These days, it can feel like Santa’s sleigh or Hannukah Harry’s sack of slacks is actually the Amazon Prime delivery truck. And while making your list, checking it twice, and knocking all of your holiday shopping out without having to fight for a parking spot can be nice, the whole experience can feel cold and impersonal sometimes. It also provides fewer opportunities to find truly unique gifts for the eight nights or jingle-jive December 25.
Hamptons holiday markets provide a worthy alternative. Throughout the South Fork, local crafters, artists and bakers set up booths full of one-of-a-kind, usually handmade items sure to wow the people who have everything. Think the softest scarves for your fashionable aunt and crocheted toys for a new baby that will become instant heirlooms. Some communities, churches and businesses turn their market into a festival of sorts, with music, tree lightings and food vendors (bonus: hot cocoa is often involved).
While you may be shopping for others, you’ll gift yourself a throwback experience that allows you to cherish community during a go-go-go season. Ditch the one-click shopping at these Hamptons holiday markets for 2023.
The 3rd Annual Holiday Makers Market at The Church
When: Saturday, Nov. 25, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 26, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 48 Madison Street, Sag Harbor
Browse booths full of your next statement home décor piece or jewelry, or stock up on artisanal foods for a holiday gathering at The Church’s annual makers market. This year, the market will feature a pop-up print show with works from local artists who took part in The Church’s printmaking workshops. Ready to break out into song? There’s a sing-along in the parking lot at 1 p.m. — off-key renditions of “Deck the Halls” are better among neighbors.
Southampton Cultural Center’s Holiday Market
When: Saturday, Nov. 25, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Southampton Cultural Center’s Levitas Center for the Arts, 25 Pond Lane, Southampton
Appropriately slated for Small Business Saturday, this market will help usher in the traditional holiday shopping season. The market will include gifts like jewelry and stemware made by local artisans, including teens. A tree lighting at Agawam Park serves as a festive touch.
Holiday Market and Santa Parade
When: Saturday, Dec. 2, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Where: Village Lawn, East Hampton
To say this holiday market has all the trimmings would be an understatement. Santa is ditching the sleigh and arriving by helicopter at 10 a.m. For his journey, he’s getting a well-deserved parade at 11 a.m., and he’ll visit the lawn at 3 p.m. Play Santa for your loved ones by shopping local finds. Other planned activities include free showings of holiday flicks at Regal beginning at 1 p.m., raffles and a tree lighting planned for 5 p.m
13th Annual Friends Bazaar Arts & Fine Crafts Within Reach
When: Saturday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Ashawagh Hall, 780 Springs Fireplace Road, East Hampton
The one-day-only fair includes pieces like hats, scarves and mittens designed to keep you (or your gift recipient) warm during the cold days ahead. Small furniture, home décor and ornaments that’ll make gorgeous additions to your tree for holiday seasons to come will also be for the considering.
St. Nicholas Day Craft Fair & Cookie Walk
When: Saturday, Dec. 2, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Parish Hall, 26 St. Mary’s Road, Shelter Island
Hop on the South Ferry and head on over to this heart-warming annual holiday market, featuring an abundance of local artisans, like By Way of the Farm candles by Kim Curko, gorgeous knit work by local wool artisan Phyllis Power, stunning custom furniture and jewelry boxes from Sean Brewer’s West Neck Woodworking, and a host of others. There’s also homemade soups for sale and a cookie walk, where you get a plastic-bag lined coffee can and can stroll around selecting your favorite home-baked sugary treats.
When: Saturday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Hayground School, 151 Mitchell Lane, Bridgehampton
This year’s markets will include local vendors like Hampton Soaptique, whose adorable honeycomb soaps have bee molds, and first-timer Lisa Kiss’ so-stylish hand-painted cashmere scarves, sure to help you stand out in a sea of Burberry and black.
When: Saturday, Dec. 2, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Rain date is Sunday, Dec. 3, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
Where: Main Street, Westhampton Beach
Warm food and beverages, including free hot chocolate, the cutest riff on Santa Con (a pet parade starting at 4:30 p.m.), and gifts for loved ones from local makers are all part of the festivities at this holiday market. In the evening, attend the tree and menorah lighting at 5:45 p.m.
By Hand Artisan’s Holiday Gift Show
When: Saturday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m
Where: Ashawagh Hall, 780 Springs Fireplace Road, East Hampton
The second of three holiday markets to take place at the community-centric Ashawagh Hall, By Hand Artisan’s 24th annual show will have items made from fused glass, knits, wool, wood and more. You’ll also find the perfect stocking stuffers in handmade soaps and jewelry.
2nd Annual Magic of Montauk Holiday Fair
When: Saturday, Dec. 9, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Rate date: Sunday, Dec. 10)
Where: Montauk Manor, 236 Edgemere St., Montauk
Now in its second year, this end-of-the-annum holiday fair at The End can officially be called a tradition. Set at the Gastby-era mansion perched atop a hill with breathtaking views of the water below, the fair will have booths full of gifts and even an appearance by the most famous gift-giver of them all (Santa, if you’re wondering). There’s a hot cocoa contest, plus beer and mulled wine for the sipping alongside food truck offerings.
When: Saturday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: 618 Sagg Main St., Sagaponack
Deck your halls with Madoo-grown paperwhites and fresh-cut boughs, which you can snag at this annual market. Gardening tools from Sneeboer and Mae Mougins’ pottery will also be available. So will hot mulled cider (in the afternoon) and chestnuts roasted over an open fire. Cue the Bing Crosby …
When: Saturday, Dec. 16, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 17, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m
Where: Ashawagh Hall, 780 Springs Fireplace Road, East Hampton
The third and final holiday market at Ashawagh Hall is the longest by a combined four hours, giving you plenty of time to peruse gifts from kids from one to 92. Toys, pillows, honey and cookies are some of this market’s literal and figurative delectable finds. Give back during the season of giving by bringing non-perishable food for the East Hampton Food Pantry. There’s also a coat drive at East Hampton Library (off-site).
The 2nd Annual Shelter Island Holiday Makers Market
When: Saturday, Dec. 9, 11 a.m to 3 p.m.
Where: Shelter Island Public Library, 37 North Ferry Road, 631-749-0042
Not only will you have the opportunity to stock-up on special, one-of-a-kind handmade gifts, but the Shelter Island Holiday Makers Market is also just a great afternoon for the whole fam, with story time (of course: it’s a library!), crafts, yummy treats from local food and drink vendors, a 50/50 raffle (got to be in it to win it) and… a visit from Santa himself.
