Amazon-shmamazon. When you find that awesome gift that you didn’t even know existed —
and yet is absolutely the perfect thing for your partner, offspring, BFF, mail carrier, cousin, dog walker, sister from another mister — it feels like such a big win.
But you know what else is a big win? A great day out with delicious treats, music, good vibes and handmade items so completely inimitable, your holiday presents will be as unique as the lovely folks you’re giving them to. Even better, most of these local holiday markets offer more than just commerce — they give you a dreamy day out, bumping into friends, maybe making new ones, all the while getting a nice big dose of holiday cheer. Support your local makers at one of these excellent annual holiday markets…
Old Whalers’ Tree Lighting and Craft Fair, 44 Union St., Sag Harbor; Nov. 29, noon to 6 p.m.
Spend the day grabbing gifts for loved ones and getting into the holiday vibe — win-win! This craft and food fair also has lots of other highlights to keep you here all day, starting with an hour of kids’ activities from 2 to 3 p.m., caroling at 4 p.m. (get in on it; there’s nothing to cheer up a grumpy soul more than voices in unison) and finally, the piece de resistance, the tree lighting at 5 p.m.
Holiday Makers Market at The Church, 48 Madison St., Sag Harbor, Saturday, Nov. 29 and Sunday, Nov. 30, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This is truly one of our faves. Bringing together some of the most unique artisans on the East End, The Church’s two-day gift bonanza has got the gamut — from clothes to candles to carvings and everything in between. Bonus: There’s always great food and drink, too, to fuel your spree.
Westhampton Holiday and Winter Market, 40 Main St., Westhampton Beach, Saturdays, Nov. 29 through Dec. 27
Whatever the weather brings, stay dry and cozy at this indoor market in the Parish Hall of
St. Mark’s Church. Pick up everything from home-baked noshables to handmade jewelry, art, clothes, jams and multitude of other stocking stuffers and happy Hannukah treats. Even better: After the 27th,
it continues through early spring as an indoor farmers market with crafts and other goodies, too!
Homegrown for the Holidays, 151 Mitchel Lane, Bridgehampton, Saturday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Hayground School’s annual afternoon of hyper-homegrown food and artisanal crafts features close to 50 local artists, food purveyors, crafty venders and all other sorts of South Fork makers. Be sure to get in on the raffle, grab some complimentary cookies (made in the Hayground’s very own kitchen) and get your gift-groove on with live music, too.
Saint Nicholas Day Fair and Cookie Walk, 26 St. Mary’s Road, Shelter Island; Saturday, Dec. 6, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This annual sugar-fueled, feel-good event at Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church on Shelter Island is part craft fair, part baked-good extravaganza. Grab a plastic bag and fill it with the broad assortment of ever-lovin’ from the oven goodies made by Islanders and then much on them while you peruse the handmade crafts of talented local folks, like wool maven Phyllis Power’s knits and custom, intricate furniture and jewelry boxes from Sean Brewer’s West Neck Woodworking.
Havens Holiday Market, Shelter Island History Museum, 16 South Ferry Road, Shelter Island; Saturday, Nov. 29, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Havens Holiday Market on the grounds of the Shelter Island History Museum is shaping up to be a super fun (and delicious!) event this weekend. You can stock up on culinary delicacies, like the mushrooms from Mattituck Mushrooms, Eel Town oysters and Lamora salsas along with unique gifties from local artisans and authors. Bring your guitar (or instrument of choice) to the open jam with Penny and John Kerr, listen to originals and covers from duo Tom & Lisa and get in the holiday spirit.
Winter Welcome Day & Holiday Market, 279 Montauk Highway, Water Mill; Saturday, Dec. 6, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Nothing like a cutting-edge art museum to bring the goods for gift giving. If you’ve ever perused the excellent gift shop at the Parrish Art Museum, then you know they’ve got an eye for carefully curated, thoroughly delightful items. At their annual Winter Welcome Day & Holiday Market, expect this and more, with dozens of vendors selected as only the Parrish can.
By-Hand Artist & Artisan Holiday Market, 780 Springs Fireplace Road, East Hampton; Saturday, Dec. 13 and Sunday, Dec. 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Head to Ashawagh Hall for this hyper-local showcase of unique, handmade gifts for everyone on your list with wares from craftspeople working in a multitude of mediums, from fused glass and felted wool bags, to original jewelry, wood crafts and handmade knits. Admission is free and refreshments will be served.
Holiday Market at Santa Fest, 86 Main St., East Hampton; Saturday, Dec. 6, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Santa’s annual helicopter-drop arrival is always a big to-do, but the market here is a must. Not only is it choc-a-bloc with artisan crafts created by local makers, you can even get your gifts wrapped by the venerable Ladies Village Improvement Society. Also on hand: hot cider, goodies to nibble on, the gingerbread house competition and Santa’s parade!
Magic of Montauk Holiday Fair 742 Montauk Highway, Montauk; Saturday, Dec. 13 and Sunday, Dec. 14, 1 to 6 p.m.
Head to the Montauk Green for this super fun holiday gift-giving extravaganza with a sweet twist. The annual hot cocoa contest pits local restaurants and purveyors in a contest to see who can make the most delicious hot chocolate. Grab a mug for and sample them all to decide, while you follow the lighted trail lined with vendors selling a mix of items made both locally and from afar, from bourbon and honey to clothes, candles and holiday ornaments. There’s fun for the kids (live reindeer!), food trucks, beer and wine, live music and even, if you’re a good, a possible visit from ol’ Santa himself.
