When do the holidays officially begin? It could be when Hudson Valleyites dig into a festive meal of turkey and all the fixings. Or, it could be when the first snow falls and Christmas music hits the radio. Whenever you think it’s time to start celebrating the holidays, there never seems to be enough time to get all of your shopping done. With these holiday markets and craft fairs, you can chip away at that gift list.
While the Hudson Valley’s summer festivals, spring fairs, and fall markets are stellar in their own right, we think there’s something extra special about the winter gifting season.
Dutchess Handmade Pop-Up Shop
Arts Mid-Hudson, Poughkeepsie
Until December 16, Tuesday – Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
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At the weekend-long event, patrons can select from jewelry, greeting cards, textiles, wood and glass products, prints, paintings, ceramics, and other home décor from over 60 local artisans.
Shaker Holiday Market
Shaker Heritage Society, Albany
Until December 17, Tuesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Step inside the Shaker Heritage Society’s circa-1848 meeting house to browse the wares of regional potters, jewelry makers, fiber artists, and more. Free admission.
Christkindlmarkt!
Germania of Poughkeepsie, Poughkeepsie
November 17, 4–9 p.m. and November 18, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
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Germania of Poughkeepsie presents this free, traditional German Weihnachtsmarkt (a.k.a. Christmas market) under a heated outdoor vendor tent. After perusing around, head inside the GOP hall for wurst, German potato salad, and apple strudel.
Winter Craft Fair
Majed J. Nesheiwat Convention Center, Poughkeepsie
November 18, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Spend part of your Saturday at the MJN Convention Center’s craft fair browsing over 75 vendors and themed trees that will be raffled off, enjoying a holiday figure skating show, and taking photos with Santa and friends. Afterward, reward yourself for checking off your holiday to-do list with a visit to Eastdale Village and The Academy—both favorites among foodies.
Hudson Valley Hullabaloo Holiday Market
Andy Murphy Midtown Neighborhood Center, Kingston
November 18, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and November 19, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
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Head to the Andy Murphy Midtown Neighborhood Center for a weekend of makers, music, food, and photo booths. Admission is $2.
Holiday Pottery Show & Sale
Garrison Art Center, Garrison
November 18-26, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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The Holiday Pottery Show and Sale is the much-anticipated event that will feature over 30 regional ceramics artists, along with a few jewelers and other artisans. During the event, Garrison Art Center also hosts a food drive to help fill empty plates this season.
HV Art Market
Locust Grove, Poughkeepsie
November 24–25, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., November 26, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
This ninth annual art market provides a free shopping experience full of baked goods, clothing and accessories, and decor at the Locust Grove estate. While on the grounds, schedule a tour of the 1850 mansion that was once home to American inventor Samuel F. B. Morse.
Holiday Market at Bethel Woods
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel
November 24–25, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., November 26, 12–6 p.m.
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Beginning on Black Friday, over 75 local artisan and food makers will set up shop at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. After 5 p.m., buy a ticket for the colorful drive-through holiday show “Peace, Love & Lights.”
Basilica Farm & Flea Holiday Market
Basilica Hudson, Hudson
November 24, 12-5 p.m., November 25–26, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
This event is equal parts design fair, farm market, and vintage shop. Vendors selling farm-fresh foods, upcycled wares, and handmade gifts will be posted throughout the 10,000-sq-ft Basilica Hudson space for a hyperlocal Black Friday experience.
Dutchess Community College Craft Fair
Dutchess Community College, Poughkeepsie
November 25-26
More than 100 artists submit their work to be featured at this Thanksgiving weekend craft fair. All vendors must feature hand-crafted works at this juried event, and specialty food vendors will also be in attendance to make your holiday weekend complete. Admission is cheap at $7 or less, and all proceeds go towards providing deserving students with scholarship opportunities.
Field + Supply Holiday Pop-Up
The Senate Garage, Kingston
November 25-26 & December 2-3, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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Field + Supply brings its “specialty curated selection” of wares to the Hudson Valley at one of the most highly anticipated shopping events of the season. Attend one of the two pop-ups in Kingston to peruse the selection of apothecary, apparel, pantry items, home décor, and jewelry from over 50 brands ahead of the holidays.
Twin Star Orchards Winter Market
Farm Stand at Twin Star Orchards, New Paltz
November 25 – December 17
As Twin Star Orchards launches their first ever holiday market in their tasting room, they will host a weekly showcase of local artisanal crafts and gifts, along with tasting of their award-winning Brooklyn Cider House natural hard ciders. Enjoy snacks, soups, stews, and more around the outdoor firepits while perusing items and vendors.
Finding Home Farms Makers Market
Finding Home Farms, Middletown
December 2-3, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
At their second annual makers market, Finding Home Farms is decking the halls of The Sugarhouse and serving specialty drinks along with breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Shop over 10 local makers’ wares to find unique gifts for the holidays.
Affordable Art and Pottery Bazaar
Rockland Center for the Arts, West Nyack
December 7-22, Monday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
This eighth annual bazaar showcases regional artisans and wares like jewelry, pottery, art, holiday ornaments, greeting cards, and more. Take home one-of-a-kind holiday gifts and support the local arts at this free-to-the-public event.
Holiday Bazaar
Belleayre Ski Mountain, Highmount
December 16-17, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
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While we normally trip to Belleayre Mountain on snowy days with our skis in tow, this event promises a day of holiday shopping from local makers. Head to the lodge to shop and discover handmade items and holiday décor. If you’re a skier or snowboarder, make it a two-birds-one-stone daytrip by hitting the slopes.
Related: Shop Local at These Hudson Valley Stores for the Holidays
