This November and December, the North Shore transforms into a winter wonderland filled with creativity, community, and festive cheer as the holiday season approaches. Behind every sparkling storefront and handcrafted creation lies the heart of our local economy – small businesses and creative entrepreneurs who pour their passion into making our region unique. When you support these local merchants, you’re not just shopping; you’re investing in the dreams of your neighbors, preserving the distinctive character of our communities, and ensuring that your spending stays in our local economy.
Whether searching for one-of-a-kind gifts, delicious food, or enchanting experiences, this guide has everything you need to plan your holiday adventures. Every purchase from a local artist, every meal at a family-owned restaurant, and every ticket to a community event helps create jobs, foster innovation, and maintain the vibrant culture that makes the North Shore special. These small businesses aren’t just shops – they’re the storytellers of our community, the keepers of traditions, and the pioneers of new ideas that will shape our region’s future. (this list is not exhaustive; these are the featured markets produced by and including Creative Collective members. If you are a member and we missed you, please reach out ASAP!)
November Events
November 21: North Shore Food and Gift Emporium
Location: Willowdale Estate | Time: 4 PM-8 PM
You’re invited to an evening of sipping, snacking, and shopping from local artisans and merchants.
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November 23: Downtown Lynn Open Studios Art Fair at GALA
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Explore Lynn’s thriving art scene and discover one-of-a-kind pieces from local artists and makers.
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November 23: Girl Gang Craft Holiday Fair (Salem)
Location: Shetland Park, Salem | Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Support over 80 fem-owned businesses, enjoy giveaways, and shop unique art, crafts, and gifts.
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November 23: Northeast Arc Holiday Market
Location: Liberty Tree Mall, Danvers | Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Join us for a fun-filled day of shopping and meeting artists, creators, and entrepreneurs with disabilities or autism. Over 30 vendors will be joining.
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November 30: Salem Arts Association Holiday Artists’ Market at Old Town Hall
Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Celebrate Small Business Saturday by shopping for handmade gifts from 50+ local artisans while enjoying live music and festive vibes.
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November 30: Peabody’s Holiday Stroll & Tree Lighting
Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
This beloved community tradition brings families, friends, and neighbors together for an afternoon of festive fun in downtown Peabody.
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November 30 & December 1: The Sisterhood of Salem Shop Local Holiday Night Market
Time: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Shop from 20+ female-owned businesses, enjoy food and drinks and soak in the holiday spirit at Deacon Giles Distillery.
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December Events
December 4: Sip & Shop at North Shore Children’s Museum
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Sip wine or beer and enjoy light snacks while shopping from local vendors. This is a family-friendly holiday market experience.
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December 6, 13, 20: Invitation Nights in Newburyport
Stroll through Newburyport’s charming streets, shop local boutiques, and enjoy festive evenings filled with holiday cheer.
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December 7: Andover Holiday Market
Time: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
In downtown Andover, celebrate the season with local artisans, food, live music, and a visit from Santa.
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December 7 & 8: Grave Tidings Haunted Holiday Market
Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Discover spooky and seasonal gifts from macabre vendors at Salem’s Old Town Hall. VIP experiences are available!
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December 8: The Vegan Market – Holiday Edition
Shop from 30 vegan vendors offering plant-based treats, gifts, and more. Perfect for cruelty-free holiday shopping.
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December 13: Beverly’s Downtown Winter Market
Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Cabot Street)
Celebrate the season with shopping, music, and holiday cheer. Explore Beverly’s local shops during this festive event.
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December 13: Church Street Cheer
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Join Die With Your Boots On, Residency Records, and Hive & Forge for a holiday shopping event on Church Street!
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December 14: Gallows Hill Artists Open Studios & Holiday Market
Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Tour the studios of 12 local artists, shop for unique gifts, and enjoy a gallery exhibition.
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December 14: Girl Gang Craft Holiday Market (Malden)
Location: Malden High School | Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Support fem-owned makers and shop unique gifts at this vibrant market in Malden.
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December 14: Beverly’s Downtown Winter Market
Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Rantoul Street)
Celebrate the season with shopping, music, and holiday cheer. Explore Beverly’s local shops during this festive event.
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December 14 & 15: Wassail Weekend
Shop small in Downtown Salem. On Sunday, Salem Main Streets has invited Carolers, a brass band, and Mr. & Mrs. Claus to roam the streets bringing cheer.
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Don’t Miss These Seasonal Highlights!
Notch’s 9th Annual German Holiday Market – Dec. 15th
Celebrate with German-inspired treats, seasonal brews, and live music at this festive market.
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Sea Level & Finz Holiday Marketplace – Nov. 30th
Browse handmade crafts and artisan goods at this waterside holiday market, complete with a cash bar.
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This holiday season, immerse yourself in the creativity, community, and the festive spirit of the North Shore. Whether you’re looking for unique gifts, delicious treats, or family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone. Happy holidays!
Salem Arts Association
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Salem Arts Association, Inc. is an entirely volunteer-run nonprofit arts organization. Founded in August of 2007, the SAA mission is simple: to “bring art, in all its forms to the community, and bring the community, in all its diversity to the arts in Salem.” Artists working in all media and all disciplines are welcome, as are arts lovers, enthusiasts, and
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