Handmade Arcade will feature more than 290 artists, craftspeople, and makers at its 21st annual Holiday Market on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Downtown Pittsburgh. Selected from hundreds of applicants, this year’s lineup includes established artists, new and emerging makers, and the return of Handmade Arcade’s Youth Maker Cohort—with the largest group of youth creators yet.
This year’s market is extra special as Handmade Arcade celebrates its 21st birthday! In addition to the festive holiday atmosphere, attendees can expect birthday-themed surprises, special giveaways, and interactive experiences honoring over two decades of uplifting artists and building Pittsburgh’s creative community. It’s a celebration of all things handmade — past, present, and future.
At the 2025 Holiday Market, shoppers will find a stunning variety of one-of-a-kind, handmade goods including handcrafted clothing, accessories, artwork, home décor, jewelry, body products, and countless other unique items they won’t find anywhere else.
As the region’s largest holiday shopping event, Handmade Arcade plays a critical role in advancing economic opportunity for the region’s creative entrepreneurs. In 2024 alone, makers reported more than $635,000 in sales, with lifetime sales topping $4.5 million across all Handmade Arcade markets.
“Many of our makers say that Handmade Arcade’s Holiday Market accounts for 50% or more of their holiday season revenue,” says Kelsey Ford, Executive Director of Handmade Arcade. “When you shop here, you’re not just finding unforgettable handmade gifts. You’re also shopping small and helping creative entrepreneurs thrive.”
What to Expect
The 2025 Holiday Market will feature a range of interactive activities, art demonstrations, and community programming, including:
- Live art demos from AIR, CAPA, the Union Project, Protohaven, and the Pittsburgh Glass Center
- Hands-On Handmade Arcade (HOHA) activities led by Millennium Scents, BatCat Press, Aires Workshop, and Reimagined Recycling
- Collaborative art projects by Scrapwerx and Girl Scout Troop 9109
- A new Personal Shopper Booth, raffle baskets filled with maker-donated items, a live DJ, Gift Wrapping Station, and food & drink available for purchase
Youth Maker Cohort
The creativity of the next generation will be showcased through the Youth Maker Cohort, supported by The Grable Foundation. This year’s market will highlight:
- 15 individual youth makers
- 9 youth maker groups, including participants from Pittsburgh Perry High School, City of Bridges High School, Golden Oaks Designs, and more
Tickets & Special Events
- Saturday general admission (Dec 6, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.) is Pay-What-You-Can, making the event accessible for all. Registration is required in advance.
- Sensory-Friendly Shopping returns on Friday, December 5 from 4 to 6 p.m., providing a calmer environment for guests who prefer a quieter shopping experience
- Two special paid ticketed experiences offer a more relaxed way to shop while supporting Handmade Arcade’s year-round programming:
○ Friday Night Preview Party: December 5, 6–8 p.m.
○ Early Bird Shopping: Saturday, December 6, 9–11 a.m.
Explore Before You Shop
Shoppers can preview the full list of participating makers and products through Handmade Arcade’s Virtual Catalog, launching mid-November 2025, at www.handmadearcade.org/2025-holiday-market
