Holiday markets abound in Morris County
This year, steer clear of the crowds at the malls and instead support independent artists and crafters, help raise funds for local non-profit organizations, and find unique, one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your list at an array of holiday markets in Morris County.
On Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., visit the Dover American Legion, 2 Legion Place, Dover, for the third annual Holiday Shopping Marketplace, which will feature 50 tables of vendors, crafters, and businesses. Refreshments will also be available for purchase.
Sponsored by the Dover Sons of the American Legion, the funds raised by the vendor tables help families in the Dover High School community during the holidays. The Dover Sons of the American Legion also supports Dover Midget Football.
“We hope we can help local residents get in the spirit of the holiday season with our one-stop holiday shopping,” said Jennifer Sperry, event organizer.
Many local churches will also hold holiday sales and marketplaces this weekend; Ogden Memorial Presbyterian Church, 286 Main St. in Chatham, will hold its annual Holiday Craft Sale on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The sale features handmade items including Christmas cards and ornaments; quilts and pillows; baby items; American Doll clothes and accessories; handmade wood bowls and napkin rings; pottery; embroidered items, knitted scarves, and hats; handbags; jewelry and jewelry boxes; fine art prints; international Christmas breads, food mixes, candy and more.
“People really appreciate the crafts that are offered at our sale,” said Nancy Kent, co-chair of the Holiday Craft Sale. “We always seek vendors who bring a variety of unique, affordable, hand-crafted items, and we also sell a variety of items produced by our own church members, as well as our own homemade food mixes that we produce in the church kitchen…I think we enjoy the sale as much as our buyers do!”
Alternative gift opportunities will also be available for medical projects in Africa. Proceeds of the sale will support the church's local missions, including Homeless Solutions, the New Jersey Battered Women’s Shelter and Family Promise.
“I always wait until after our own sale before I complete my Christmas shopping — otherwise, I’d miss out on too many great gifts,” said Marcia Casais, co-chair of the Holiday Craft Sale.
The county’s historical sites are also getting in on the holiday shopping excitement. The Holiday Trunk Show at The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms, 2352 Rt. 10 West, Morris Plains, will run on Thursdays through Sundays through Dec. 14 from 12 to 4 p.m/, with new evening hours until 7 p.m. today and tomorrow and during the museum’s Holiday Soiree on Dec. 13.
The 7th annual Holiday Trunk Show features a carefully selected collection of finely-crafted gifts including: one-of-a-kind functional and sculptural ceramics from John Albert Reinking Studios; period and Arts & Crafts-related ephemera from Dug It Out; original designs in bold colors and patterns on pillows and more from Arnge; all remaining stock of Arts & Crafts textiles and stoneware from United Crafts; semi-precious jewelry from The Beadwings; and art prints and cards from Yoshiko Yamamoto of the Arts and Crafts Press.
The Museum Shop is also stocked with its selection of Craftsman Farms, Gustav Stickley, and Arts & Crafts merchandise, as well as an assortment of holiday gifts.
“Over the years, our annual Holiday Trunk Show has helped make our museum shop into a destination,” said Vonda Givens, executive director of the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms. “People come year after year for the unique, finely-crafted merchandise, and often end up staying for a tour or just to enjoy the friendly, relaxed atmosphere.”