Photograph by Kathye Lewis Norman
Featuring dozens of Black and women-owned businesses, Halle-Bration Holiday Marketplace offers everything from handmade goods to fashion and books, creating a holiday destination rooted in community.
Now in its 13th year, the homegrown holiday market will return December 12–13 to New Vision United Methodist Church in Paddock Hills, bringing together more than 30 local vendors and 65 small businesses. This year’s market will feature new and returning vendors such as African Fabrics & Things, UnBEADable LLC, Peach Cobbler Factory, ChoZen 4 You Boutique, Grammy’s Sweet Shop Café, and more.
The market features a wide range of giftable items and services, including clothing, jewelry, cosmetics, and accessories. In addition to retail shopping, attendees can explore professional services, handcrafted goods, and personal care products. The “Taste of Halle-Bration” will feature baked goods and sweet treats from local vendors, including cakes, pies, cobblers, and brittle. Shoppers can also place orders is advance for holiday desserts.
This year’s market adds a new element to the mix: Book signings from local authors including Stevie Swain author of Soul Talk, Deneen Glen of GLENNSPIRATION, Steven Hightower of Fueling From Zero To $1 Billion, and Carmen Glenn of several romance novels. Attendees can purchase a signed copy of each authors’ respective books, along with books from other booksellers that will be in attendance.
Families are also a central focus point for the event. Santa Claus will make an appearance on December 13 at noon, who with the support from Toys for Tots, will be doing a free toy giveaway for children.
Halle-Bration was founded by Kathye Lewis Norman and Miriam Kinard, both members of the New Vision UMC, a historic Avondale congregation that serves as a community hub for worship, outreach, and local events. They felt there was a need for a more inclusive, community-centered shopping space in the Queen City, and that was when Halle-Bration was born. “We both [own] small, Black-owned businesses, so we wanted to make sure we had an opportunity to bring together other small businesses to join in and find a way to increase our visibility in the community,” Norman says.
Photograph by Kathye Lewis Norman
The growth of the market has always been linear, according to Norman, fueled by local partnerships including the African American Chamber of Commerce and the Collective Empowerment Group. Today, Halle-Bration serves as a contact point for many in the Cincinnati business community. Over its 13-year run, more than 300 entrepreneurs have participated, many returning annually as both vendors and shoppers.
Beyond its holiday charm, Halle-Bration has had a measurable impact on participating businesses each year. “We’ve seen the growth in a lot of [businesses and entrepreneurs] that have participated over the years,” Norman says. “We’ve seen some of the boutiques go from being just strictly vendors to going to brick and mortar stores.”
Norman specifically highlights ChoZen 4 You as one standout example. “[Corless Berry] was doing business on a part-time basis; she was just renting out space to have her clothing available. Now she is in the College Hill business district, in a brick-and-mortar store, and she is full time.”
More than a decade since its founding, the market continues to reflect the growth of Cincinnati’s creative economy and the relationships that have formed between small businesses and the community that supports them. The lasting impact comes back to the spirit of gathering that inspired the market in the first place. “It’s a time for people to come together and just celebrate the holidays,” Norman says.
Halle-Bration will be held from December 12–13 at 4400 Reading Rd. at New Vision United Methodist Church. No tickets required.
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