Pop-up markets, are well, popping up everywhere. Whether temporary retail establishments, farmers’ market stands, makers, crafters & holiday markets even food trucks, pop-up markets are not a new concept.

Their origins may be traced back to the Vienna December market in 1298 and the European Christmas markets that followed. As for food trucks (called by a different name back in the day that we won’t mention here), they were popular back in the 70’s and 80’s frequenting construction sites and other businesses – they've come a long way since then and are all the craze at markets and events.

It's probably safe to say that the pop-up market trend is here to stay bringing together local retailers, artists, makers, musicians, and food & beverage vendors morphing into fun events enjoyed by all. They are the epitome of "support local."

Speaking of craze, there will be a ton of markets popping up (some with multiple dates) in Chapel Hill and Carrboro plus a Hillsborough favorite and another inaugural with the first being November 6th. Check them out below, put them on your things to do in Chapel Hill list and pop on over for some market madness in Orange County.

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MAKRS Pop Up Market | November 6th from 11 am – 3 pm: The MAKRS Society hosts this market in Carrboro at the Town Commons, 301 W. Main Street. The team at The Makers Society is all about supporting local and bringing the community together -expect 35+ local vendors, live music food trucks and drinks.

Holiday Market at The Honeysuckle Tea House | November 12th from 10 am – 7 pm & Nov 13th from 10 am – 5 pm. These two days of sipping, eating and shopping begin at 10 am when the Tea House opens followed by food trucks, live music, facepainting, games and of course the holiday market AND Santa! Honeysuckle Tea House is located on Honeysuckles Farm at 8871 Pickards Meadows Rd., in Chapel Hill.

Holiday Market at Passmore Center | November 12th from 9 am – 2 pm. Orange County’s Department on Aging and the Friends of Jerry M Passmore Center host this fundraiser through vendors selling unique holiday gifts. Lunch and baked goods will be available for purchase as well. 103 Meadowland drive, Hillsborough.

The Bazaar Craft & Art Market | November 13th from 12 pm – 5 pm. The Carrboro Town Commons once again comes alive with handmade crafts and creations from 30+ talented local makers, eats and drinks from local favorite food trucks, coffee roasters and craft brewers. Music and family friendly events keep this event lively. Dogs on leashes welcome too! 301 W. Main Street.

The Tar Heel Holiday Market | November 18th from 12 pm - 5 pm. Love vintage and handmade? Shop for soaps, candles, jewelry, ornaments AND 80's + 90's Tar Heel stuff will be at this holiday market. 207 W. Cameron Ave. 

Chapel Hill Farmers’ Market Holiday Crafts Market | Saturdays beginning Nov 19 thru Dec 17 from 9 am – 12 pm. 201 S. Estes Drive in the University Place parking lot. Each Saturday will be filled with crafters and artists ready with gift ideas alongside farmers and local food artisans.

Arts on Market at Southern Village | November 20th from 12 pm – 4 pm. Artists, artisans, bakers and makers will be selling their wares at this bi-annual event on the village green. Grab lunch before or dinner after at one of the popular eateries located in the village. 410 Market Street, Chapel Hill.

Preservation Chapel Hill 2022 Holiday Craft Sale | Weekends beginning November 26 until Dec 18th; Saturdays from 10 am - 5 pm and Sundays from 12 pm - 4 pm. The event will be held at the historic Horace Williams House and feature works from the NC Potters Guild with woodturner friends. Find one of a kind handcrafted pieces! 610 E. Rosemary Street, Chapel Hill.

The Carolina Inn Holiday Market | November 27th, December 4th & 18th from 12 pm – 4 pm. This popular market invites vendors from all over the state of North Carolina – it’s a European style market with a nod of southern flare. Hand crafted gifts from chocolate to jewelry will be the main event but you won’t want to miss the Bier Garten with an exceptional lineup of craft beers, mulled wine and signature cocktails. And the food – oh my – too many goodies to list here. Then cozy on up to the fire with friends and family for the perfect afternoon.

Christmas Holiday Shoppe Craft Show | December 3rd from 9 am – 4 pm. Now in its 17th year at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 60 talented artisans and crafters from throughout North Carolina will have the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Christmas music, a hot lunch and raffle complete the holiday festivities. 940 Carmichael St, Chapel Hill.

Makers at the Mill Holiday Bazaar | December 3rd from 10 am - 5 pm. The inaugural Makers at the Mill is a juried showcase of high-quality fine arts and crafts.Vendors will be located throughout the historic Eno Arts Mill space at 437 Dimmocks Mill Road. The event will feature live music, the Orange County Artists Guild Deck the Walls Holiday Show, Eno Arts Mill Artist Studios, and more.

Holiday Arts Market at the Ackland | Dec 3rd from 11 am - 4 pm. Enjoy local vendors, hot drinks and good cheer at the Ackland Art Musem, 101 S. Columbia St, Chapel Hill

Craft Market at NCBG | December 4th from 1 pm - 4 pm. Find the perfect holiday gifts at the North Carolina Botanical Garden outdoor craft market featuring local artisans. What a wonderful backdrop for your holiday shopping, sure beats going to the crowded indoor malls! 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill

 

 

(Photo credit: top The Bazaar Craft & Art Market/High Street Design)