Holiday Markets That Do Good

If you couldn’t make it to GiveGood! Holiday Bazaar, you missed out. But don’t worry -- you’re not completely out of luck. Check out five area markets that feature nonprofit and local vendors. 

 

  1. Downtown Holiday Market is the big one. There’s a rotating cast of vendors (60 a day), According to the website, “ the market features more than 150 regional artisans, crafters and boutique businesses of ethnically produced goods.” We think they might mean ethically…. Through Dec. 23, Noon - 8 p.m. daily, 8th and F Streets

Get leather goods by Katie Stack of Stitch & Rivet

Get leather goods by Katie Stack of Stitch & Rivet

2. Ever hear that expression "what do you get for the person who has everything"? How about a present at National Education Association's Alternative Gift Fair? An alternative gift fair gives you the opportunity to learn about the needs of different organizations like Heifer International or Music For Life, and sponsor them in your loved one's name.

3. The Del Ray Artists is a nonprofit organization working to promote the works of local artists for the enrichment of the community. Check out their holiday market over the next three weekends. There are different vendors on hand each time -- the perfect excuse to go back! Dec. 4, 11, 18, 6-9 p.m.; Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 11 a.m - 6 p.m. Del Ray Artisans Gallery at the Nicholas A. Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA

Find paintings by artist Claudia Olivos, owner, along with her husband Sergio, of Olivos Art Studio 

Find paintings by artist Claudia Olivos, owner, along with her husband Sergio, of Olivos Art Studio

 

4. HOLIDAZE, a pop up shop by Fenton Street Market in Silver Spring, features the work of 40 local creative beings. Find handmade goods from crocheted stuffed animals to photographic gift wrap. Megan Moriarty, owner of Fenton Street Market, called supporting local makers and micro businesses an "amazingly effective" way to spend your dollars for good. 

One Sock On Photography owner Jennifer Vallina will be selling gift wrap and other paper goods featuring her photos.

One Sock On Photography owner Jennifer Vallina will be selling gift wrap and other paper goods featuring her photos.

5. Imagine you're in Europe at A Holiday Market in Alexandria. Get special gifts and let kids decorate their own Christmas ornament. Donate toys and canned food to Volunteer Alexandria and Hunger-Free Alexandria

BUILD has branches in DC, Boston, NYC and the Bay Area. This image is from a Holiday Sales Bazaar in Oakland, CA.  

BUILD has branches in DC, Boston, NYC and the Bay Area. This image is from a Holiday Sales Bazaar in Oakland, CA.