The weather sure doesn't feel like it, but the holidays are right around the corner, and it's time for Christmas Market With a Difference at the Church of Christ at Dartmouth College in Hanover.  Shopping hours are Thursday and Friday, Nov. 5 & 6, from 10 am to 6 pm, and Saturday, Nov. 7, from 10 am to 1 pm.

Now in its 28^th year, Christmas Market With A Difference offers hand-crafted treasures from around the world, including apparel, accessories, jewelry, children's items and toys, musical instruments, home and holiday decor, linens, baskets, greeting cards, specialty foods, and much more.

The "difference" between this and other holiday markets is that its purpose is to provide an outlet for goods made by craftspeople struggling to earn a living around the world, to market goods provided by alternative trade groups, and to support non-profit, social service organizations both here and abroad.  The Market returns 100% of its proceeds directly to organizations helping people in need worldwide— women's cooperatives helping women support themselves and their families; groups sponsoring schools, libraries, and orphanages; organizations promoting conservation, sustainability, and fair trade; and other non-profit social service organizations.

In addition, the Market Cafe offers homemade soups and baked goods to eat on site or to take home.

Parking for the Market is available in front of Dartmouth Hall, and in the Dewey Lot near the medical school, with shuttles running to the entrance of the Maynard Lot.  On Saturday, the Maynard Lot also will be available for parking.  Please be sure to put a note on your dashboard that says “CCDC Christmas Market” if you park in the Dewey Lot.

A final note on payment…  Cash and check are preferred, but in an exciting new development, the Market will be able to accept credit cards this year on a limited basis. There will be one cashier set up to take credit cards, and the purchaser will have to cover the 2.75% service charge.

Happy Shopping!