Ligonier Christmas Market expands to second location
Shoppers at Ligonier Country Market’s annual Christmas Market this year will find an extended event awaiting them, as the market adds a second location.
The Nov. 30 market will, for the first time in its 12-year history, include a second location, says market executive director Cari Frei.
“In 2018, we had 18 vendors on the wait list to get in, as well as a great deal of foot traffic, making it sometimes difficult to shop. By adding the second venue, we were able to place all vendors who wanted to attend,” Frei says.
The added option will allow shoppers to walk around town, admire the holiday decorations and grab a bite to eat before or after paring down their Christmas shopping list.
This year’s Christmas Market will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at both the Ligonier Valley YMCA, 110 W. Church St., and the Ligonier Valley Library, 120 W. Main St.
Nearly 100 artisans, crafters, farmers and food processors, all of whom must “Make It, Bake It, or Grow It,” are expected to participate.
“This is the largest (number of vendors) and only because we added the second location,” Frei says.
About 85 vendors will be set up throughout the YMCA to sell their locally produced goods, while 14 vendors will be selling merchandise in the library’s Pennsylvania Room.
The event coincides with American Express’s Small Business Saturday, a nationwide initiative to encourage shoppers to support owner-operated retailers, restaurants and other merchants and boost local economies.
Vendors will showcase everything from artisan-made clothing and jewelry, to artwork and wood crafts, to small-batch foods and beverages.
“There aren’t many opportunities like this to buy such great quality craft and food items from the very people who make, bake or grow them,” Frei says.
“This is an event that should not be missed. It is a great way to start the holiday shopping and make sure it is local. I suggest making a weekend out of it. Come into Ligonier the night before and stay in a hotel. It is Light Up Night and Santa comes to town,” she adds.
Children’s market activities will include a visit from Tinsel, Country Market mascot Daisy Mae and Lilly Lavender, who will lead kids in creating a gingerbread house. The display will be entered into the Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce’s annual gingerbread house contest.
Details: ligoniercountrymarket.com
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