With all the downtime of the pandemic, some people were home being productive and getting things done (others, not so much, but who am I to judge?). Can you imagine all the cool stuff that the artists, makers and crafters of the world have been creating since March?
Now we get to see. It’s holiday shopping season on the Outer Banks, and the local artists and artisans are bringing all of their fun goods out to make it easy for us to buy holiday gifts. Markets are popping up in abundance on the Outer Banks in November and December. Here are a few of them, and we’ll keep updating this list as we learn about more.
Before we get to the list, indulge me for a minute while I hop up on my soapbox. Local artists and retailers are depending on us – now in the holiday shopping season and always. Please shop locally, whether at markets like these or in the local shops and boutiques. It feels good to support your neighbors, who in turn support the community and return most of their revenue right back into the local economy. Don’t line the pockets of Jeff Bezos: Do the right thing and support your fellow locals.
Shop Downtown Manteo Merchants through December 11 for a chance to win a $500 shopping spree and a two-night stay in Manteo! Photo: Town of Manteo Facebook
Thursday, December 10
Dowdy Park Holiday Farmers Market
From 3 to 7 p.m., stop by Dowdy Park to pick up fruits, vegetables, ferments and baked goods and to browse among all the gift-giving possibilities of local artists and crafters. The kids can run around on the playground while you shop. Dowdy Park is in Nags Head. Another market will be held on December 19. Find info here.
Friday, December 11
Merry Makers Market
Village Table & Tavern in Duck will host an outdoor market with local artisans on their lawn starting at 4 p.m. Pottery, baked goods, jewelry and more will be available. Find info here.
Saturday, December 12
Misfits and Rejects Holiday Market
Join several local vendors selling jewelry, candles, photography, health and beauty products, visual art, home décor and much more on Saturday, December 12. They’ll all be in the backyard at Outer Banks Brewing Station in Kill Devil Hills where you can buy food and drinks as well. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Find info here.
Saturday, December 12 & Sunday, December 13
Wacky Winterland Market
Come to the backyard at Jack Brown's Burger Joint for a Winterland Artisans Village with 12 or so makers and artists at the Muse Originals art bus. Jack Brown’s is transforming the backyard into a wacky winter atmosphere and will be offering music, mulled wine, hot cocoa and coffee. Photos with Santa will be offered each day from 3 to 6 p.m. Show hours are 2 to 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday for the first three weekends in December. These events will benefit Outer Banks Hotline, Surfing for Autism and the Outer Banks SPCA. Find information here.
Friday, December, 18 & Saturday, December 19
Light House Art Show Buxton
Dozens of artists and crafters will gather at Buxton Family Life Center across the Street from Cape Hatteras School from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, December 18 and Saturday, December 19. Fresh produce, art and more will be on hand. PS: The Hatteras Island Art and Craft Guild is not hosting its annual show at the school this year, so this will be the place to find local artists. Find info here.
Photo: Dowdy Park Facebook
Saturday, December 19
Dowdy Park Holiday Farmers Market
From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday December 19, stop by Dowdy Park to pick up fruits, vegetables, ferments and baked goods and to browse among all the gift-giving possibilities of local artists and crafters. The kids can run around on the playground while you shop. Dowdy Park is in Nags Head. Find info here.
Saturday, December 19
Secotan Holiday Market
Secotan Market in Wanchese is holding a special holiday market on Saturday, December 19. They'll have food and produce as usual, but they'll be hosting more artisans so you can pick up all your holiday gifts. Hours are 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Find info here.
The Muse Originals' roving art gallery bus will pop up in several places this holiday season. Photo: Muse Originals Facebook
Saturday, December 19 & Sunday, December 20
Wacky Winterland Market
Come to the backyard at Jack Brown's Burger Joint for a Winterland Artisans Village with 12 or so makers and artists at the Muse Originals art bus. Jack Brown’s is transforming the backyard into a wacky winter atmosphere and will be offering music, mulled wine, hot cocoa and coffee. Photos with Santa will be offered each day from 3 to 6 p.m. Show hours are 2 to 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. These events will benefit Outer Banks Hotline, Surfing for Autism and the Outer Banks SPCA. Find information here.
Of course, at all of these events you'll be asked to social distance and wear a mask. Keep track of other local events on our Daytime and Nightlife pages. If you know of other holiday shopping events, let me know by emailing me at molly@oneboat.com. I'll add them to the list!
About the Author Molly Harrison
Molly Harrison is managing editor at OneBoat, publisher of OuterBanksThisWeek.com. She moved to Nags Head in 1994 and since then has made her living writing articles and creating publications about the people, places and culture of the Outer Banks.
