MONTAGUE — Two holiday markets will take place this weekend highlighting the uniqueness of the distinct villages that host them.

The 10th annual “It’s a Wonderful Night in Turners Falls” is set for Friday, Dec. 8, from 4 to 8 p.m. It will be followed on Saturday, Dec. 9, by the first-ever “Millers Falls Magic” from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“They complement the unique identity of the two villages,” said Suzanne LoManto, director of RiverCulture, an organization with a focus on supporting Montague’s creative economy.

The Turners Falls event will begin at the Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, where children can make winter bird feeders. Then The Brick House Community Resource Center will host a pop-up shop at 24 Third St. featuring 13 vendors selling a wide selection of local handmade gifts that complement Turners Falls’ retail shops.

Santa will arrive at Spinner Park, on the corner of Avenue A and Fourth Street, at 6:30 p.m. He comes on a fire truck and free hot apple cider will be served with his visit. This evening concludes with a performance of “Welcome Yule” at the Shea Theater Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $12 to $15.

The fun continues the next day on Dec. 9 in the neighboring village of Millers Falls. Organized by the Millers Falls Community Improvement Association, a group of residents who have worked to enhance the village since 2018, “Millers Falls Magic” will continue all day with fun activities.

From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., people are invited to browse the sales and special offers at Rustic Romance, the Pub General Pop-Up and Eldrich Goods located near the intersection of Bridge Street and East Main Street.

From 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., the Millers Falls Library will host a free wreath-making workshop. Then from 2 to 6 p.m. Element Brewing Co., 16 Bridge St., will have a craft fair with seven vendors selling handmade gifts such as jewelry, fairy wings, soap and tie-dye T-shirts. Sean Eric Callaghan will provide live music.

“People should come because you can get shopping here you can’t get anywhere else,” LoManto said. “It always has one-of-a-kind meaningful gifts.”

Reach Bella Levavi
at 413-930-4579 or
blevavi@recorder.com.