By Boulder County Farmers Markets

You may have noticed holiday decorations popping up in stores — all before Halloween, of course. We are jumping on that trend and getting excited about December months in advance, all because of our annual Winter Market! We hope you can join us on Saturday, Dec. 7, and Sunday, Dec. 8, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. for our most festive market of the year. Held at the Boulder County Fairgrounds, each year this event brings together over 150 local farmers, ranchers, food producers and artisans to create a local-only holiday shopping experience that champions small businesses.

The question we get most often is: what local food is available in the winter? At Winter Market, you can expect to find an abundance of storage crops from your favorite local farms and orchards, along with fresh produce like hothouse tomatoes. Winter squash, carrots, radishes, potatoes, onions and apples are just a few of the things to expect, plus year-round favorites like microgreens and mushrooms.

In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, shop from an assortment of locally produced packaged goods, dairy products and meat. Treat yourself to a premium cut of wagyu beef from Boulder Better Wagyu. Owned and operated by lifelong Coloradan Dan Murphy, this ranch utilizes sustainable practices, feeds their animals hay that they grow themselves and offers their products at much lower than the industry standard for this high-quality beef. Pick your favorite cut and make a delicious local meal this holiday season.

Not only can you stock up on local ingredients at the Winter Market, but you can also stick around for a warm drink or hearty lunch in our food court with some of your market favorites. If you typically shop at only one of our three markets, this is a great chance to taste what vendors from the other markets have to offer. For example, Boulder Farmers Market regulars may not have gotten the chance to indulge in a steaming cup of coffee from Faire Isle Coffee Co. This husband and wife duo based in Longmont roast their own beans fresh weekly. Popular at the Longmont Farmers Market for keeping everyone warm and caffeinated on cool mornings, they often have a special seasonal syrup like carrot cake lattes made with local carrots or peach syrup made with Western Slope peaches. Don’t miss out on what seasonal flavors they will be bringing to the Winter Market!

Once your stomach is full, jump back in and do some holiday shopping from the 60-plus artisan vendors that will be at Winter Market this year. You’ll find clothing, jewelry and cards, as well as unique items like plant pots from House Americana. This mother-daughter pair put their love of gardening and entrepreneurship together to create planters that double as art pieces. Each piece is handcrafted in Westminster and made only with elements from the earth. Check out their work and grab a unique gift for the plant lover in your life.

Many of our vendors rely on the Boulder and Longmont Farmers Markets to keep their businesses afloat. Your support at the Winter Market allows them to breathe a little easier over the winter months as business inevitably slows down. Think of it as a way to celebrate the hard work of your favorite market vendors before they take a well-deserved break. We can’t wait to fill our tote bags and stomachs with local goodies on the first full weekend in December.

The annual Winter Market will take place on December 7-8 at the Boulder County Fairgrounds from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. All are welcome to join this free, family friendly event!