Melissa Blue Muhammad, owner of Forever Fresh Preserves, sells canned goods at the Outpost Makers Market. (Photo courtesy of Outpost Makers Market)

The holidays are fast approaching and people are looking to buy gifts for friends and family. Several markets in Milwaukee will feature local artists and vendors of color, giving you an opportunity to support community businesses. Here are a few local options that feature vendors of color.

Milwaukee World

On Saturday, Dec. 9, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Milwaukee World will feature books by 10 local authors at the Milwaukee County Historical Society, 910 N. Old World 3rd St. The event is open to the public and the authors selling and signing their books will include John Gurda, Michail Takach and Jessie Garcia. The event includes free admission to the “Milwaukee Holiday Treasures & Traditions” exhibit.

Holiday Vendor Fair 2017

CORE El Centro is hosting its annual Holiday Vendor Fair featuring a variety of local artists, bakers and more on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 2 to 6 p.m. at 130 W. Bruce St. The Tiny Vegan Kitchen will provide vegan treats and Pear of Pairs will sell clothing and jewelry in addition to live music, food and dancing. There will also be the opportunity for a toy and clothing swap.

Cathedral Christmas Market — Made in Milwaukee

The Cathedral Christmas Market — Made in Milwaukee focuses on businesses owned by people of color and women. The market takes place on Sunday, Dec. 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the atrium of Cathedral Square, 812 N. Jackson St. That Salsa Lady, Amu Cherian and Nourishing Nature will be at the market. There will be a wide selection homemade holiday gifts, music and refreshments for shoppers.

Body and Soul Holiday Market

The Body and Soul Healing Arts Center, 3617 N. 48th St., is hosting a Holiday Market on Sunday, Dec. 17, from 12 to 4 p.m. The event will feature local artisans offering soaps, body products, baked goods and more. Funky Fresh Spring Rolls will also be cooking food for shoppers to try.

Outpost Makers Market

The Outpost Makers Market, 1617 W. North Ave, offers products from local businesses every Saturday from 12 to 3 p.m. Vendors include Alice’s Garden, Dawn’s Yummy Delights and Walnut Way Conservation Corp. All items are locally made from businesses in the community.

Milwaukee Winter Farmer’s Market

The Milwaukee Winters Farmer’s Market takes place in the greenhouse annex of the Mitchell Park Domes, 524 S. Layton Blvd. It has about 50 local vendors every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through April 14. Shoppers will be able to buy local baked goods, soups, cheeses, produce, maple syrup and much more. The farmer’s market is supported by Fondy Food Center and is open to the public.