Champaign-Urbana Holiday Markets Kick Off With Local Artists and Makers, giving shoppers plenty of ways to find a gift with a story behind it this November.

The season began with early-November events in Monticello, Savoy and Champaign, but the calendar still has a lot to offer.

For anyone hoping to shop local in Champaign County, the next three weekends bring markets, open houses and plenty of opportunities to meet the people behind the work.

Champaign-Urbana Holiday Markets Kick Off With Local Artists and Makers: What’s ahead

Saturday, November 14, is the day to keep your shopping list handy.

The Arthur Park District Fall Market runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Eberhardt Park in Arthur, with vendors, food trucks and music.

Back in Champaign, the CU Flower House Holiday Open House runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with seasonal décor, refreshments, discounts and a new gift box reveal.

Martinelli’s Market follows with a holiday sampling event from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., featuring pumpkin pie, rolls, babka and scones from Central Illinois Bakehouse.

It is the kind of stop that can turn a grocery run into a holiday tradition.

Later that afternoon, the Gather & Give Market at Amy’s Place runs from 2 to 5 p.m. and brings together small businesses selling everything from pottery and jewelry to baked goods and pet treats.

The event is connected to the CLU-W Hygiene Pantry of Champaign County, adding a community-minded reason to browse.

Small gifts, big holiday plans

The following weekend offers two different ways to get ahead of the December rush.

On Friday, November 20, The Pollinator’s Market runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at The Hive Honey Beetique in Mahomet, featuring gifts from women-owned businesses.

Shoppers looking for Mahomet holiday gifts can also explore special offerings from other women-owned businesses in the Patton District.

On Saturday, November 21, the Holiday Market and Festival of Trees fills the I Hotel & Illinois Conference Center in Champaign from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Local vendors, decorated trees and wreaths, and a visit from Santa make it a practical stop for families balancing Champaign holiday shopping with time together.

Then Thanksgiving weekend markets shift the season into high gear.

Parcadia’s first Hole-iday Market is set for Friday, November 27, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Urbana, with a dozen selected vendors, decorations and hot cocoa.

The Riggs Christmas Market opens that evening at Riggs Beer Company from 5 to 9 p.m., then returns Saturday and Sunday from noon to 7 p.m.

Expect local vendors alongside crepes, brats, hot spiced wine, eggnog and cocoa, with additional market dates planned for December.

On Saturday, November 28, the CU Yuletide Market runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Orpheum in Champaign.

Formerly called the Mistletoe Market, it offers another chance to buy directly from community artisans rather than settle for an ordinary gift.

For Urbana holiday shopping, the two Thanksgiving weekend markets make an easy pairing across Friday and Saturday.

Earlier in the month, the Savoy art fair and Champaign’s fiber arts sale gave local artists and makers an early spotlight.

Now the best part is still ahead: finding something that feels personal and meeting the person who made it.