We call it a “Holiday Market Crawl,” but you’ll have to move fast to catch all 80-plus vendors set up across town for the Dec. 6 event, filling Crozet with a festive Christmas spirit like the markets found in European cities. It’s fun, you’ll find one-of-a-kind gifts, and you’ll feel the Christmas spirit while also getting a little fresh air and exercise.
Those aren’t the only reasons to venture downtown the first Saturday in December. A recent Capital One poll offered plenty of reasons to support the idea of spending your dollars where you live. Local retailers return 289 percent more revenue to the local economy than chain stores do, revenue that can recirculate in the community as many as 15 times. And it’s not just good for the retail economy, the June 2025 poll said. Churches and nonprofits also benefit. Small businesses make up to 136 percent more charitable donations per employee than businesses with 500 or more employees.
If you’re someone who complains about traffic coming in and out of Crozet, you’ll be glad to know that residents of communities with more independent businesses drive three-quarters as many miles as their neighbors with less access to small local shops. Since the market is confined to a small area, you’ll be able to get everywhere without getting in and out of your car.
Every year brings new vendors, new venues and new ideas to keep the market fresh and interesting. One additional cluster of pop-up shops this year is a parking lot full of outdoor booths at Piedmont Place. Ryan Becklund of Bar Botanical said the parking lot behind the indoor shops will be completely full of vendors. To add to the Christmas spirit, the lot will be decorated for the holidays, with music and a fire pit as well as food and shopping options. Bar Botanical will also serve pretzel bites with dips and hot cider…