Looking for something with a little more creative zen than mass-produced merchandise? Fortunately, Pittsburgh has a nice selection of holiday markets and craft fairs to help you find unique gifts for everyone on your Christmas and Hanukkah lists.

1. People's Gas Holiday Market

Inspired by the original German Christkindlmarkts, the Annual Peoples Gas Holiday Market brings a cherished European holiday tradition to Downtown Pittsburgh. Experience a one-of-a-kind holiday shopping village in the beautifully decorated Market Square, with Alpine-style wooden chalets serving as shops stocked with high quality gifts and delicious holiday foods. Typically open from Light Up Night until just before Christmas.More »

2. The Craftsman's Guild of Pittsburgh Holiday Artist Market

The Craftsman’s Guild of Pittsburgh operates an annual Holiday Artist Market from mid-November through early January at 709 Penn Gallery in the Cultural District. The juried holiday show and artist market features locally made original works of art in a diverse range of media, including jewelry, clay, glass, wood, sculpture, textiles, paper, among others. All pieces, from simple and whimsical items to works of fine art, are unique and exclusively handcrafted by members of the Craftsmen’s Guild of Pittsburgh.More »

3. I Made It! Holiday Market

I Made It! for the Holidays is an indie craft market wonderland with more than 80 regional artists offering truly unique wares handcrafted here in our community. Enjoy hands-on craft activities, demonstrations, music and sweet treats. Location and dates for the I Made It! Holiday Market typically varies from year to year.More »

4. Harmony's Annual German Christmas Market

The Harmony Museum’s annual WeihnachtsMarkt, a Christmas market in the German tradition that has become a major regional attraction, is generally held in early to mid-November in the heart of Harmony’s National Historic landmark District. Several dozen participating artisans and specialty vendors are chosen to participate based on the quality of their offerings; no stereotypical "shopping mall festival" stuff here. Entertainment, food and refreshments also reflect Harmony’s German heritage.More »

5. Christmas at Old Economy Village

Historic Old Economy Village, the heart of Ambridge’s National Historic Landmark District, presents its annual Christmas at the Village in early December, with buildings decorated in Christmas splendor and the opportunity to shop for unique gifts made by traditional craftsmen at the Weihnachtsmarkt, or German holiday market.More »

6. Handmade Arcade

Pittsburgh’s first and largest independent craft fair, the annual Handmade Arcade was created ten years ago to give grassroots, independent crafters an opportunity to show and sell their wares, and to provide an alternative to traditional craft and art fairs. Handmade Arcade returns to Pittsburgh at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center each December -- just in time for holiday shopping!More »

7. Greater Pittsburgh Arts & Crafts Holiday Spectacular

This outstanding annual festival features over 270 indoor booths of arts & crafts in two huge exhibit halls! Exhibitors from more than a dozen states are on hand to display a huge selection of items for decorating and gift giving, including holiday decorations & trees, appliqued & embellished clothing, decorative painting, photography, prints, personalized Christmas ornaments, handcrafted jewelry, pet treats & collars, soft sculpture, dolls, children's toys, fabric decor, scented candles, lotions & soaps, and much more. Generally held in mid- to late-November at the Monroeville Convention Center.More »