The Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre is set to transform into a holiday shopping haven from Dec. 6 to 15 with its annual Holiday Market. Featuring over 20 local artisans, the market offers a curated selection of one-of-a-kind, handmade gifts and holiday décor, providing shoppers with a unique and personalized experience.
Unlike traditional markets where vendors are present, the Holiday Market at the Pumphouse showcases artisan products in a thoughtfully arranged gallery setting. This approach allows visitors to browse at their leisure, much like a boutique experience but with exclusively handcrafted items and original art.
The spacious layout not only enhances the shopping experience but also makes room for the display of winter-themed artworks available for purchase.
To add a personal touch, the market features "holiday helpers"—volunteers who assist shoppers in various ways. They can provide insights into the artisans, assist in handling delicate ornaments from beautifully decorated Christmas trees, set aside items for purchase, and offer information about the artworks adorning the gallery walls.
"The holiday helpers not only make the shopping experience smoother but also enrich it by sharing the artisans' stories," said Aimee Medina, Marketing & Communications Manager for the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre. "Their enthusiasm contributes to the festive and welcoming atmosphere our market is known for."
This year's market features a blend of returning favourites and new talents. Filomena Scarfone, a local artist, expressed her excitement about participating:
"As a local artist, I'm excited to participate in this year's event. Fellow artists have shared how wonderful it is to see our neighbours come together to shop and discover local art as precious gifts for their loved ones or themselves. This year, my pieces feature fine art photography of cherished local landscapes, beautifully displayed on natural marble stone."
Ron and Barb Zimmermann of Lakeside Pottery have been part of the Holiday Market since its inception.
"This year, we’re excited to showcase a beautiful selection of our stoneware mugs, bakeware, and decorative pieces, along with our signature porcelain ornaments," they shared. "Every piece we create is designed to be enjoyed every day."
Returning for his second year, Roger Martelli of Piccola Cucina is eager to present his latest confections.
"I’m thrilled to return for my second year at the Holiday Market. Last year, I participated with the hope of turning around a challenging summer market season, but I was blown away by the enthusiasm of the organizers and the incredible response to my chocolates. It was exactly the inspiration I needed to continue creating," Martelli said.
"This year, I’m excited to introduce two new flavours alongside my flagship maple fudge: peanut butter fudge dipped in milk chocolate and my latest creation, chocolate hazelnut fudge dipped in dark and gold chocolate. Rich and delicious!"
The opening of the Holiday Market coincides with the Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotary Holiday House Tour on Dec. 6 and 7. The Pumphouse is proud to be one of the stops on this annual tour, which showcases heritage buildings and beautifully decorated homes.
"On our street, there are other tour stops within a three to five-minute walk," Medina noted. "This leg of the tour offers the convenience of experiencing multiple venues in one convenient location. Visitors get to explore the houses and stop by the Pumphouse for some holiday shopping."
Proceeds from the Holiday Market contribute to various children's and seniors' programs offered by the Pumphouse. These include free summer art camp spots for disadvantaged youth through the Healing Arts for Kids program, online art tutorials for families, art scholarships for graduating high school students pursuing arts degrees, and art kits delivered to long-term care residents.
"We're a not-for-profit organization, so events like the Holiday Market are crucial for supporting our operations and community initiatives," Medina explained. "It's not just about shopping; it's about giving back and making art accessible to everyone."
The market also encourages donations to the Newark Neighbours Food Bank. "Last year, we were amazed by the amount of donations that came in," Medina recalled. "This year has been tough for many families, and the food bank really needs support. It's another way for the Pumphouse to give back to our community."
Visitors can expect a warm and joyful environment, complete with complimentary hot chocolate during Holiday House Tour days. The Pumphouse itself, a heritage building situated along the picturesque banks of the Niagara River, provides a charming backdrop for the event. Weather permitting, guests can stroll the grounds, take in the riverside views, and enjoy the festive decorations.
As the year draws to a close, the Pumphouse will also feature a Giving Tree in its lobby as part of its annual year-end fundraising drive. Those who make a donation will have their names written on ornaments hung on the tree. After the event, donors receive their personalized ornaments as a keepsake.
"It's a timely way to thank our donors during the season of giving," Medina said.
The Holiday Market runs from Dec. 6 to 15 at the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre, located along the Niagara River. Whether you're searching for the perfect gift, looking to support local artisans, or simply wanting to soak in the holiday spirit, the market offers something for everyone.
For more information, visit holidaymarket.ca.