Crafts and artisans from Grey and Bruce counties have set up shop at the former Little’s Furniture location in Port Elgin. The Artisans Christmas Market is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 6pm with extended hours from 11am to 8pm on Fridays.

Hub Staff

A pop-up holiday shop in Saugeen Shores has taken precautions to ensure that the only thing they will be spreading this year is Christmas cheer. Occupying a portion of the former Little’s Furniture store at 183 Goderich Street in Port Elgin, the Artisans Christmas Market showcases handcrafted items from 36 vendors across in Grey and Bruce counties.

Organizers and artisans Sam Hoffard, Jenna McKee, Debbie James, Deb Kaufman and Wayne Kaufman obtained agreement from the Little’s to use the space on November 3. A frantic two weeks followed to coordinate insurance, marketing, vendor recruitment and iron out many details before opening on November 17. The artisans' market will run for a full six weeks including three days post Christmas.

Hoffard described the overwhelming response from vendors and customers, many of whom missed attending the local shows that were cancelled this year due to COVID-19. “So many business men and women lost a good chunk of their income,” explained Hoffard onsite November 26. The opportunity to connect buyers and crafters in time for the holiday has been a magical experience for all the participating vendors."

In the midst of the second week, Hoffard reported that the market had been exceeding "every hope and expectation" they had for it and that the response from the community had vendors scrambling to find time to produce enough product to fill demand. "The response from the community has been wildly positive," Hoffard said.

The Artisans Christmas Market is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 6pm with extended hours on Fridays, 11am to 8pm.

Cozy hats, booties and gift card holders from Carrie’s Kids Crochet Hats are fully stocked at the Artisans Christmas Market at the former Little's Furniture in Port Elgin.

Board and Beyond has a vast selection of elegant hand crafted charcuterie boards of all shapes and sizes. Cutting boards are also available, accentuating the natural wood grain from a selection of tree varieties.

Jewellery can often make a perfect gift, and Georgian Jewelry Creations can help you satisfy your Christmas list. Visit the Artisans Market in Port Elgin Tuesday through Sunday to browse the aromatherapy and gemstone bracelets and necklaces from this local jeweller.

The Market Path from Sauble Beach offers charming Christmas decor, handmade wooden game boards and many other unique gift options.

Pottery in every colour, each one is an individual work of art. Find the perfect piece for your loved one or your own collection at the Artisans Christmas Market.

Vibrant warm wood pieces contrasted with a cool crisp splash of water from the Southampton artisan, Snow Moon Studios.

Step up your holiday cooking with a little help from Big Mama’s Kitchen Creations. Big Mama is a local favourite for bbq sauces, hot sauces and seasonings. If you haven’t got time for baking, Sweet As Cake has a table stocked full of seasonal treats at the Artisans Christmas Market, 183 Goderich Street in Port Elgin.