Merry Marketplace will bring an indoor holiday art market to Crooked Tree Arts Center in Traverse City on November 13 and 14, followed by more time to browse its extended seasonal gift shop.

For readers beginning a gift list, the useful distinction is between the two-day artist market and the gallery shopping period that continues into December.

The arts center’s 2026 announcement places the event at 322 Sixth Street.

Two ways to visit

The Friday pop-up runs November 13 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., while Saturday’s hours are November 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission to the pop-up markets is listed as free.

The extended holiday gift shop runs November 13–December 12 in the Cornwell Gallery and regular Gallery Shop space.

Do not assume the pop-up’s hours apply throughout the month; check the arts center’s current schedule when planning a later gallery visit.

The organizer describes handmade gifts and original art by Michigan artists, with a roster that includes makers appearing in the market, the gallery shop or both.

That overlap is worth checking if you are hoping to find a particular artist.

Start with the person, then the present

For a more focused shopping trip, make a short list of recipients and the kinds of things they actually enjoy.

A favorite color, a hobby or a room where a gift might be used can give you a starting point when comparing very different pieces.

Set your own spending limit before browsing and leave room for any packaging or shipping you may need.

Admission and purchases are separate decisions: free entry does not tell you what an individual work will cost.

Ask the seller about materials, care and intended use rather than assuming every decorative item is suitable for the same purpose.

If you are considering something for a child, check the maker’s guidance on age suitability.

Do the same for anything intended to hold food, withstand outdoor conditions or be washed regularly.

A visit with time to ask

An artist market can be a chance to ask how a piece was made and what distinguishes it from another item you are considering.

Keep any information that comes with the purchase so the recipient can understand its materials and care.

Before taking a photograph of artwork, ask the artist or follow the arts center’s posted policy.

If you are buying for someone who may need an exchange, ask about that seller’s terms before paying.

Do not assume a custom order can be finished before a holiday deadline; confirm timing directly.

For anyone who prefers to browse without a long shopping list, choose one or two people to focus on and allow yourself time to look.

The calendar gives you options: attend the opening pop-up or check the extended shop on a later date.

Readers coordinating a visit with friends should agree on the correct day and meeting time, particularly because Friday and Saturday have different hours.

Contact Crooked Tree directly if you need information about accessibility, drop-off arrangements or the gallery’s regular operating schedule.

The event announcement is the best place to check which artists are participating and whether any details have changed.

Keep that link with your plans, bring the questions that matter to your purchase, and treat the visit as a chance to find something chosen with a particular person in mind.

Sources and visitor information

Crooked Tree’s 2026 Merry Marketplace

Arts center event calendar

Artist participation details