Holiday shopping can be hard when you stick to the same old big box stores. That's why our real estate agents love visiting all the indie holiday markets that pop up around Baton Rouge each year. These events make it easy to find special gifts for your loved ones and support small businesses at the same time. Some of them even have live entertainment! Join us at these five local holiday markets and see why we're such big fans. 

5 Holiday Markets for Locally Made Gifts in Baton Rouge, LA

LSU Museum Store Annual Holiday Shopping Event

Address: 100 Lafayette Street, Baton Rouge, LA, 70801

The LSU Museum Store is holding its Annual Holiday Shopping Event on December 5th, 6th, and 7th this year. During this time, all merchandise is 20% off for regular shoppers and 25% off for museum members. Their shelves are full of great gift items, including:

• Pottery
• Candles
• Jewelry and accessories
• Paintings and sketches
• Stationery
• Home decor items

Everything they sell is produced by local artists and small businesses, making it easy to find special treasures your loved ones will cherish. As a bonus, each purchase comes with free gift wrapping. Visit them on Friday and Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and on Sunday from 1 PM to 5 PM. 

Sips, Strings, and Seasonal Things: Dorothy LeBlanc and Cheri Fry Live Music

Address: 3535 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70808

Sips, Strings, and Seasonal Things combines the utility of a shopping event with the fun of an intimate live concert. Louisiana musicians Dorothy Leblanc and Cheri Fry will be at La Divina Italian Cafe on December 18th, performing hit seasonal tunes and a selection of their own original music. After enjoying the performance and some delicious seasonal drinks and appetizers, you can shop for memorabilia and CDs of Dorothy's music, as well as some of Cheri's original paintings. Her Angel series is particularly popular with holiday shoppers. 

The show starts at 6 PM and wraps up around 8 PM. You don't have to buy tickets to get in, but guests are encouraged to purchase food and drink during the concert.

Mistletoe and Moss at Louisiana Lights

Address: 4560 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809

Baton Rouge locals know and love the Burden Museum and Gardens' Louisiana Lights holiday event – but this year, there's even more to enjoy. Mistletoe and Moss is the garden's brand-new night market, offering event attendees the chance to do some holiday shopping during their evening of fun. You'll stroll through rows of tents and booths in the soft glow of the garden lights, browsing the wares of the city's best artisans and craftspeople. 

This one-night-only event starts at 5:30 PM on December 3rd and will keep going until the last of the evening's guests leave. Admission is included with standard Louisiana Lights tickets, which cost $24.76 per person, including fees. Kids aged three and under get in free.

Festival of Lights

Address: 200 North Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70801

The Festival of Lights in downtown Baton Rouge is returning on December 5th for another year of festive fun and holiday shopping opportunities. The Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge will be on-site running the Artists' Village, a cozy collection of stands where you can purchase anything from paintings and photography prints to sculptures and handmade quilts. 

The event starts at 4 PM and runs until 8 PM. After you've stocked up on gorgeous handmade gifts for everyone on your list, you'll have plenty of time to explore the rest of the festival. Walk around to enjoy attractions like:

• A 25-foot illuminated Christmas tree
• An ice rink and holiday-themed playground with artificial snow decorations
• Live music and dancing
• A round of fireworks at the end of the night

Baton Rouge Winter Wonderland

Address: 2100 Steven B Tanger Street, Gonzales, LA 70737

Baton Rouge Winter Wonderland is coming to the Tanger Outlets in Gonzales for a special two-day shopping event on December 13th and 14th. Stop by on these days to browse an outdoor pop-up market filled with one-of-a-kind products from local crafters and small businesses. Past years have included more than 30 vendors from across the city and the surrounding area. 

The market will be open from 10 AM to 4 PM on the 13th and from 10 AM to 5 PM on the 14th. If you're still not done with your shopping at the end of the day, you can always visit the mall right after!

Baton Rouge's small businesses will still be making high-quality hand-crafted products long after the holiday season ends. Our team can help you find Baton Rouge homes for sale that are close to all the action. Contact us today to get started.