While Thanksgiving has yet to arrive, the holiday shopping season already is in full swing. If you’re looking for handcrafted, one-of-a-kind items for the loved ones on your shopping list, there are a number of holiday markets featuring local artisans taking place across the region. 

Here’s what to expect at four of the biggest upcoming events.  

I Made it! Markets

The popular pop-up marketplace — known for handcrafted items by dozens of regional artisans — is hosting several holiday shopping events. I Made It! For the Holidays takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16 at The Block Northway in Ross. Featured vendors include Belmonili, JP and Son Woodcraft, Shelly Cubarney Pottery and Una Biologicals. 

A South Hills version of the marketplace takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23 at The Galleria of Mt. Lebanon. Among those vendors are Wren + Rita, Mars Design Studio and Busy Hook, Happy Heart. 

A final pop-up, dubbed I Made It! Merry & Bright, takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14 and Sunday, Dec. 15 at the SouthSide Works. Beyond last-minute gifts and vintage finds from the Neighborhood Flea, the event also will feature holiday drinks from a winter-themed bar.

The Peoples Gas Holiday Market

Taking place daily Nov. 22 through Christmas Eve, the Peoples Gas Holiday Market at Downtown’s Market Square, now in its 13th year, is set up like a charming European-style village. 

Shoppers can wend their way through specially built wooden chalets, each filled with handcrafted gifts by local artisans. Among the vendors, which include a rotating crop of visiting makers, are Keystone Steel Co., Songbird Artistry, Vessel Studio Glass, Garbella and KLoRebel Art Co. 

Peoples also is giving away limited-edition souvenir ornaments with a donation to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Ornaments will be available at the Holiday Market on the Grand Opening Night on Friday, Nov. 22 while supplies last and while the food bank booth is staffed.

CRAFTED: Home for the Holidays

Taking place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22 at Contemporary Craft in Upper Lawrenceville, CRAFTED: Home for the Holidays features a curated selection of exclusive tableware handmade by artists from across the country. There will also be an assortment of new merchandise and, of course, holiday decor.

Come hungry — and thirsty. The venue will have snacks, plus festive cocktails and mocktails, on hand at the event. Tickets are available for $15 each.

Handmade Arcade Holiday Market

Billed as the region’s premier handmade holiday shopping event, Handmade Arcade’s Holiday Market is made up of several events over one busy weekend. Things kick off Friday, Dec. 6 with a preview party from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown.

The more intimate shopping setting includes glass-blowing demonstrations by the Pittsburgh Glass Center. The first 300 attendees also will receive a mini gift from Una Biologicals. Tickets to the preview party are $35 each. 

Taking place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, the free main event features more than 275 vendors selling handcrafted clothing, accessories, art, home decor, jewelry and body products. 

There will also be a plethora of hands-on activities, including live arts demonstrations, “make-and-take” endeavors and community art projects by screen printers, glass blowers, candle makers and fiber artists. 

In the event’s largest Youth Maker Cohort yet, 15 individual youth makers and nine groups of youth makers will be selling their handmade products. Although the event is free, attendees may reserve a spot here. 

If you’re not one for dealing with crowds, special “Early Birdie” shopping is being held from 9 to 11 a.m. on Dec. 7. The quieter surroundings allows shoppers to browse more slowly while talking to the makers. The first 300 attendees also will receive a mini gift from LUSTER. Tickets for early shopping are $30 each.

In addition, Handmade Arcade is hosting sensory-friendly shopping from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Dec. 7. Besides limited ticket reservations to help lessen the crowds, there will be no music. Only light engagement will be permitted between shoppers and makers. To reserve a free spot at this experience, visit here.