Marblehead's Old North Church To Host Holiday Marketplace

MARBLEHEAD, MA — Old North Church in Marblehead will host a family-friendly Holiday Marketplace with the community invited to enjoy a day of shopping, food and seasonal activities in Marblehead.

The church said the event will include breakfast and lunch, children's craft tables and a range of marketplace goods aimed at shoppers of all ages.

It is set for Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Food options include fresh lobster rolls, chicken salad and PB&J sandwiches.

The marketplace is set to feature vintage Christmas decor, including themed linens, china and candles, along with jewelry, watches, small handbags and accessories.

There will be a Silent Auction of artwork, handicrafts, and fine collectibles. That auction will include original paintings by Marblehead artists, collections from Tiffany, Hummel and Royal Doulton, and handwoven textiles by local artisans.

The marketplace will also include African crafts from Pholela, South Africa, which the church identified as its sister church, as well as homemade baked goods and seasonal specialties.

A new feature this year is the Author's Corner.

Marblehead author Jennifer Rizzo Hayden is scheduled to sign and sell copies of her new historical novel, "Uprising." The book is the story of a fourteenth-century neurodivergent woman whose perceived disabilities become superpowers during England’s peasant uprising of 1381.

The event will also offer five children's books by local author Andrew Roger, including what the church described as his latest Christmas-themed title. Another returning feature is the Services and Events for Sale table, where attendees can buy services offered by community members or tickets to sports or performing arts events.

Items listed for sale this year include a guided trolley tour of Boston, a lobster boat ride with a lobster roll lunch, garden consulting, and prepared appetizers or dinner.

The holiday festivities will begin the night before with a Preview Party on Friday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Old North Church's Parish Hall.

The church said Preview Party guests will be offered appetizers and drinks and will get an early look at marketplace merchandise.

Tickets for the Preview Party are $25 per person and, according to the church, can be purchased online here.