. 6 to Dec. 20, 3-8 p.m. Experience a delightful outdoor European-style market with holiday items, food, and artisan demonstrations. Special weekend events include dog sled demonstrations, carolers, handbell concerts, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a Sinterklaas visit.