There’s just one more weekend until Chattanooga Market’s 2016 season comes to an end.
That leaves two full shopping days, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 19-20, at the market’s annual Holiday Market inside the Chattanooga Convention Center.
Don’t despair that the goods might be picked over. There will be plenty of merchandise available, predicts market spokeswoman Melissa Siragusa.
“[Opening weekend of] Holiday Market was terrific, and typically the last two weekends are even better sales-wise,” she says. “Things never get slim product-wise. The vendors are very experienced and project well, keeping their booths full of product.”
Though open only on weekends in December, the setup in the exhibit hall remains intact with few movable parts.
“There is very little difference of vendors weekend to weekend,” Siragusa says. “It’s simply too much operationally to change out.”
Landing a space in the market is a big deal to vendors, she says. “We were fully booked this year for the Holiday Market by August. Next year, we’ll possibly grow into more space at the Convention Center.”
Vendor maps are handed out to shoppers as they enter to make the shopping experience run smoothly.
“There are so many varieties of vendors, you could virtually get everything on your list checked off – from wooden toys to hostess gifts, and believe it or not, [there are] many options for men’s gifts.”
Kids can visit Santa at the market from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. And marketgoers will be entertained with holiday tunes from Sweet Georgia Sound.
Chattanooga Market will reopen for the 2016 season on April 23-24, Siragusa says.
Contact Karen Nazor Hill at khill@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6396.
If you go
What: Chattanooga Market’s Holiday Market
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20
Where: Chattanooga Convention Center, 1 Carter Plaza
Admission: Free
Phone: 423-648-2496
Website: ChattanoogaMarket.com/holiday