Yes, you can get your holiday shopping done at small local businesses!
Do you struggle to find unique gifts, meaningful gifts, and gifts for that person who has everything? This holiday season, get off the struggle bus and experience the fun and reward of shopping small and local.
The following local shops are places where you can find an inviting atmosphere, warm and friendly customer service, and those unique and meaningful gifts you’re looking for.
- Alabama Goods proudly offers only handcrafted and artisanal goods made in Alabama.
- Bennet Nurseries is the self-styled “Green Oasis of Huntsville” and family-owned sanctuary for plant lovers.
- Booklegger Used Books sells and trades used books and comic books.
- Bragg’s Furniture is the place to go for high-end furniture pieces and tasteful accents.
- Bricks & Minifigs in Huntsville is Alabama’s largest Lego retailer.
- The Fret Shop features a large selection of instruments and accessories.
- Haley’s Interiors is an established family business selling furniture and home decor.
- Harrison Brothers Hardware features a fun old-fashioned shopping experience and a wide variety of gifts including gourmet foods and toys.
- Holtz Leather Co is your one-stop shop for fine handmade leather goods.
- Lawren’s is Huntsville’s go-to shop for fine gift-giving and decor.
- Pets, Love & Happiness is “A boutique for pets and their people”, and their shop is chock full of gifts for the cats and dogs in your life.
- Preservation Co is your stop for architectural salvage and a selection of home decor and art.
- Red Panda Hobbies & Games is Huntsville’s new spot for everything gaming, including games for the whole family.
- The Snail on the Wall is Huntsville’s newest small independent bookstore with everything you need for the bibliophile on your list.
- Southerland’s Photo, Inc offers various photography-related services, customizable gifts, and a selection of vintage cameras and lenses.
- The Topiary Tree sells furniture, decor, and gifts to suit any taste.
- Trade Fair Marketplace is a non-profit store offering handmade artisan goods from developing countries.
- Travel Patterns offers gifts and home decor from around the world.
- Walker’s Market is the place to find gifts for the foodies on your list.
In addition to these locally owned shops, Huntsville is home to Lowe Mills Arts & Entertainment.
A repurposed mill the size of more than 3 football fields, Lowe Mills features over a hundred independent artisan shops and galleries. Lace up your walking shoes and enjoy unique finds and great food.
While you’ve got your walking shoes on, you might want to check out some of Huntsville’s many antique malls. With hundreds of independently run booths offering everything from vintage to antique to boutique, these make great holiday shopping options.
- Firehouse Antiques has two floors of antique and vintage goods to explore.
- Highway 72 Pickers Market may look small but don’t miss the lower level!
- Packards Antiques features cool classic cars out front and loads of vintage treasure inside.
- Railroad station Antiques offers three floor of antique and vintage goods.
- Top Key Market’s first-time shoppers can’t believe it’s so much bigger on the inside!
- University Pickers is sure to please with two well-organized floors full of vintage and artisanal finds
Also, don’t forget to visit the following upcoming holiday markets for more fun and shopping!
Monte Sano UMC Simply Christmas
Saturday, December 7 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Monte Sano United Methodist Church, 601 Monte Sano Blvd in Huntsville.
Craftspeople, artists, authors, and makers from all over North Alabama invite the public to come and shop for unique holiday gifts.
Saturday, December 7 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment, 2211 Seminole Drive in Huntsville.
Be sure to get there early enough for the annual Water Tower Lighting at 5:00 p.m. and free spirit sampling (while supplies last). Parking for the day is $10 per car.
Winterville at Redstone Arsenal
Saturday, December 7 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 8, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Redstone Arsenal Activity Field, 3732 Aerobee Road in Huntsville.
This holiday kick-off celebration is open to the public and features over 70 local craft vendors. Parking is free.
Friday, December 13 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday, December 14 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, December 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at The Orion Amphitheater, 701 Amphitheater Drive NW in Huntsville.
Christkindlmarket is a unique shopping experience featuring over 60 artists showcasing a variety of mediums. Parking and entry to the event are free.
Saturday, December 21 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment, 2211 Seminole Drive in Huntsville.
The Winter Solstice Market is the perfect place to find last-minute gifts. The grounds will feature numerous local artists and artisans. Inside, shop the studio artists at Lowe Mill.