By CL Candles & More
Holiday market season — the most wonderful (and busiest) time of the year! From the smell of cinnamon and pine to rows of handmade booths filled with candles, décor, and cozy creations, there’s nothing quite like the festive buzz of a local craft show.
Whether you’re there to shop small or sell your handmade goods, a little preparation makes all the difference.
Here’s your ultimate Holiday Market Survival Guide — from both sides of the table.
🛍️ FOR SHOPPERS: How to Make the Most of Your Market Day
1. Come Early (and Bring a Bag!)
The best handmade items go fast! Arriving early gives you the best selection and the chance to chat with makers before the crowds.
✨ Cassie’s Tip: Bring a sturdy tote or reusable bag — you’ll definitely find more than you planned.
2. Bring Cash (and Small Bills)
While most vendors now accept cards, cash makes transactions faster and sometimes helps with vendor discounts or bundles.
💛 Cassie’s Note: “Every $5 bill and every kind word means the world to a small business owner.”
3. Dress for Comfort & Layers
Markets can be chilly in the morning and warm by afternoon — especially during indoor-outdoor events. Dress cozy and comfortable (bonus points if you wear one of our handmade tees!).
✨ Cassie’s Market Day Favorites:
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A cozy sweatshirt
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Neutral T-shirt layered with flannel
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Crossbody bag to keep your hands free
4. Take Time to Connect
When you find something you love, talk to the maker! Every product has a story. Ask about how it’s made, where the idea came from, or what inspired it. You might even find a new favorite local brand.
🩶 Cassie’s Tip: “Shopping small isn’t just about what you buy — it’s about who you support.”
5. Support Beyond the Booth
Even if your budget is small, you can still make a big impact:
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Follow your favorite vendors on social media
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Share their posts
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Leave a kind review
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Tell your friends where you shopped
✨ Cassie’s Note: “Your support doesn’t end at checkout — every follow and share helps handmade businesses grow.”
🕯️ FOR MAKERS: How to Survive & Shine This Market Season
1. Prepare, Plan & Pack Smart
Holiday shows are busy — and being prepared keeps the stress low and sales high.
✨ Cassie’s Packing Checklist:
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Extra candles, melts, and top sellers
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Tablecloths, signage, and business cards
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Backup extension cords, tape, and tissue
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A small emergency kit (snacks, water, Advil, safety pins!)
💛 Cassie’s Tip: “Pack like something will spill, break, or be forgotten — because it will!”
2. Make Your Booth Warm & Inviting
Your display should tell your brand’s story the moment someone walks by. Think farmhouse cozy meets handmade charm.
✨ Booth Tips:
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Use layers — crates, risers, baskets, and natural textures
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Add warm lighting or candles (battery-operated if required)
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Keep prices visible and clearly labeled
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Play soft music or add seasonal décor to set the tone
🩶 Cassie’s Note: “Your booth is your shop for the day — make it feel like home.”
3. Engage with Shoppers (Not Just Sell)
The most successful booths aren’t pushy — they’re personable. A friendly greeting, a compliment, or a short story about your products goes a long way.
✨ Try This:
“Hi there! Everything here is handmade by me — these are my best-selling fall scents!”
💛 Cassie’s Tip: “People may forget prices, but they’ll remember kindness.”
4. Expect Chaos, Stay Kind
Holiday markets can be unpredictable — power outages, booth traffic jams, last-minute layout changes. Take a deep breath and remember why you’re there: to share your craft and connect with people who love handmade.
🩶 Cassie’s Note: “The chaos is part of the charm — embrace it and laugh when you can.”
5. Take Care of Yourself, Too
Between early mornings, long hours, and heavy lifting, market days can take a toll. Make sure you’re taking care of you, too.
✨ Cassie’s Market Day Essentials:
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Refillable water bottle
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Protein snacks or fruit
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A portable heater or fan depending on venue
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Comfy shoes & backup charger for your phone
💛 Cassie’s Tip: “You can’t pour from an empty cup — even if you pour candles for a living.”
🎁 Bonus: Market Day Gift Ideas
Whether you’re shopping or selling, markets are full of perfect little gifts.
✨ Cassie’s Handmade Gift Picks:
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Amber Woods candle for your hostess
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Vanilla Bean wax melts for coworkers
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Cozy “Sweater Weather” tee for your bestie
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Custom shadow box for family keepsakes
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Glass tumbler + cocoa packet for teacher gifts
🩶 Cassie’s Note: “A handmade market is the best place to find gifts that tell a story — and support dreams while you shop.”
💌 Final Thoughts
Holiday markets are more than just shopping events — they’re communities full of heart, creativity, and connection. Whether you’re behind the booth or walking through the aisles, remember that every smile, sale, and small act of support helps keep handmade businesses thriving.
At Cassie’s Custom Creations / CL Candles & More, we’re proud to be part of this season’s markets — spreading warmth, joy, and a little candlelight wherever we go.
✨ Shop small. Support handmade. Celebrate community.