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Staff photos.
Saint Mark Holiday Market co-chair Joan Purse, Judy Weismann, Sara Oliver and co-chair Peggy Patterson hold handmade items sold at the 2014 market.
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A shopper browses items for sale.
Christmas shopping can often become overwhelming when searching for one-of-a-kind items. Local marketplaces are a great way to find those special gifts.
Two Vestavia Hills churches will host holiday markets in November.
► Holiday Market: Nov. 12, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saint Mark United Methodist Church.
The Holiday Market of the Saint Mark United Methodist Women is going on its 10th year and continues to directly support local missions and charities. Last year, about $13,000 raised from the event was given to local charities, said organizer Carol Moats.
Saint Mark takes a different approach from many markets and instead of having vendors, most of its items are either donated or handmade.
“We have had several workshops over the summer to make our handmade items,” Moats said. “We have added many new jewelry and Christmas items as well as some new items from our ladies who sew.”
Every year, the Holiday Market makes a few changes with new people donating items. Some, however, show up and help year after year, she said.
“We are hoping to have some take-and-bake frozen food items this year,” Moats said. We will also sell ‘opportunities’ to win an American Girl doll with clothes and an armoire for $5 each, which will be on sale until noon.”
Claire’s cafe will return with lunch and snacks. It is named in honor of a church member who passed away last year.
“We do this every year because we love to be able to give money to these local charities,” Moats said. “We are making money for our missions.”
For more information, go to saintmarkumc.org.
► Magical Marketplace: Nov. 18, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church.
The 18th annual Magical Marketplace will include all of the same vendors from last year as well as 17 new ones. Organizer Ruth Grissom said the vendors will include jewelers, unique potters, woodworkers, painters and more.
“Last year we had some very interesting vendors, including a printer who made unique place mats as well as a mother and daughter painting team,” Grissom said. “They both made very interesting Christmas gifts as well as others who will be back this year.”
The market continues to evolve and the products constantly change to suit the customers. The vendors always aim to keep their items new and unique for the market, Grissom said.
All of the funds go toward the Mitchell’s Place scholarship fund, which helps children with autism spectrum disorder.
“We had a great response last year, and we hope we can continue to build because this event is run for a great cause,” Grissom said.
For more information, go to their Facebook page.
