Get thee to the market!  Susanna sends along this release…

DECATUR – If your holiday gift list has you feeling stressed, look no further than the Decatur Holiday Marketplace + Cafe, slated for Friday, November 30 from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm and Saturday, December 1 from 10 am to 8 pm at Clairemont Elementary School, located at 155 Erie Avenue, less than a mile from downtown Decatur.

Now in its 21^st year, the Decatur Holiday Marketplace + Cafe offers a local alternative to crowded shopping malls and big box stores as Clairemont Elementary School transforms into a festive market, boasting nearly 100 local and national artisans. Featuring handmade jewelry, paintings, photography, pottery and more, this holiday market offers unique gifts for everyone on your list.

The event also hosts a well-stocked cafe, featuring homemade soups and decadent desserts from local eateries. Local musicians and carolers will be on hand to add holiday cheer. If you’re shopping with children in tow, kindergarteners and older can join in the fun on Saturday afternoon  from 1pm to 5 pm with art activities provided by Color Wheel Studios.  Parents can  pre-register online for the art activities at www.decaturholidaymarketplace.com and enter through school’s side entrance by cafeteria the day of the event.

The Decatur Holiday Marketplace + Cafe is more than just an ordinary craft market, but also a way for the community to support local students. Proceeds from the Decatur Holiday Marketplace + Cafe go directly to support learning for the students of Clairemont Elementary School.

For more information, please visit www.DecaturHolidayMarketplace.com.

Click here for a bit more info.

Andrew writes in with details about this year’s Holiday Marketplace at Clairemont Elementary…

Please Your Palette and Palate at 17^th Annual Decatur Holiday Marketplace + Cafe

DECATUR, GA, November 2008 — Clairemont Elementary School’s 2008 Decatur Holiday Marketplace and Café will take place Friday, December 5^th from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday, December 6^th from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., in conjunction with the Decatur Tour of Homes. As always, it will be held at the school, located at 155 Erie Avenue in Decatur.

During two days in December, this quaint City of Decatur public elementary school transforms into a lively and festive market where more than 90 local and national artists exhibit their wares. Enjoy Decatur’s holiday spirit while shopping for unique handmade gifts, paintings, glass art, jewelry, pottery and much more.  Be sure to stop by the school cafeteria-cum-café for mouthwatering homemade soups and decadent desserts, as well as toe-tapping tunes performed live by local musicians and carolers.

This is a not-to-be-missed occasion for many Atlanta area residents, and a perfect kick off to the holiday season. Whether it’s your palette or palate that needs pleasing, you’ll satisfy both at the Decatur Holiday Marketplace + Café!  Admission is free, and all proceeds benefit Clairemont Elementary School programs.

For more information, please visit www.DecaturHolidayMarketplace.com.