Making Spirits Bright: Highlights from the 2025 Merriweather District Holiday Market
- wheelersir
- Jan 5
- 3 min read
What do you get when you mix 35+ local artisans, bottomless s’mores, and a whole lot of holiday cheer? The 2025 Holiday Market at Merriweather District! 🎄✨
For three magical days (December 5–7), Colorburst Park transformed into a winter wonderland, welcoming over 12,000 visitors to celebrate the season. Hosted by Merriweather District and Howard Hughes, this annual tradition isn't just about shopping; it's about bringing the community together to support small businesses and create lasting holiday memories.
Whether you came for the handcrafted gifts or stayed for the karaoke, here’s a look back at an unforgettable weekend.
A Showcase of Local Talent
At the heart of the Holiday Market were the 35+ local artisans and vendors who set up shop under the twinkling lights. From the unique ceramics of Aye Oh Clay to the aromatic blends of Black Acres Roastery, there was something for everyone.
Shoppers browsed a curated selection of goods, including jewelry from Love Inspired Jewelry and Graystone Jewelry, cozy knits from Purl Hollow, and sweet treats from Mrs. Macarons and Flour Fable Cookie Co. It was a powerful reminder of the creativity thriving right here in our region. By shopping small, our community made a big impact, supporting the entrepreneurs who make our local economy so vibrant.
Festive Fun for the Whole Family
The event wasn't just for shopping—it was an experience designed to delight guests of all ages.
S’mores & Stories
Is it really a holiday market without a fire pit? We don't think so! Families gathered around the fireside daily to roast s'mores, warming up against the December chill. On Saturday, the Howard County Library added to the coziness with two interactive Storytime sessions, where librarians captivated young imaginations with holiday tales.
Creativity Corner
The Children’s Activity Corner was buzzing all weekend long. Kids lined up for whimsical face painting and glitter tattoos, adding a little sparkle to their holiday outfits. The hands-on crafts kept little hands busy, making it a perfect family outing.
Interactive Workshops
We love an event where you can get your hands dirty (in a good way!). The Sugar Scrub Micro Workshop was a massive hit, with the first 200 guests each day creating their own signature mini scrubs. It was a fun, educational activity that blended self-care with the joy of making something from scratch.
Entertainment That Struck a Chord
The atmosphere at Colorburst Park was electric, thanks to a lineup of entertainment that kept the energy high.
Live Music & Carolers: A trio of holiday carolers roamed the market, serenading shoppers with classic tunes and spreading vintage holiday vibes.
DJ Karaoke: This was the surprise hit of the weekend! Guests grabbed the mic to belt out their favorite songs, turning the market into an impromptu concert. The feedback was loud and clear: "We want more karaoke!" 🎤
By the Numbers
Events like this are about more than just vibes—they deliver real results for the community and our partners.
12,500 Onsite Impressions
2,500 Event Attendees
750 Deluxe Tote Bags Given Away
600 Sugar Scrubs Created
A Season to Remember
The 2025 Holiday Market at Merriweather District was a testament to the power of community events. Despite a little snow on opening night, the sun came out for the weekend, and so did the crowds.
From the "Do you do this every weekend?" questions to the joy of finding the perfect gift from a local maker, the success of this event lies in the connections made.
We want to extend a huge thank you to Howard Hughes, the Merriweather District, all our incredible vendors, and everyone who came out to celebrate with us.
Missed out on the fun? Don’t worry—we’re just getting started. Follow us on social media to stay in the loop for our next big event!
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