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For the first time, The Pfister Hotel will house a Holiday Marketplace in the former Roger Stevens Menswear space on the ground floor of the hotel. "Right next to the lions," says curator Renee Bebeau, referencing the large lion statues in The Pfister lobby.

The Marketplace will offer handmade gifts made by 40 visual artists, including jewelry, ceramics, clothing, scarves, pillows, soaps, sculptures, paintings and a diverse selection of books by local authors.

"It will be chock-full of great Milwaukee work," says Bebeau.

Prices range from a few dollars to $100, with most items priced between $20-50.

The Marketplace will also house a music section, where local musicians’ CDs, vinyl albums and clothing will be for sale. A listening station will allow customers to hear the music before purchasing and everyone who does buy something will be automatically entered into a raffle to win an iPod loaded with Milwaukee music. Local musician WC Tank is helping Bebeau organize the music portion of the Marketplace.

The Marketplace will also have a section with dog-related gifts such as leather dog collars, beds, treats, photos, cards and more. "The Pfister is a dog-friendly hotel," says Bebeau.

Live music and readings will occur sporadically throughout the month of operation. Bebeau and guests will teach various classes in the space as well, including a mirror-etching class and a letter writing class on vintage typewriters. There will also be free classes, such as snowflake cutting.

Here are the class times, dates and prices.

Bebeau is happy to bring another boutique supporting local artists into the holiday shopping arena.

"When you buy something made by an artist, you are directly supporting that artist’s life," says Bebeau. "Most of the gifts are one-of-a-kind and they are more interesting, unique and fun than what you will find in a mall."

The Pfister Holiday Marketplace will be open starting on Friday, Nov. 27, from 3 to 10 p.m. The band Nineteen Thirteen will play in the Marketplace at 8 p.m. to mark the grand opening.

The Marketplace will be open through Thursday, Dec. 24. Thursdays and Fridays from 3 to 9 p.m.; Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Christmas week, it will be open Tuesday and Wednesday from 3 to 9 p.m. and Thursday, 10 to 3 p.m.