UPDATE: Local holiday markets are set to open across the Front Range, offering a unique shopping experience just in time for the festive season. The Boulder County Farmers Markets Winter Market will take place on Dec. 6-7, 2025, featuring over 150 local farmers and artisans at the Boulder County Fairgrounds in Longmont.
This is not just another shopping event; it’s a vibrant gathering where shoppers can connect directly with the makers of their gifts. Vendors will present handcrafted items, fresh produce, and artisan foods—all made with care and intention. According to Liz Thomas, senior markets manager for Boulder County Farmers Markets, “Every farmer, food producer, and artisan is making what they’re selling.” This commitment to local sourcing means shoppers can feel good about their purchases while supporting small businesses in Colorado.
The Winter Market will transform the fairgrounds into a bustling indoor bazaar from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both days. Highlights include a tractor photo booth, an ugly sweater contest, scavenger hunts, and an outdoor food court with live music. “It’s a moment for vendors and shoppers alike to pause before the long winter,” Thomas added, reminding us that local still matters in an age dominated by online shopping.
In addition to the Winter Market, the Niwot Holiday Native Art Market is set for Nov. 30, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Niwot Hall. This one-day event will showcase 15 Indigenous artists from across the Front Range, offering traditional and contemporary works. Organizer Tom Myer noted the growing community support for Indigenous artists, saying, “People really want to support the Native community.”
This market is part of a broader initiative to connect local audiences with Indigenous culture, featuring everything from jewelry and pottery to digital art. Myer emphasizes the importance of supporting local creators: “The heart of business along the Front Range is small business.”
As holiday markets begin to spring up this weekend, shoppers are encouraged to skip the big-box stores and embrace the personal touch of local artisans. From Longmont to Niwot and Boulder, opportunities abound to find unique gifts that tell a story, rather than just filling a cart with anonymous items.
In Boulder, several other markets are also on the calendar, including the Boulder Mountain Handmade Market on Nov. 8-9, and the Firefly Handmade Holiday Market occurring on Nov. 15-16. Each event promises a delightful mix of local crafts, live music, and family-friendly activities.
Shoppers are reminded that the best gifts are often those hand-picked with love, rather than mass-produced. With the local economy thriving, there has never been a better time to explore the unique offerings at these upcoming holiday markets.
Stay tuned for more updates as these festive events unfold, and mark your calendars to shop local this holiday season!
