This content originally appeared on our Weekend Inspiration newsletter, mailed on 12/6/24. Want to get news like this, straight to your inbox? Sign up for the Escape Club, where upgraded paid membership also gets you exclusive discounts on Upstate getaways you won’t find anywhere else.
Howdy, and happy Friday!
I’m currently writing this while drinking gingerbread coffee and watching the snow fall in Kingston, NY. Last night, we had our first snowstorm of the season (winter tends to arrive a few weeks later here than at the EB headquarters in Livingston Manor) – just in time for the holiday festivities to really set in.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: winter is the *best* season Upstate, and there is so much to do this time of year!
We’ve done a lot of talking about skiing in the Catskills lately (check out our Guide to Upstate NY Skiing if you haven’t yet), but if the slopes aren’t for you, Upstate Decembers are still magical. Holiday festivals are in full swing, independent movie theaters are screening seasonal favorites, fireplaces are roaring at some of our favorite winter getaways, and holiday markets are popping up throughout the region.
If you enjoy shopping small during the holidays, markets are a fool-proof way to find something for everyone on your list. This week, we’re sharing some winter markets on our radar. Keep them in mind if you’re planning to shop small (and local) this holiday season!
Enjoy, and stay warm!
– Hannah + The EB Team
Holiday Market at the Cannonball Factory in Hudson, NY
Hosted at the Cannonball Factory (a historic industrial warehouse built in 1871), the Hudson Pop-Up Holiday Market features artisanal food, handcrafted jewelry, vintage clothes, ceramics, pottery, and more. After a morning at the market and a warm fireside drink, head into town to enjoy the many shops, restaurants, and bars in Hudson – and if you’re hoping to spend a full weekend in the area, check out our EB Guide to Hudson for some extra inspiration.
Very Merry Manor in Livingston Manor, NY
Saturday December 7, this festive town-wide celebration includes a holiday market inside the incredible Catskill Art Space from 11-4, free gift wrap station, wreaths and festive decor at Corners, and a free tote bag to those who spend $75 or more – which should be very easy. The whole town gets down for this, and there’s plenty of goodies along the way like Sunshine Colony for wine, hot cocoa and cookies from 11-4, plus their AM-shift coffee service c/o Material Index. At 5 pm, a tree lighting happening in the town center rounds out a festive day.
Twin Star Orchards’ Holiday Market in New Paltz, NY
Showcasing over 65 rotating local artists, Twin Star Orchards’ Holiday Market is a must-see for those looking to indulge in all things holiday, every weekend through December 22nd. As mentioned in our Upstate Cideries newsletter, Twin Star Orchards is home to a variety of outstanding hard ciders, meaning you can shop around while enjoying a drink (or two). Bonus: right now, they also have fresh apple cider doughnuts available all month long to add extra cozy vibes to the market.
Phoenicia Flea + The Parcel in Cold Spring, NY
Here at Escape Brooklyn, we’re big fans of Phoenicia Flea – so when they pop up in the mid-Hudson Valley, we *have* to let our daytrippers know. If you’ve been itching to escape the city for a day, catch the MetroNorth from Grand Central to Cold Spring for one of Phoenicia Flea’s many holiday markets, hosted at The Parcel Flower Co. Spend the first few hours of your day here, then head into Cold Spring for more shopping, eating, and drinking (check out the EB Guide to Cold Spring for our recs.)
Black Barn Winter Market in Millerton, NY
On the east side of the Hudson River in Dutchess County, Millerton, NY is home to Black Barn Market. After a highly celebrated inaugural year, the Winter Market is returning to bring artisanal food, handmade goods, warm drinks, and festive vibes to the community on December 7th and 8th from 10-4. Check out our Guide to Troutbeck and Northeastern Dutchess County if you’re looking to make a weekend out of it; Troutbeck is just 15 minutes from Black Barn.
The Fuller Market in Kingston, NY
For a holiday market run by local makers, look no further than The Fuller Market in Kingston, NY. Vendors span from individual artists and creators to local businesses and farmstands, all housed in the Fuller Building in Midtown Kingston. If you end up feeling extra festive after a day of holiday shopping, plan on taking the two-minute walk to UPAC for the Catskill Ballet Theatre’s performance of The Nutcracker (and make a reservation at Eliza for your pre-show dinner).
A Festive Flea and Fête in Catskill, NY
This year, the first ever Flea & Fête (brought to you by the artists behind Phoenicia Flea) is bringing an eclectic holiday market to Foreland – a collection of three recently renovated historic buildings in the heart of Catskill, NY. Expect festive, boozy fun featuring vintage goods, art, textiles, food, and tattoo pop-ups. Flea & Fête also aligns with the Winter Solstice, which is celebrated in Catskill with an evening festival on Main Street.
