The holiday season is upon us and it’s that time of year to buy that special something for the loved ones in your life. Shopping local is the best way to do exactly that. There are several holiday markets in the area, big and small, that are the perfect shopping destinations this season.
Shopping local across the Hudson Valley offers more than just unique gifts – it’s a way to support our community and celebrate the region’s rich creativity and tradition. The region is home to countless small businesses brimming with handmade goods, sustainable products, and one-of-a-kind treasures. To make things even easier, these markets are putting highlights from the very best under one roof. By choosing to shop local, you’re not only finding thoughtful gifts but also helping local entrepreneurs thrive, keeping the spirit of our community strong.
Here is your go-to guide on Hudson Valley’s best holiday markets.
52nd Annual Craft Fair
Nov. 30 & Dec. 1
Dutchess Community College, Poughkeepsie
Quail Hollow Events is again partnering with the Dutchess Community College Foundation to continue the more than a decades-long tradition of the Dutchess Community College Holiday Craft Fair. This event offers Hudson Valley locals and visitors the opportunity to shop small. Boasting just over 100 artists, the fair has become a holiday shopping tradition for many in the region, and one that stands in stark opposition to the Black Friday culture propagated by Big Box Stores. Now entering its 52nd year, the fair presents an alternative to the frenzied buying experience that Black Friday consumers experience. This is not a festival for imported or mass-produced products; everything onsite is handmade, with the artist or maker in attendance. Find holiday favorites, like fresh, locally sourced wreaths, delicate holiday ornaments, and tasty treats, but these seasonal staples are part of a broader sea of handcrafted pieces. Rows of carefully curated booths will display something for every taste – and for everyone on your gift list!
Artisans Handmade Holiday Market
Nov. 29 4 to 9 p.m., Nov. 30 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Old Dutch Church, Kingston
This 5th annual holiday market will kick off the holiday season on Black Friday. Hosted by Circle Creative Collective, the market is an opportunity for artists and makers to connect themselves, while shoppers hear personal stories about creative processes. There will be up to 40 vendors and admission is free. This year they will have a craft area where visitors can create their own lino-printed holiday cards and gift tags. There will be chestnuts roasting, hot cocoa, cookies and of course, holiday music to kick off the season.
“What I feel really makes this market stand out is that it’s a warm and welcoming holiday experience,” said Melissa Hewitt, executive director of Circle Creative Collective. “We’ve cultivated a community-driven experience where artists, makers, and shoppers come together to celebrate creativity and connection.”
Made in Kingston
Dec. 5, 3-8 pm
YMCA, Mid-town Kingston
70+ vendors of exquisite artists, crafters and vendors who are creating their goods right in Kingston. Delicious food & drink from Kingston eateries, bakeries and breweries. Free admission.
“Made in Kingston is a fantastic event that brings together neighbors, showcases our talented local artisans, and offers attendees a wide variety of goods made right here in our city,” said Mayor Steve Noble. “From the food, drinks and wares to the commitment to sustainability, this community event highlights just how unique and special the people and businesses of Kingston are.” Every year Made in Kingston continues to grow and show more talent than it did the previous year so shoppers are sure to find special one of kind items that will make this shopping season a success!
Peace, Love & Lights
Nov. 29 – Dec. 29
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel
From Black Friday through New Year’s Eve, guests can enjoy the beauty of a 1.7-mile light show as it illuminates the scenic grounds of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. It will take holiday shopping up a notch, creating a day full of family fun. Weekends feature a Saturday Holiday market with seasonal food and drinks, plus special visits from Santa. On December 7, 14, and 21, visitors can shop from 80 local artisans with unique holiday gifts. Each Saturday will feature an entirely new selection of vendors.
“We look forward to the Bethel Woods Holiday Market every year for several reasons,” said Patrick Miller, Bethel Woods Operations and Events Manager. “Not only is it our largest vendor market on the upper campus, it brings business to local makers and artisans on a weekend that is largely dominated by big box stores, and it serves as the kick-off to Peace, Love & Lights, our holiday light show.”
Its 2024 footprint has been expanded to allow more vendors to participate than ever. There will be live music throughout the weekend, light displays and photo ops at the Market Sheds, and of course, plenty of shopping.
HSW Holiday Market Fair
Dec. 6, 7, 8, 14, 15
Historical Society of Woodstock, Woodstock
Shop local crafts, holiday cards, local books, original artwork, delectable treats, handknit items and more. The Historical Society Bakers are busy at work preparing for their ever-popular cookie tins. They are also bringing back the Woodstock cookbook, The Cookie Collection. This updated edition is dedicated in memory of longtime Society Board members, Kathy Anderson and Jean White. As always, delicious, spiced cider, treats and fresh holly and greens are holiday gifts to all shoppers. Shop for the coming days, while enjoying an old-fashioned themed holiday event.
