Wiscasset Holiday Marketfest has become a destination for shoppers searching the Village shops for unique, well-made gifts. During the first full weekend in December, the small retail stores, galleries and ateliers in the Village are joined by a special marketplace in the historic Nickels-Sortwell barn on Federal Street, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. When visitors enter the barn, they are welcomed to a wonderland of creations by local artisans.

This year’s Holiday Gift Shop includes many well-loved crafters from previous years as well as some exciting new participants. Wreaths and baskets from Mindful Gardens, felted cat toys and ornaments from High Tail Toys, scarves and tea towels from Sheepscot Handwovens, jams and lavender products from SeaLyon Farm, Barters Island honey, and luscious chocolates from The Chocolate Pan are among the annual favorites. 

New this year are wrought iron home accessories from Belkor Forge, pottery from Lin Zajchowski, totes and stuffed toys from MB Textiles, crocheted hats, mittens and toys from Knotted Pines Crochet, small leather goods from Robyn Rae Leather, recycled wool mittens from Doodlebug, and handknitted headbands and scarves from Wiscasset Woolcraft. 

And that’s not all. Shoppers can find cookies, candy and cards, lotions and soaps, purses and carryalls, maple syrup, tree decor, local wool, hand-dyed yarn, and one of a kind painted furniture. The barn becomes a magical place during Marketfest. Amidst greenery from the woods and antiques from the attic, carefully selected crafts are presented as they might be in a retail store. Tastings of honey, cookies and chocolate will be offered throughout the day.

 In addition to excellent shopping, Wiscasset Holiday Marketfest offers free or low-cost activities to the community throughout the weekend. The sponsors to-date who make this possible are Lead Sponsor Ames True Value Supply; Major Sponsors Carriage House Gardens, First National Bank, Red’s Eats, Rock Paper Scissors, and Wiscasset Ford; with additional support from Bradbury Art & Antiques, Red Bull Antiques, Sprague’s Lobster, and The Bird Gallery. 

For Marketfest details, visit the Calendar at www.WiscassetHolidayMarketfest.com. Wiscasset Holiday Marketfest is a partnership between Wiscasset Creative Alliance and Wiscasset Area Chamber of Commerce.