Local crafters, growers, makers and artisans took over Hook’s Greenhouse in Wellington on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.

Santa’s workshop had nothing on this group as 40 vendors of all shapes, products and sizes showcased their wares to an impressive crowd of shoppers.

Even before the doors opened, a few early birds perused the curiosities followed by throngs of well over hundreds of shoppers on the hunt for that perfect gift.

This is the third annual Christmas in the Greenhouse, which has grown exponentially from six vendors in its first year to bursting at the seams with the vendors and shoppers this year.

Event organizers and employees opened the greenhouse for Christmas shopping initially to showcase Hook’s Greenhouse holiday crafts and designs, such as holiday-themed planters, fresh-cut holiday greens and potted pines.

But owner Liz Hook explained that she had so many friends and other crafters asking if they also could showcase their wares at the greenhouse during the winter season that the idea to host the event was sparked.

“Everyone can just feel the warmth of the season while shopping in the ambiance of the greenhouse filled with smiles and shoppers and crafters and even live music,” Hook said. “People love the greenhouse and it gives them such a feeling of joy, and that’s what we’re most interested in doing — providing a happy place amid all the chaos.

“You have happy, friendly people in such a warm and family atmosphere. I am so blessed to have such an amazing staff. And, it’s inspirational to see so many vendors here who truly, genuinely value your business and who work so hard on the unique crafts they make and offer. I think it’s important to buy local whenever you can because it supports so many.”

More vendors?

Hook explained that while there were more than 40 vendors this year, she says she believes there just might be room for a few more next year before they are at maximum capacity.

The space featured vendors showcasing home décor and holiday offerings, decadent treats of all kinds, handmade clothing and jewelry, essential oils and natural wellness, woodwork and every candle scent south of the North Pole.

Food vendors showcased their creations as well, with a genuine wood-fired pizza maker at the entrance.

Hook pointed proudly to the fact that so many shoppers could come out and enjoy the scents and the sights and even the sounds of the greenhouse without so much of the craziness and hassles typically associated with Black Friday shopping.

“It’s such a joy to see the children coming through and having them look at things that you simply would never see in some big box chain store,” Sherry Hopkins of Windwood Creations & Designs said. “This is my first year here, although I’ve been a crafter for more than 40 years.

“I have saws and a sewing machine, so it’s a one-person show for me and I love it. It is just so fun to see all the people — all the locals — coming through and shopping and looking at some amazing craftwork. I think all the way around it truly gives back to the community.”

Hopkins makes a variety of home decorations that she refers to as primitive farmhouse designs, such as lightboxes, snowmen and vine trees.

Melissa and Josh Rehanek of Amherst provided shoppers with a sweet tooth quite an outlet as the pair represented Faroh’s Chocolates with tables bursting with their special brand of chocolate creations.

Melissa Rehanek also showcased her crafts as Lily & Sparrow, providing a variety of handmade jewelry, journal designs and positive message home décor.

This was their first Christmas in the Greenhouse.

“I like to make things,” Melissa Rehanek smiled. “My passion is to create, but I think more importantly for the shoppers, shopping small helps support a real person.

“There are so many things going on in the world right now that being here even for just a little bit, in such a wonderful atmosphere, just makes you so joyful and thankful.”

Monica Willbond of Wakeman’s White Pine Mercantile was all smiles in her booth and had a hard time keeping certain holiday décor in stock as her Christmas and Santa-related signs were hot items among shoppers.

Willbond describes her shop as a “modern general store,” and provides such wares as mugs, candles, teas, coffees, home décor and much more.

“I just love doing this,” she said. “It’s a side hustle, but I think it’s one that helps me stay grounded and stay sane away from my day job.

“It’s such a creative outlet, and I think it’s so important to support small businesses whenever you possibly can. You look around and I think what you see is the tremendous creativity of all these folks on display who put their heart into their creations.

“You truly see unique, one-of-a-kind gifts that you’ll never find at the big retailers or even online.”

This was Hook’s Greenhouse final event of the year before closing for the season.

It will reopen in April anew with fresh flowers and the sights and smells of springtime.