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.

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. Click here for dates.

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.   Click here for more info and to purchase tickets.(check link for any updates on rates or dates.)

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 [email protected] and provide your mailing address and I will mail it to you for free in advance of your arrival.

Happy Holidays to you and yours from Maria and Santa Fe Selection Travel Guide!