This time of year is filled with holiday cheer, sparkling lights and tons of shopping, of course! Shop local this holiday season for handcrafted goods from local makers at festive holiday markets. Not only are these markets stocked with unique gifts, but they are a great way to support Albany County's small businesses, museums and local heritage sites. Make plans to shop local at one of the following seasonal markets this holiday season!
Shaker Heritage Holiday Market
Handcrafted holiday cheer awaits at the Shaker Heritage Holiday Market! Held in the historic 1848 Meeting House at Shaker Heritage Society, the holiday market features one-of-a-kind gifts from regional artisans. Find a variety of handmade ornaments, pottery, jams, soaps, jewelry, artisan foods and more. The holiday market is open until December 18 on Tuesdays to Sundays from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Cohoes Holiday Market
Add the inaugural Cohoes Holiday Market, held on weekends from November 26 to December 23, to your holiday plans. Modeled after German holiday markets, the Cohoes Holiday Market will feature a handful vendors in wooden huts in Canal Square Park, Silliman Park and a new public space at the corner of White and Remsen streets. Plus, the city of Cohoes will be dressed in holiday style with festive decorations in parks, storefronts and along the streets.
Annual Italian Christmas Market
Visit the American Italian Heritage Museum & Cultural Center for the annual Italian Christmas Market on December 2 to December 4. The exhibit rooms are transformed into festive marketplaces featuring traditional Italian products. Purchase gifts such as Italian language greeting cards, hand-crafted ceppi (Italian Christmas trees), Buon Natale ornaments and more! The museum's spectacular room-sized Italian Nativity Special Exhibit, created by local artist Joseph Anastasio, will also be back on display in the Special Exhibit room.
Gifted: Winter Market
Albany Barn is hosting the Gifted: Winter Market on the evening of December 2. From 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, there will be open studios, shopping from local vendors and live music. Take advantage of the gift wrapping services or try your hand at cookie decorating. Inspired by the creativity? Sign up for classes held on December 3 with painter Lexi Hannah, sculptor Royal Brown, and musician Jordan Taylor Hill.
Photo provided by the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District
The Holiday Market at The Kenmore Ballroom
The Downtown Albany BID is teaming up with The Kenmore Ballroom for a holiday market on December 3. Find the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday shopping list from local artisans, markers, artists and small businesses. If you have not had a chance to admire the stunning Kenmore Ballroom in-person yet, this is the perfect opportunity to admire the venue while shopping small. The market from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM is free to enter.
Irish American Heritage Museum's Annual Christmas Market
The Irish American Heritage Museum's annual Christmas Market returns on December 3. Held at Celtic Hall at 430 New Karner Road in Colonie, browse over 25 vendors and enjoy Irish food and entertainment. Listen to live musical performances from Steve and Shannon Grey, Irish Don Kelly, and An Clar School of Irish Dance while shopping for handmade gifts. Plus, there will be the annual visit from Santa Claus!
Photo by Relentless Awareness
Holiday Bazaar
The Visitors Center at John Boyd Thacher State Park is hosting a Holiday Bazaar the first weekend in December. Shop for unique hand-crafted gifts made by local artisans and crafters including jewelry, paintings, art glass, framed nature photographs, soaps and beauty products, pine needle basketry, and more. Listen to live music while shopping and enjoy stunning views of the Helderberg Escarpment. Stop by on December 3 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and December 4 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Lark Hall Winter Market
The historic Lark Hall is hosting a Winter Market at the Washington Park Lake House this holiday season. Stop by on December 10 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM to support small businesses and get some holiday shopping done. In addition to shopping, there will be live music from local musicians. Admission is free.
