Four local markets open for holiday gift shopping

The Howard County Crafts Spectacular runs Friday, Nov. 6, through Sunday, Nov. 8, at the Howard County Fairgrounds. More than 375 artisans will display handmade items in all buildings on the property. Gates open at 9 a.m. each day. The venue closes at 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and at 4 p.m. on Sunday. The event takes place regardless of weather conditions.

Admission costs $5 per person. A multi-day pass is available for $7. Children under 10 enter for free. Parking is free, and shuttles are available to transport visitors and their purchases to their vehicles. Two magic shows are scheduled for each day on Saturday and Sunday. Organizers direct visitors to atozcrafts.net for additional details.

Calvary Lutheran Church hosts its annual Christmas Market on Friday, Nov. 20, from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The church is located at 16151 Old Frederick Road. A Country Kitchen will serve baked goods, jams, jellies, and cheese balls. Local craft vendors will sell holiday gift items. The market features a silent auction and a room filled with unique finds known as the White Elephant. Santa arrives for photos at 4 p.m. Lunch and dinner are available for purchase, including crab cakes.

Lauren’s Garden Service hosts a Maker’s Market on Saturday, Nov. 28, and Sunday, Nov. 29, at the Shops at Westwood. The venue is located at 13554 Triadelphia Road in the former Glenelg Methodist Church’s Westwood Church building. Local artists will sell items in the nursery and inside the shops from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is the fifth year for the event. It is the first year the market will be open on Sunday as well as Small Business Saturday.

The 54th annual Holiday Mart Show takes place on Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Gary J. Arthur Community Center on Route 97 in Glenwood. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Juried artisans will create and sell unique handcrafted items and seasonal gifts. Admission is $5 per person at the door. Tickets are available online in advance for $4. Children four and under enter free. The venue will feature a photo booth, a children’s craft corner, and food trucks. Refreshments and lunch are available for purchase. Information is posted at howardcountymd.gov/holidaymart.

Residents can submit news items for this column to Tracy Trobridge by email at tracy21738@yahoo.com or by phone at 410-489-7444.