Support local businesses by shopping at these 11 Christmas craft markets

The following 11 holiday markets can help kick-start your arts and crafts shopping season. (Unless otherwise stated, entry to the markets is free.) When shopping for others, also be sure to treat yourself to something nice and special.

German holiday market. Wind through the party Christkindl German Market and shop for ornaments at Kaethe Wohlfahrt, one of Germany’s best-known Christmas ornament stores, as well as wooden toys, jewelry, clay and hardwood pipes, handicrafts, for bath and body etc. For those who get hungry while shopping, opt for favorites like German Glühwein, also known as mulled wine, and traditional dishes like pretzels, schnitzels and bratwurst. Hours vary. 25 Nov-Dec 24. 290 East Paces Ferry Road NE, Atlanta. christkindlmarket.org.

Black-owned businesses. With a mission to support black-owned brands looking for a home for their product, the village trade Holiday markets will be a retail experience rooted in storytelling and upward mobility, the intersection of causes, culture, shopping and community. To kick off the holiday season on Small Business Saturday, the boutique will host black designers offering clothing, accessories, candles, beauty products and more for everyone on your shopping list. Noon to 5 p.m. on November 26 and 27 and December 4, 11 and 18. The Shed along the Beltline’s Eastside Trail and in The Trestle, the covered walkway connecting Ponce City Market to the Beltline. Ponce City Market, 675 Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Atlanta. 404-907-1918, thevillageretail.com.

New event. Thanksgiving weekend will host the grand opening Piedmont Holiday Gift Market, a two-day event. Spectators will be able to stroll through the park while exploring the gifts of around 100 artists, including painters, photographers, sculptors, glassblowers, leatherworkers and metalworkers, jewelers and artisans. The atmosphere will also be festive with live music and holiday-themed hot drinks from select vendors. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 26 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 27. Piedmont Park, 1215 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. affps.com.

One city, three events. Athens will be home to a variety of holiday markets. The first is the Southern Brewing Holiday Market, a two-day event that will celebrate the season with merchandise from local artists and designers as well as seasonal stouts to drink. The next event, a two-night affair, will take place in the courtyard of the Big City Bread Cafe and feature local artists and artisans offering handmade gifts and treasures. The third event will be the city’s annual holiday market and craft fair at West Broad Farmers Market, made festive with handicrafts, children’s holiday crafts, music as well as fresh produce and baked goods from local farmers. Southern Brewing Holiday Market event, 2-7 p.m., Dec. 3-4. 231 Collins Industrial Blvd., Athens. 706-548-7183, visitathensga.com. Big City Bread Cafe event, 5-9 p.m., Dec. 8-9. 393 N. Finley St., Athens. 706-340-1973, visitathensga.com. West Broad Farmers Market event, 11am-2pm on December 10. 300 S. Rocksprings St., Athens. 706-765-4020, athenslandtrust.org.

Handmade gifts. A festive all-day artists’ market, aptly called the Independent craft experience, will feature more than 70 vendors offering crafts, art and vintage items, handmade gifts and food. For added incentive to visit this unique community destination marketplace, the first 100 people in line will receive a tote bag. Admission is $5 for everyone 13 and older. 11am-5pm December 3. Atrium at Uptown, 575 Morosgo Drive NE, Atlanta. indiecraftexperience.com.

Craft fair. Complete your gift list for everyone who has been kind to Christmas craft fair, organized by a TLC youth group from the Timothy Lutheran Church. Visitors will find a wealth of beautiful crafts, art and more. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. December 3. 556 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770 928-2812, timothylutheran.360unite.com.

Fun on the farm. The participants in the Third Annual Outdoor Winter Market, held at the Still Family Farm, will find an assortment of holiday gifts and can take pictures with Santa, create greeting cards with backdrops of Christmas-themed arrangements, and warm up with treats like hot chocolate and cookies. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. December 4. 5682 Macland Road, Powder Springs. 678-283-6951, stillfamilyfarm.com.

Santa Claus is in town. Buy holiday gifts for everyone on your list at Alpharetta Christmas Market. In addition to a variety of crafts, food, decorations and jewelry, visitors will be able to take photos with Santa Claus. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on December 10; photos with Father Christmas, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Alpharetta Community Center, 175 Roswell Street, Alpharetta. 678-297-6100, www.superalpharetta.com.

Keep it local. Swing by the Artist and flea market Holiday market Shopping Celebration for a special event filled with holiday merchandise, activities and treats. Local merchants will offer everything from homewares and accessories to clothing, personal care products and more. 11am-6pm December 17. Ponce City Market, 675 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-900-7900, artistesandchips.com.