Published November 3, 2023
New special events, seasonal programs at the Market this holiday season
The 2nd Street Market, 600 E. Second St. in downtown Dayton, will offer more than three new events that encourage visitors to support local small businesses during the holiday season.
The shopping season at the Market kicks off with the Global Artisan Market on Sunday, Nov. 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Unitarian World Peace – Missing Peace Art Space, Welcome Dayton and Dayton Metro Library have collaborated with the Market to host artisans who have immigrated to Dayton from countries such as Afghanistan, Iran, Columbia, Eritrea and beyond. Items will include art, baked goods and more.
Students from the Dayton International School also will be selling handmade art, with proceeds benefiting the school.
“We’re so excited to start the holiday shopping season in a new way this year,” said Market Manager Lynda Suda. “The Market is about community, culture and supporting local. We can’t think of a better way to expand our patrons’ cultural experience than through this unique opportunity to shop international, fair-trade items from new Daytonians.”
Also new this holiday season, the Market is collaborating with Friends of the Dayton Arcade for a fun, festive evening of dining and shopping downtown on Thursday, Dec. 7.
That evening, the Second Street Market will host Sunset at the Market from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. This event was launched this past August and will be held throughout02024. During these extended Market hours, visitors can enjoy dinner from a variety of local food vendors, shop locally sourced gift and other items, and enjoy such festivities as roaming carolers. The Arcade, 35 W. Fourth St., will host Holly Days at The Arcade from 3 to 8 p.m., featuring holiday shopping from small business vendors on The Arcade’s multiple levels, live entertainment, cash bars and more.
RTA will offer a free shuttle, which will run every 15 minutes between the two events and the Oregon District garage. Shoppers can pick up a punch card, and those who visit both destinations and make a purchase will be entered to win a holiday vendor basket and 2nd Street Market Money.
On Thursday, Dec. 14, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., the Second Street Market will host Artisan Night, its popular annual holiday event. Guests can make holiday gifts, décor and more during make-and-take holiday workshops. Select vendors will be open, but not all.
Other seasonal favorites will return to the Market, such as Stock-Up Wednesday the day before Thanksgiving from Wednesday, Nov. 22, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Breakfast with Santa (info below; registration required).
Shoppers also can meet the Market’s vendors off-site during Holiday Mini Markets at the MetroParks Ice Rink at RiverScape MetroPark the first three Saturdays in December from 4 to 8 p.m. Visit metroparks.org/riverscape to learn more.
A list of seasonal events at the Market includes:
- Sunday, Nov. 11 — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Global Artisan Fair
- Wednesday, Nov. 22 — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Stock Up Wednesday
- Saturdays, Dec. 2, 9 & 16 — 4 to 8 p.m.: Holiday Mini Market at the MetroParks Ice Rink at RiverScape MetroPark
- Thursday, Dec. 7 – 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Sunset at the Market and Holly Days at The Arcade with RTA shuttle between the two events
- Sunday, Dec. 10, and Sunday, Dec. 17 — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Native Christmas Tree Sale
- Thursday, Dec. 14 – 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Artisan Night
- Saturday, Dec. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 17, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Santa Visits the Market
- Sunday, Dec. 17: Breakfast with Santa – 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. or 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. (Registration required at metroparks.org.)
Programs at the 2nd Street Market are sponsored by Dayton Children’s. For a full list of programs and events, and to register, visit metroparks.org/localfood.
Open Fridays and Sundays, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the 2nd Street Market is home to more than 50 small businesses that offer fresh, local food; pantry staples; and hand-crafted items. The Market offers a shopping experience where visitors can grab lunch and shop for groceries and gifts.
“The 2nd Street Market can really be a one-stop destination for lunch, gift shopping and weekly grocery shopping,” Suda said. “Beyond the warm holiday feeling and convenience, shoppers can feel good about purchasing one-of-a-kind items from local small businesses. Keeping your dollars local benefits all our neighbors and our regional economy.”
Equitable Eats
Most food-related businesses at the 2nd Street Market accept SNAP and Produce Perks benefits. Those who utilize SNAP/EBT can pick up SNAP and Produce Perks tokens at the exchange located at the East end of the Market.
Conservation Mission
By providing the community access to fresh, local food – which is often healthier and less taxing on the environment – the Market supports Five Rivers MetroParks’ mission to protect the region’s natural heritage. Additionally, shopping from local small businesses means food and products are transported shorter distances, further reducing shoppers’ carbon footprint.
Learn more about the 2nd Street Market and sign up for its monthly email newsletter at metroparks.org/localfood.
