Second annual Merry Merrill Market is this Saturday

The second annual Merry Merrill Market will be held this Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, from 5-9 p.m. in downtown Merrill, and it’s growing well beyond the event’s first year in both size and participation.
Making Merrill merry and magical
This year Main St. will be closed to traffic between Court St. and Mill St., with vendor booths and local businesses taking to the streets winter-wonderland-style.
“We’re closing down Main St. for a festive evening filled with lights, local shopping, food, music, and holiday cheer,” organizers said.
Many more businesses and vendors are involved, and this year, Santa Claus will also be downtown for photos with the kids.

It’s the perfect opportunity for a festive late-night shopping excursion to discover unique holiday finds from local vendors and artisans, while enjoying Christmas lights, a beautiful real lit Christmas tree donated by Doug Grisa located in Banker’s Square, and the big lit wreath on the Lincoln County Courthouse lawn; the sound of Christmas music filling the air; and the warmth of cozy fires lining the streets.
“Grab your family, meet up with friends, and make memories under the twinkling lights. You won’t want to miss this magical night in Merrill!” organizers said.
Local makers and artisans showcase wares
This is a great opportunity to shop local small businesses. Stroll along the downtown streets, sip something warm, and “shop amazing local makers” offering a wide variety of wares, “from handcrafted gifts to delicious treats.”
“This year’s market is filled with incredible small businesses who pour their heart into every creation,” organizers said. “You’ll find food trucks, woodwork, crochet, goat milk soap, permanent jewelry, 3D printing, and so much more all throughout Main St. Step inside Auntie Ray’s to browse even more talented vendors while grabbing your favorite drink or treat.”
Additional vendors will also be set up in Cosmo Hall, and the Grand Stand will be serving food and beverages there.
Wooden toys, jewelry, and decor, as well as a mobile bookstore, bakery (decorated cookies, bars, and more), sourdough products, handcrafted wellness items, bows, artwork, and more will also be featured.
Area businesses join together for seasonal extravaganza
Many participating Merrill businesses along Main St., Mill St., and First St. will stay open late for this evening event, including hosting businesses Auntie Ray’s Coffee House, The Humble, Merrill Ace Hardware, Polka-Dotted Pie, and Kindhearted Floral & Custom Creations, as well as other shops planning to offer more seasonal delights.
Polka-Dotted Pie invites attendees to dress festively in their favorite holiday sweaters for a chance to win a free cookie platter. They’re also inviting guests to stop in for a dinner date and will offer special evening dinner options, with dinner diners being entered into a special drawing for a free lunch combo. And, of course, they’ll have great sweet treat options for dessert or for purchase to take home for the holidays.
At Ace Hardware, Jolly Old St. Nicholas himself will be making a visit during the event from 5-8 p.m. Santa Claus will be upstairs at Ace, and there will also be a cookie decorating station for the kids. In addition, the store will offer discounts, a white-elephant exchange, and a drawing for a special holiday giveaway.
Sunset Hollow Wine Bistro & Gifts will be open for the evening, offering “cozy holiday vibes, delicious bites, and the perfect glass of wine,” along with specials, holiday and seasonal treats, and discounts on gift items.
The Humble will showcase their special Christian-focused gifts and their delicious candies, and Kindhearted Floral will have holiday arrangements and gift items, as well as florals perfect for any occasion.
The St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store will hold a Mini Merry Nifty Thrifty Sale with everything in their store 50% off, offering a great opportunity to save big, shop sustainably, find treasures (maybe celebrating a Merry Thriftmas), and support the work of St. Vincent de Paul to help Merrill-area residents in their time of need.
The Gathering Table will offer gift wrapping for a donation during the event. “Bring your Christmas gifts and let their team wrap them beautifully while you enjoy the evening,” organizers said. “Every donation goes directly back to community outreach, helping bless local families during the holiday season.”
Plain & Simple Boutique will also be open in Emerald Studio.
“Make it a magical night in downtown Merrill.”
Organizers invite area residents and out-of-towners to come to the Merry Merrill Market to see all that downtown Merrill and area entrepreneurs have to offer and “wrap up” all their holiday shopping on one very festive evening. This could be the beginning of a very magical Merry Merrill Market tradition.