If you missed the big summer markets it’s good to know you can plan your visit for the holiday season and still catch a few big winter markets in Santa Fe. There are plenty of opportunities to buy wonderful, unique gifts of Native art, folk art and local artisanal works in November and December.
The Santa Fe Artists Market is the longest running, highly popular arts market. It happens every Saturday morning from March through December, so if you’re here for the holidays, you can always find unique gifts for friends and family. It is located at The Railyard alongside the railroad tracks, just past the water tower. You can easily spot their white tents offering beautiful works of all varieties from local juried artists and artisans. Visitors and locals enjoy Santa Fe’s best in pottery, jewelry, paintings, photography, sculpture, furniture, textiles and more.
Santa Fe Artists Market at the Railyard just north of the Water Tower
A recent and welcome addition to the winter market scene is the Holiday Folk Art Market presented by the International Folk Art Alliance. These are the folks responsible for the very popular summertime International Folk Art Market. Now, just before the holidays, you have a winter-season opportunity to purchase unique folk art from around the world, including jewelry, pottery, textiles and much more. The week before Thanksgiving is when they usually have a five-day market and also offer various workshops taught by visiting artisans from around the world. Admission is free and the market is held at their main store location at 620 Cerrillos Road. In 2019 it is happening the week before Thanksgiving Tuesday through Saturday. Click here for dates.
A variety of baskets at IFAM
For the past three years, Poeh Cultural Center has hosted a wonderful Native Winter Market that showcases as many as 50 Native artists. They also feature Native Dances, local food, artist demonstrations, and a Kids’ Corner activity area, including photos with Santa. Admission is free, and the dates are usually the first weekend in December.
Poeh Winter Market is an ideal place to find the perfect gifts, both large and small, and ornaments for the Holidays.
Everyone knows about the summer SWAIA Indian Market held every August on and around the Plaza, but not everyone is aware of the more recent addition of the SWAIA Winter Indian Market. Held at the historic La Fonda Hotel, there are as many as 150 Native American artists presenting beautiful works just in time for the holidays. It is held during a weekend, usually around mid-December. This year the dates are Saturday December 14th, 9am – 5pm, and Sunday December 15th, 10am – 3pm. There is an admission fee of $10 for a one day pass, or $15 for both days. Admission for children age 12 is free. Click here for more info and to purchase tickets.(check link for any updates on rates or dates.)
The Winter Indian Market is held in conference rooms at La Fonda.
If you are planning your visit to Santa Fe please click here for my curated list of where to shop, and dine, for unique things to do and more. For my top lodging recommendations click here to book direct and save with special lodging discounts for Santa Fe Selection guests. If you’re located in the U.S or Canada, and you’d like to receive my free Mini Guide Map containing three helpful, easy-reference maps of Santa Fe and surrounding areas with suggestions on where to eat, and shop and things to do, please email me at maria@santafeselection.com and provide your mailing address and I will mail it to you for free in advance of your arrival.
A pink sunset reflection on the snow covered Sangre de Cristo Mountains
Happy Holidays to you and yours from Maria and Santa Fe Selection Travel Guide!