Savage Mill is a haven for creatives and makers. From its beginnings as a cotton mill in the early 1800s through a brief stint as a Christmas ornament factory in the late 1940s to its current iteration as a home for over 70 small local businesses, Savage Mill has fostered ingenuity and welcomed new ideas.

Part of what makes this work is that Savage Mill is big but not too big. Essentially a small business itself, Savage Mill is able to adapt and to build personal connections. At the holiday time, these qualities come into play to make celebrations truly special. Here are six unique aspects visitors can experience this holiday season:

1. Yuletide Makers Market

This year’s Yuletide Makers Market took over a vacant tenant space and runs on weekends through Dec. 22. Using pallets, old lumber, and a Kallax cube from Ikea, leasing manager Adam transformed the space into twelve rough-hewn vendor booths reminiscent of the simple outdoor holiday markets found throughout Europe. He added a touch of elegance by installing sheer black drapes to frame the gorgeous expanse of windows on the back wall and brightened the space with warm lighting underneath rattan shades.

Community relations coordinator Norma vetted approximately three dozen vendors to ensure a rich array of quality products. Unique jewelry, pottery, body products, reclaimed urban hardwoods and driftwood, crocheted and knitted pieces, hand-printed textiles, hand-dyed yarn, sustainable home goods, jams and jellies, seasonal greenery and plants, and works of art are featured on a rotating basis, so each weekend there are new products to discover. Locally-made spirits, wine, mead, and juice mixers perfect for that holiday occasion add to the festive feel.

2. Santa (and Mrs. Claus) at their Best

Santa and Mrs. Claus visit each weekend between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and families rave about their genuine friendliness. Children (and well-behaved pets) are happy to discover they’re on Santa’s Good list. Those who arrive early take home a limited-edition wooden coin commemorating their visit.

3. Beautiful Decorations

Savage Mill’s architecture charms. Its archways, warm brick, and great expanses of windows invite people to linger and soak in the feeling of over two centuries of history. They’re the perfect backdrop for holiday decorations. Marketing director Julie, operations manager Erin, and the entire maintenance staff spent several weeks in November hanging garland and lights and decorating trees. Just down the hill from Savage Mill, the historic iron-truss Bollman Bridge spans the Little Patuxent River. Each year, a student at Bollman Bridge Elementary School helps light the bridge on the first Saturday in December. Thanks to a new set of lights, this year the bridge is glowing brighter than ever.

4. Lots of Music!

Local musicians and groups perform in the New Weave building throughout the holiday season. This year’s entertainment includes solo artists, jazz trios, flute quartets, and a high school theater troupe, all lined up months in advance. Thanks to a Makers Market vendor and the Mill’s flexibility, the New Weave building is hosting a unique last-minute opportunity – a parranda. According to the presenters with Cultura Plenera, a local nonprofit that builds community through Puerto Rican music, a parranda is a Puerto Rican holiday musical tradition that typically involves visiting the homes of friends and family and singing traditional holiday music. Visitors can participate in this Puerto Rican version of caroling this Sunday!

5. Santa Heim, Merryland

Visit Howard County gave the Mill the exhibition panels they created last year telling the story of Santa Heim, when the Mill and the neighboring town of Savage were transformed into a year-round Christmas village and the Mill produced a third of all hand-blown Christmas ornaments sold in the U.S. The Savage Historical Society has set up an ornament display at the Mill, and is organizing a lunchtime talk about ornaments in the US and a historic walking tour through the town.

6. A Home Away from Home

From the cozy shops, cafes and restaurants to the casual gathering places scattered throughout the Mill, there are plenty of places to meet with friends and people-watch. As you explore and do your holiday shopping, you’ll discover something for everyone – classes, experiences and activities for the curious; one-of-a-kind handmade items for those on your wish list; and something personal for yourself.

Experience the welcoming spirit that lives on here at Savage Mill and make yourself at home this holiday season and in the new year.