Small Business Saturday may come and go in at the end of November, but here in the Catskills, the opportunities to support local farms, restaurants and food producers abound into December. Holiday shopping is a no-brainer way to support our food system, along with our many talented artisans making home goods, clothing and other life essentials. Entertaining at home? Decorate with handmade wreaths and cut-your-own trees, and feed your family and friends with locally grown and produced meats, cheeses, honey, maple products, baked goods–the list goes on, and that’s not to mention the drinks. Heading out of town? Take a little Catskills cheer with you and turn your loved ones on to the bounties we enjoy all year long.
It’s a great time of year to patronize all your favorite local restaurants, some of whom offer holiday catering for parties grand and intimate. And there are plenty of opportunities to “shop small” in downtown retail venues. But the most efficient way to knock out that shopping list is to hit the road the next few weekends and check out a variety of holiday markets. This is a compilation of a few of our favorites; feel free to hit us up to add to the list. (P.S.: bring your own bags, and small bills are always appreciated.)
Saturday, Dec. 2
Sweet Meadows Country Christmas Market, 18269 State Hwy 23, Davenport, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: This beloved garden store turns into holiday headquarters, hosting local farms, food producers, artists, distillers and woodworkers. Download the full list of vendors here (PDF).
Lexington Farmers Market Holiday Market, West Kill-Lexington Community Hall, 141 Spruceton Road, West Kill, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Shop locally made ceramics, jewelry, beeswax candles, honey, wildcrafter herbs and woodworking. Enjoy live music performances and hot soup provided by the Lexington Historical Society.
Birdsong Farm Community Garden Holiday Market, 38480 State Hwy 10, Hamden, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Surrounded by gorgeous grounds, Birdsong’s indoor market space hosts 40 vendors, along with Santa photo opps, live music from Bobby Curious and hot food pop-ups.
Narrowsburg Union Holiday Market, 7 Erie Ave., Narrowsburg, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Browse through Delaware Hall, a 4,500-square-foot venue brimming with holiday cheer for a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind handcrafted gifts from 20 local vendors.
Sunday, Dec. 3
Left Bank Ciders Holiday Market, 150 Water St., Catskill, 2 to 5 p.m. Promising handmade goods, gifts, good cheer and merriment, the cidery welcomes makers of pottery, skincare products, beeswax candles, sweets, teas, candles and more. Don’t miss your chance to pick up one of the region’s most original 2024 calendars, featuring apple butts. Yes, apple butts. You can thank us later.
Roscoe’s Holiday Market, Roscoe Central School, 6 Academy St., Roscoe, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Hosted by the Roscoe-Rockland Ladies’ Auxiliary, this annual event showcases a wide variety of handcrafts, with high-schoolers serving “Walking Tacos” to accompany your shopping.
Phoenicia Farmers’ Market, Pine Hill Community Center, 287 Main St., Pine Hill, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (also Dec. 10 & Dec. 17): The indoor winter version of the Phoenicia Farmers’ Market occurs weekly on three Sundays in December, with a bountiful collection of local food and craft vendors.
Saturday, Dec. 9
Franklin Farmers’ Market Holiday Market, 351 Main St., Franklin, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Local vendors and artisans will be offering beautiful and distinctive items in the firehouse and the American Legion next door. Enjoy hot beverages and festive music while you shop; the daylong celebration includes visits with Santa and a stroll though the village to view decorated homes.
Christkindl Market, St. James Lake Delaware, 55 Lake Delaware Drive, Delhi, 4 to 7 p.m.: St. James Lake Delaware and the Bovina-based Livestock Foundation present the region’s first Christkindlmarkt—an indoor/outdoor old-world style Bavarian market, showcasing more than 20 local artisans and growers’ products and providing a magical experience for all ages. Enjoy kettle corn and bratwursts, hot drinks and festive music amidst the glimmer of sparkling decorations. Pet baby goats, make your own holiday centerpieces, and visit with Santa. Organizers are encouraging guests to bring a new, unwrapped children’s toy for local children through the Delaware County Chamber’s Toys for Tots Campaign.
Sunday, Dec. 10
Stamford Holiday Market, Stamford Central School auditorium, 1 River St., Stamford, 1 to 4 p.m. The Stamford Farmers’ Market hosts its annual holiday shopping event, with 32 food, decor and personal care vendors, as well as professional holiday photography.
Saturday, Dec. 16 & Sunday Dec. 17
The Farmhouse Project Makers Market, Senate Garage, 4 North Front Street, Kingston, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday: If you missed this great group’s November event in Callicoon, this is your second chance to shop the wares of more than 60 area artisans, along with plenty of local eats, in this two-day event in Uptown Kingston.
Holiday Bazaar at Belleayre, Belleayre Mountain, 181 Galli Curci Road, Highmount, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days: The ski resort’s Discovery Lodge transforms into a shopping mecca of jewelry, pottery, textiles, baked goods and locally brewed libations.
Looking for more ideas? Our friends at Pure Catskills have compiled a directory of special holiday offerings; download it for free here.
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