It’s Beginning to Feel a Lot Like Christmas: Holiday Markets

10/26/2023

Talk of the Town - October 2023

The holiday bazaar season kicks off in the coming weeks with six different holiday markets taking place in Bay St. Louis, Waveland, Diamondhead, and Pass Christian.

- by Maurice Singleton

With the holidays right around the corner, the Shoofly Magazine has put together a comprehensive list of upcoming craft shows and bazaars to help you embrace your inner Santa Claus. You're sure to find something for everyone on your list - whether they've been naughty or nice!

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Saturday-Sunday, November 11-12
Mermaids Arts and Crafts Show

The first event of the holiday bazaar season is the 7th annual Mermaids Arts and Crafts Show at the grounds of the Train Depot in Bay St. Louis. Each year, this event is sponsored by the Krewe of Nereids.

“Royalty will make an appearance,” said Angelyn Zeringue, publicity chairperson for the Krewe of Nereids. “You’ll be able to see and talk with kings, queens, royal dukes, and maids, and it’s a great time to do your Christmas shopping.”

Zeringue said this is the primary fundraiser for the Krewe of Nereids, which hosts the Nereids Parade in Waveland and the Nereids Ball each year.

More than 70 vendors are scheduled for this year’s event. The show will run 9:00 am - 5:00 pm on Saturday, November 11, and 10:00 am - 4:00 pm on Sunday, November 12. Santa will be there on Sunday from 1:00 – 3:00 pm. Free gift wrapping will also be available.

Saturday, November 18
Waveland Christmas Bazaar

The Waveland Christmas Bazaar will be held on Saturday, November 18, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm on the Town Green. To date, forty craft vendors have registered, as well as five food vendors.

“Come join us in kicking off the holiday shopping season at the Waveland Christmas Bazaar on Coleman Avenue!” said chairperson Rhonda Gamble. “We will have food trucks, booths, a Waveland Fire Department train ride for the kids, and forty-plus craft vendors, so you can find those unique personal gifts for everyone on your list.”

Gamble says there will be plenty of parking available. She also invites those who would like to ride in on their golf carts. Admission is free.

Friday, December 1
Christmas in the Pass

The second annual Christmas in the Pass hosted by the Pass Christian Volunteer Fire Department is scheduled for Friday, December 1, 4:00-10:00 pm.

“It’s a city event; it’s for the community,” said Captain Andy Purchner. “It’s a real big family event. I can remember when I was a kid, all the businesses stayed open, and everybody came out.”

This is the 38th year for Christmas in the Pass. Approximately 90 craft and food vendors are scheduled to participate. Last year, over 8,500 people attended the parade and craft show.

Friday-Saturday, December 1-2
BWYC Christmas Bazaar

The Bay-Waveland Yacht Club will be hosting its 14th annual BWYC Christmas Bazaar on Friday, December 1, and Saturday, December 2. The event is open to the public, and BWYC Ladies Auxiliary member Janice Hansen said the event is always well attended and offers plenty of opportunities for Christmas shopping.

“We have a great time,” said Hansen. “People come in all day long. We want the community to be a part of the Bay-Waveland Yacht Club.”

The event attracts 30-40 craft vendors. Guests are admitted free of charge and are asked to donate canned goods, which are donated to charitable organizations throughout the community.

The BWYC Christmas Bazaar will be open to the public from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm on Friday, December 1, and 10:00 am – 4:00 pm on Saturday, December 2. It is located at 1 Yacht Club Drive, Bay St Louis (off North Beach Boulevard).

Saturday, December 2
Christmas in the Park

Vendors at the weekly Pass Market at War Memorial Park in Pass Christian will be decking the halls for Christmas in the Park, held 9-2. The craftsmen will turn the park into a winter wonderland with decorations and fun for the whole family. Over 60 vendors will be selling handmade crafts and artwork, and you’re sure to find just the right gift for everyone on your list.

Saturday, December 9
Diamondhead Christmas Festival

The Diamondhead Christmas Festival will be held on the Town Green 5:00 - 8:00 pm. This annual event is fun for all ages as Santa makes an early stop in Diamondhead.

“The kids really look forward to it,” said Ashley Boone, Public Works clerk. “They get to meet Santa and other characters. There are bubbles, cotton candy, and train rides. Everything is free.”

This year, the festival has added a parade to kick off the event. The parade will roll at 4:00 pm beginning at the Club at Diamondhead and ending at City Hall. See the map above, which shows the parade route.

Bay St. Louis Lifestyle