In Pittsburgh, it’s easy to fill your holiday shopping list with gifts that support local businesses and makers. We’ve got holiday markets, specialty pop-ups and plenty of spots that feature the work of local artisans. Here’s your go-to guide for Pittsburgh holiday shopping this year.
Holiday Markets
People’s Gas Holiday Market
in Market Square
Now through Dec. 23 (closed Thanksgiving Day) on
Mondays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Inspired by the Christmas markets that bring convivial cheer to the centers of German cities, this cluster of Alpine-style chalets has become as much a fixture of a Pittsburgh Christmas as the Spirits of Giving from Around the World at PPG Place next door. The Holiday Market features distinctive gifts, decorations and treats, made in Pittsburgh, Germany, Poland and many points in between.
A Small Mall Holiday Market at TRYP Pittsburgh, Lawrenceville
Nov. 29, 6-9 p.m. and Nov. 30, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Instead of hitting the big malls, shop small this holiday season. This micro-market features local art, handmade goods and apparel from Lawrenceville and Pittsburgh-based artists curated by Pittsburgh artist and Small Mall founder Casey Droege. There will also be food and drink specials from TRYP Hotel’s restaurants Over Eden and Brick Shop.
Hotel Monaco Wintermarket at Hotel Monaco, Downtown
Nov. 30, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Shop for handmade glassware, soft goods, leather, jewelry and more from local makers. Comfort foods and festive cocktails from The Commoner will be served in the market.
I Made It! for the Holidays
Nov. 30, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Crowne Plaza Hotel, Bethel Park
Dec. 14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 14, The Block Northway, North Hills
And through Jan. 4 at Lumaze, Strip District (ticketed event)
You’ll find a huge range of local artists, crafters, designers and makers selling handmade home goods, kids’ clothing, ceramics, bath and body supplies and artwork of all kinds. Vendors you’ll find at the Dec. event include jewelry maker bel monili, children’s toy maker Vampetz and many more.
Craftivist 2019 at Union Project, East Liberty
Nov. 30, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Craftivist 2019: A Social Justice Marketplace aims “to break down traditional barriers to participation in craft shows for makers with activist leanings” who have been shut out of traditional craft shows by high fees, inaccessible spaces, etc. Features many vendors, food trucks, a basket raffle and a bake sale to benefit the Three Rivers Community Foundation and the Union Project.
Museum Store Sunday
Dec. 1 at participating local museums. There are 12 local museum stores participating (and 1,200 nationally), offering discounts on this special shopping day. And while you’re there, of course, you can take a stroll through current exhibits. Check here for a list and map of all participating museums and cultural institutions around Pittsburgh.
Handmade Arcade at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown
Dec. 6, 5:30-8 p.m. (Friday Night Preview Party) and Dec. 7, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
With more than 250 crafters, artists, makers and designers, Handmade Arcade’s largest event yet features a gigantic selection of crafty gifts from organic skincare products, fashions made from recycled fabrics and glass jewelry to metalwork and candles that smell like beer. It’s free to all and features local DJs and lots of free hands-on craft, art and tech activities for kids and adults led by local artists and arts organizations. The Friday Night Preview Party offers crowd-free shopping for $20. The Early Birdie Shopping Hour is from 10 to 11 a.m. Dec. 7 before Handmade Arcade opens to the public, for $15.
Holiday Mart Pop-up Boutique at Sweetwater Center for the Arts, Sewickley
Dec. 6-15, Mondays through Fridays 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
When you’ve got more than 4,000 unique artist-made items for sale, you know you’ve got a big thing going. At this annual pop-up boutique, you’ll find handcrafted gifts from local artists including jewelry, ceramics, glass, weavings, children’s gifts, knitted wears, fine art, woodcrafts, toys, cards, ornaments and more.
Holiday Glass Sale at Pittsburgh Glass Center, Friendship
Dec. 6, 4-9 p.m. (sale & make-it-now ornaments)
Dec. 7, 10 a..m.-4 p.m. (sale & make-it-now ornaments)
Dec. 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (sale only)
Make your own glass ornaments (pre-registration required). Beautiful and functional glass items will be for sale, including handmade art and jewelry by regional artists in various price ranges.
Pittsburgh Winter Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show at Teamsters Local Union 249, Lawrenceville
Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Artists and crafters will be selling original handmade items. Proceeds benefit Girls on the Run.
Fair Trade Marketplace at Environmental Charter School, Regent Square
Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Dec. 8, 12-4 p.m.
This unique event will showcase a selection of fair trade, sustainable and affordable gifts for socially and environmentally-responsible holiday gift-giving. Kids can shop at the Chickadee’s Nest for gifts under $10. Soup and baked goods will also be available.
Chanukah Bazaar at Rodef Shalom Gift Corner, Oakland/Shadyside
Dec. 8, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Get all of your shopping done — and fill up on latkes and other goodies — at Rodef Shalom’s Gift Corner. Stock up on everything from holiday Judaica and clothing, to jewelry and toys. You can also check out the preschool bake sale, the Biblical Botanical Garden and the pot-a-plant station.
The Queer Craft Market at the Ace Hotel Pittsburgh, East Liberty
Dec. 9, 5-10 p.m.
The holiday edition of the queer maker’s market, this showcase of local makers and artists is presented by WorkshopPGH and Assemble. The event is free and open to all ages.
Crafts and Drafts Holiday Market at East End Brewing, Larimer
Dec. 15, 12-5 p.m.
Get all of your last-minute holiday shopping done at this market featuring vendors such as Alternate Histories, Etna Print Circus, Wigle Whiskey, Threadbare Cider and Mead and 2468 Kids. Come early for brunch at Larder of East End.
Made + Found Holiday Market at the Ace Hotel Pittsburgh, East Liberty
Dec. 15, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Featuring more than 40 of the Rust Belt’s top vintage shops, makers and artists, the market is free and open to all ages. Brunch, coffee and cocktails will be available all day.
Local shops and maker spaces
Looking to support local brick-and-mortar shops along with all the cool new pop-up markets? Pittsburgh has a growing selection of locally-focused shops perfect for ‘burgh-focused holiday gift-giving.
