Gift Local: The 2023 Norfolk Holiday Market Lineup

November 17, 2022

Believe it or not, the holidays are upon us. Whether you’re looking for a fun and festive way to celebrate, or to get a headstart on your holiday shopping, Norfolk is brimming with holiday markets. Plus, with Small business Saturday on the horizon, there is no better time to show some love to local makers and retailers. 

Grab a cup of cocoa, a copy of your “nice” list, and get ready to stroll around – we’ve rounded up some of Norfolk’s best holiday markets and celebrations to get into the spirit of the season.

 Small Business SaturdaySat, Nov 26th | 11 am – 6 pm208 E Main Street, Norfolk 

Selden Market, downtown Norfolk’s premier collection of locally-owned vendors, pop-up shopping, and community events, happens to be an Amex Neighborhood Champion for Small Business Saturday and will be hosting a special holiday and winter-themed shopping experience. Food and drink will be available, and storefront shops will be open.

 Naughty and Nice Night MarketSat, Dec 3rd | 7 pm – 10 pm208 E Main Street, Norfolk 

If you’re a night owl or looking for some festive evening cheer, check out the best of local retail, workshops, and activities to gear up for the holiday season. Food, drink, and boozy beverages will be available for purchase, and storefronts will be open.

 Vintage Holiday MarketSat, Dec 17th | 11 am – 6pm208 E Main Street, Norfolk 

As part of Selden’s quarterly vintage market series, their friends  from Hanks Vintage are putting together a special holiday vintage shopping experience. While you browse the holiday-forward collection of vintage, retro, and secondhand products, you may enjoy food and drink available for purchase, and peruse some of the shops.

 Sunday, Nov 20th | 1-4pmBlessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 6400 Newport Ave 

If you’re hosting this year’s Turkey Day feast, Talbot Park’s Thanksgiving market has you covered. Their selection of vendors will have everything from pies to produce, including a few of Norfolk’s finest food trucks. You won’t want to miss this one; it’s the last Talbot Park farmer’s market of the season.

 Fri, Nov 25th | 2pm-10pmSmartmouth Brewing 

This celebration of Dark Arts, Beer, and Music, hosted by Smartmouth Brewing and WHRO Public Radio, offers tarot readings, dark brews, and some heavy rock ‘n roll amidst a locally crafted market. The perfect follow-up to Thanksgiving leftovers!

 Saturday, Dec 10th | 12-4pmNEON District 

Come enjoy live acoustic music as you admire the wares of over 30 creative vendors, offering both handmade goods and local art. In addition to several food trucks, nearby restaurants like Zeke’s and La Brioche will be open to grab a bite.

***In case of inclement weather, the market will move inside the Hugh R. Copeland Center, right across from the Plot in the NEON District.

 Sun, Dec 4th | 11am – 4pmRain date: Sun, Dec 11th 11-4pmBlair Middle School, 730 Spotswood Ave 

While the Ghent farmers market wraps up its season in October, it’s making its second annual comeback for the holidays. A true “makers market”, they will have local food and farm goods, art, handmade jewelry, wooden crafts, hand-woven items, pottery, and more. If you bring your furry family members along, stop by the Pawsnickety Pets tent for free photos with Santa, and consider contributing to their pet supply donation drive, supporting the Norfolk SPCA. 

 Sat, Dec 3rd | 12-8pmTown Point Park 

The Downtown Norfolk Waterfront is about to be teeming with the sights, smells, and sounds of the season. To kick off December, Town Point Park will be transformed into a winter wonderland of local artisans, Christma Caroling, hot chocolate, and whiskey. Among the dazzling light displays, you’ll find the towering Yule Log Bonfire at the center, and may even catch a Santa sighting. The celebration is free and open to the public.

 Saturday, Dec 10th | 2-10pm1309 Raleigh Ave 

With the dark chilly days of winter are upon us, Smartmouth has planned a celebration that brings this chilling Bavarian folklore tale to life. Bring the whole family (if you dare) for an evening of live music, craft brews, and dancing under the stars, while you enjoy performances featuring Mr. Fang and the Dark Tones, Mosquito Cabaret, Dumb Waiter, Sandtones + more! If Krampus and his crew haven’t scared away your appetite, enjoy bites from Ghost kitchen, Smartmouth’s on-site food truck. 

 Saturday, Dec 17th | 1-5pm115 W. 25th St Suite A 

Cozy up indoors with Norfolk’s signature Indie Arts & Craft market, showcasing handcrafted goods from some of the area’s most talented artisans. Crafted’s seasonal markets are the place to shop, sip, dance and eat, as local makers – selling everything from hand-poured candles to locally-roasted coffee – are joined by food trucks and live music.  If you’re looking for some stocking stuffers, there will be no shortage of unique gifts; the full lineup of vendors will be announced on their social media soon.

Elated Craft MarketSun, Nov 20th 12-4pmElation Brewing\

Harvest Market at Church St.Sunday, Nov 20th 1-5pmMaker’s Craft Brewery

Small Business Saturday Vintage Market @ Reaver NFKSat, Nov 26th 2-7pmReaver Beach Brewing

Small Business Saturday  Market Sat, Nov 26th 10 am -3 pmCova Brewing Company

A Very Merry Market @ Reaver NFKSat, Dec 10th 12-6pmReaver Beach Brewing

COVA Winter MarketSat, Dec 10th, 10 am – 5 pm. Cova Brewing Company 

d’Art Center Holiday MarketSat, Dec 10th 11am-4pm740 Boush Street

Mistletoe MarketSat, Dec 19th 4pm – eveningWells Theatre

Don’t forget you can catch Norfolk Currents popup at Selden Market through the holiday season! All day on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Rachel Reiss

Talbot Park, NFK

Rachel Reiss moved to Norfolk in 2021, and, true to her native Floridian roots, has been enjoying life near the beach. Since her day job as an HR Program Manager has gone remote, it offers her the flexibility to explore the area’s rich history, culture, and diverse food scene in her spare time. She is also a passionate pianist, aspiring yogi, and self-proclaimed health nut who loves to cook. Rachel lives near Talbot Park with her husband, Phil - a CHKD resident - and their Maltese, Minnie.

Reply

or to participate.