Eleanor Dash
The Belmont Winter Holiday Art Market returns on Dec. 2 for the second time after taking a hiatus last year. The market will feature local artisans and crafts in its new location at Trinktish.
Vendors will sell pottery, hand-knit scarfs, jewelry, and more, with entertainment by the Belmont High School Madrigal Choir.
“It was too much fun,” said Catherine Pujol-Baxley, art vendor and event volunteer, referring to the 2021 event. “It was very family oriented, with many kids last time, and great music.”
Organizers had originally planned to hold the event in the Claflin Street parking lot in Belmont Center, but ended up moving the event after local merchants raised concerns that the loss of parking could hurt business.
“Losing parking during a crucial Saturday in December could have detrimental effects on the already fragile economic health of Belmont Center’s businesses,” Belmont Center Business Association member and Wescott Mercantile owner Mary Westcott Thomajan said in an email to The Belmont Voice.
Wescott Thomajan emphasized that the stakes are higher than ever this year due to the recent loss of numerous businesses in the Center. She added that she’s glad a solution was found that works for everyone.
Old World Tradition
The Holiday Market is inspired by Christmas Markets in Europe as a way to highlight and support local artists.
“The idea is that the community could come together and support a really hyper-local economy,” said Lauren Palmer-Merrill, first-time event volunteer organizer and co-director of the Belmont Gallery of Art.
The Belmont Holiday Market first started during COVID-19 as a tiny neighborhood event put on to help support local businesses. After being such a hit within the neighborhood, it was expanded into a town affair in 2021.
“It’s a good celebration of art and of other people’s creativity,” said repeat vendor Rachel Nathan of RLN Handmade.
The market did not take place in 2022, as there were no immediate volunteers to organize the event, according to Palmer-Merrill, of Rhapsody Fiber Arts. This year, a small committee of people volunteered to make it happen.
Pujol-Baxley said the volunteer committee is hoping for a large turnout and to make it an annual event.
The event will feature warm beverages, festive holiday decor and run from 12 to 4 p.m. on Saturday.