Dutchess Handmade Holiday Pop-Up Shop
Nov. 8 – Dec. 14 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Arts Mid-Hudson, Poughkeepsie
Head to this holiday market for an inspiring selection curated to the spirit of Fall, Winter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and other season festivities. It’s a an opportunity to discover one-of-a-kind gifts and support over 65 local artisans who are selling everything from glass, jewlery and ceramics to greeting cards, textiles, prints and paintings.
“This year, we’re excited to showcase an even wider variety of offerings, including new artisans and fresh designs that reflect the season’s spirit,” said Adrian Torres-Trinidad, programs coordinator. “I look forward to the pop-up show because it celebrates creativity and community, bringing people together to support local artists and discover truly special items.”
Holiday Market at Twin Stars
Every weekend through Dec. 22, Sat. & Sun.
Twin Stars, New Paltz.
With a showcase of over 65 rotating local artisans and makers of everything from food and drinks to jewelry and clothing items, with 10+ new vendors featured each market date you can go once but go every weekend and you might just fulfill your entire gift list!
Winter Gift Making Fair
Dec. 8, 11 am-4 pm.
Mountain Laurel School, New Paltz
Why not give a handmade gift, made with your own hands this holiday season? Guests can handcraft beautiful gifts – beeswax candles, translucent window stars, wreaths, menorahs, pomanders and ornaments – from simple and natural materials. You’ll also be able to purchase unique crafts made by local artisans and students. Entertainment includes an enchanting puppet show, live music and a community sing-a-long. Enjoy an outdoor BBQ, roasted chestnuts, homemade desserts, hot apple cider and more. A whole-family, community event.
Christmas Craft & Bake Sale
Dec. 7, 10 am-3 pm
Mount Academy, Port Ewen
Crafts include: ceramics, candles, ornaments, sewing arts, metal crafts, woodwork & wreaths. Baked goods include: apple pies, breads, cakes, cookies, hot drinks, hot soups and soft pretzels. You are sure to find something for everyone.
Holiday Pottery Show and Sale
Dec. 7-15
Garrison Art Center, Garrison
This show and sale features more than 30 regional ceramic artists, along with jewelers and other artisans. Pottery ranges from the whimsical to the highly sophisticated and includes sculptural works as well as some items for children.
As people are becoming more focused on supporting locally made products the sale is becoming more and more popular. And as a bonus to Art Center members, the center offers a members-only preview. Proceeds from the sale benefit the artists and the Art Center’s education programming.
Farm and Flea Holiday Market 2024
Nov. 29 – Dec. 1 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Basilica Hudson, Hudson
This holiday market was born on Thanksgiving weekend 2013 as “an antidote to big box Black Friday,” and has been thriving ever since. It’s a timeless flea and farmer’s market with a diverse group of regional vendors. With over 10,000 square feet of space, this market is one of the only in the region at this scale. It’s an integral part of Basilica Hudson’s arts and cultural programs.
“Our mission at Farm & Flea has always been to serve and celebrate our community of entrepreneurs while offering locals an ethical alternative to big-box retailers and online shopping,” said Basilica Farm & Flea coordinator and Hudson Valley artist Elise McMahon.
It’s one of Basilica Hudson’s largest events, welcoming thousands of attendees throughout the weekend.
Hudson Valley Art Market
Nov. 29 – Dec. 1
Locust Grove, Poughkeepsie
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, this market will celebrate art, craftsmanship and community with both visitors and locals alike. As in previous years, it’s committed to showcasing the finest in handmade, small-batch and fine art products. Canvas & Clothier will provide coffee, tea, cookies and food, as you shop amongst the several local vendors on site.
“We’re excited to celebrate a decade of supporting local artisans and bringing the community together,” said Erica Woolley of Earth Energies with E and Lany Leclair of Indigo Lane Jewelry, organizers of HVArtMarket. “This year’s market promises something special for everyone, and we’re thrilled to welcome our new artisans into our magical market.”
33rd Annual Craft, Art & Design Fair
Dec. 7 & 8
Unison, New Paltz
Unison’s longest-running annual event, celebrating the region’s vibrant community of makers while raising essential funds for the art center. Described as, “an intimate holiday shopping experience, where visitors can browse and purchase extraordinary handmade crafts and fine arts. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with and support local artists from the Hudson Valley.”
Carefully curated for a unique shopping experience to guarantee a maximum amount of diverse, high-quality items.
Join the family! 
