Through the holidays, the region’s calendar is stacked with specialty holiday marketplace events in a range of styles. One thing they have in common? They aren’t Amazon.
“People are looking for unique gifts to give,” said Rachael Fronduti, marketing manager of the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple. Several sites for the marketplace events, such as the Scranton Cultural Center, are historic.
In what may be the last of a venerable tradition, the 35th Arts at Hayfield Homespun Holiday Craft Show is Sunday at the Wilkes-Barre campus of Penn State, which is in Dallas. Janis Winter, chairperson of the show, said Penn State is charging the show higher fees. The campus is also set to close within a few years.
More than 100 crafters are registered, including sellers of holiday decor, gifts and treats. The show is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a suggested donation of $3 for admission and free admission for ages 18 and under and Penn State students. For information, see artsathayfield.org or visit Facebook.
The Lackawanna Winter Market on Dec. 2, 2023 at Courthouse Square in Scranton. (Jim Lockwood/Staff Photo)
Winter hopes the winter and summer craft marketplaces can continue, perhaps in another location.
The 13th annual Buy Local Holiday Marketplace at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple is Nov. 30. More than 95 vendors selling mostly artisanal items such as art, jewelry and pet items will be there. Regional wineries will also be there. A bonus: It’s a chance to explore five floors of the historic Masonic Temple building at 420 N. Washington Ave.
“We obviously consider ourselves a local small business and it is really important for us to give other local small businesses an opportunity and support the community in that way,” Fronduti said. The hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5. The event raises money for the Cultural Center.
Many holiday marketplaces are free, including one of the biggest, the Lackawanna Winter Market outdoors on Courthouse Square in Scranton on Dec. 5-7.
Here’s a list of some other upcoming markets:
More in Lackawanna County
There are a pair of two-day markets in Lackawanna County on Nov. 8-9: the Scranton Prep Galleria, Scranton; and the Abington Community Library’s 16th annual Dorothy Boccella Holiday Marketplace in Clarks Summit. There are details about both on Facebook.
A holiday edition of the Scranton Public Market, in the Marketplace at Steamtown, Scranton, is Nov. 22. That’s the same day as the Santa Parade. It is advertised as family friendly and will feature live music and around 30 vendors. The Public Market’s website is scrantonpublicmarket.com.
The Waverly Community House will hold its juried Artisans’ Marketplace on Nov. 22-23, with about 40 vendors. Bailey’s Cafe will serve lunch. See waverlycomm.org/annual-events/the-artisans-marketplace.
The Olyphant Kris Kringle Market and Parade are Dec. 6, with food trucks and children’s activities.
The Holiday Punk Rock Flea Market returns Dec. 13 at St. Mary’s Center, Scranton. The organizer’s Facebook announcement says the event will include “loud tunes, good food, and the kind of chaos that makes Scranton feel alive.”
Lace Village holds its second holiday marketplace Dec. 14. Fire pits will warm the outdoor event at the restored historic factory complex in Scranton. More than 50 vendors are signed up. See lacevillage.com.
Luzerne County
The Winter Market at the Friedman Jewish Community Center, Kingston, is Nov. 15. Offerings will include handmade crafts, jewelry, candles and home decor. See friedmanjcc.org.
In Wilkes-Barre, the holiday market in The Bank, 8 W. Market St., is Nov. 29. That is Small Business Saturday, a nationwide promotion scheduled for the weekend after Thanksgiving, so expect shopping specials in many places.
In Hazleton, the Wassailfest & Downtown Holiday Night Market returns Dec. 5, from 4:30 to 8 p.m. in CAN DO Park. It’s a big event with a tree lighting. Information is at hazletonfortheholidays.com.
Pottsville
On Nov. 29, the Pottsville Free Public Library celebrates Small Business Saturday with an indoor holiday market.
The Schuylkill County Council for the Arts holds its 17th annual Christkindlmarkt on Dec. 6-7. It is held at the Historic Yuengling Mansion and aids preservation of the building. The council’s website is schuylkillartscouncil.org.