The holiday season in Marblehead wouldn’t be complete without the Holiday Marketplace at Old North Church, a community tradition that brings warmth, generosity, and festive spirit to all who attend. Now in its eighth year, the marketplace has become a staple of the town’s holiday calendar, returning stronger than ever after its pandemic hiatus.
The event transforms Old North Church into a bustling marketplace featuring local crafts, delicious food, and unique holiday gifts. Attendees can browse through tables of baked goods, handmade jewelry, and holiday décor — perfect for Thanksgiving centerpieces, hostess gifts, or early holiday shopping.
The fair also includes arts and crafts for children, ensuring fun for the whole family. And when hunger strikes, visitors can enjoy breakfast and lunch offerings, including crowd favorites like lobster rolls, chicken salad, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the little ones.
For those seeking more than just tangible treasures, the silent auction and services area is a highlight. Church members donate creative and practical services — everything from boat rides and golf outings at Tedesco to furniture refinishing and airport rides — all to raise funds for local and global charitable causes.
Old North Church, often described as the “community church” of Marblehead, holds a special place in local life, said Linda Duvel, a member of the church. Even for those who may not be official members, it’s a place for weddings, baptisms, and memorials — a gathering space that unites the town in times of celebration and remembrance.
Duvel said that proceeds from the marketplace help sustain the historic church and its ministries. Notably, 10% of all funds raised go directly to outreach efforts, benefiting both local and international organizations. Local beneficiaries include LifeBridge, the Marblehead Counseling Center, Healing Abuse Working for Change, and the Plummer Youth Promise. On a global scale, Old North contributes to humanitarian causes such as World Central Kitchen and disaster relief for communities impacted by hurricanes.
Beyond Marblehead, Old North maintains a long-standing partnership with 26 villages in the Pella region of northern South Africa, a relationship that began in 2003. At the marketplace, visitors can find beautifully handcrafted African jewelry, textiles, and decor created by women from these villages, with all proceeds supporting the ongoing partnership, Duvel said.
Longtime church member Virginia von Rueden has been instrumental in nurturing this connection, organizing trips between Marblehead and Pella and ensuring the partnership continues to flourish both financially and spiritually, Duvel said.
Festivities begin on Friday night with a special Preview Party from 6–8 p.m., featuring heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and early access to shopping. She said that guests can enjoy a relaxed evening among friends while supporting a good cause before the marketplace opens to the public on Saturday.
Behind the scenes, the event is truly a year-long labor of love. Volunteers plan, craft, and organize every detail to ensure a memorable experience for all. As Duvel put it, “We just hope people will come and support us. We’ve been working hard, and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone enjoy the day.”
What: Old North Church Holiday Marketplace
Where: Old North Church, Marblehead, MA
Preview Party: Friday, Nov. 14, 6–8 p.m. (with hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and early shopping)
Marketplace Open: Saturday, Nov. 15 – Day of shopping, food, and family activities from 9:30 a.m. – 2: 00 p.m.
