Copyright Boulder Daily Camera
He was a shopper of singular efficiency, a cursor-clicking man, relentless in his pursuit of deals, unbothered by ethics or origin. Cold algorithms whispered into his ears like spirits of industry past, present and yet-to-ship. With a face bathed in bluelight and hands warmed by a trackpad, he surveyed the great digital emporiums: Bezos Bazaar, the House of Walmart, the Temples of Target and found them good enough. No softness touched him as he added the air fryer, the unsolicited robotic wine opener and the multi-pack of novelty socks to his cart. He knew not where they came from, nor who had made them, nor whether they were even desired. There was no handshake in this marketplace, no neighbor’s smile, no scent of cinnamon or wool or pine. Only cardboard. Only tape. Only tracking numbers. Don’t be like modern Ebenezer Scrooge, circa 2025. Instead, strive to be the shopper at markets where the goods are not churned from invisible machines, but coaxed into life by neighbors and friends, shaped by hands still dusted with flour, clay or soil. Shop at a local winter market in Boulder County this year for those on your gift list. It’s at these local markets where gifts are handed across wooden tables and wrapped in real cheer and true stories. Here, you may find a ring forged by an artist, an apple plucked just before frost and a jar of jam sealed with intention. Here, you may look the maker in the eye with a thankful twinkle and say, “This beautifully whittled crutch made of cottonwood will be perfect for my co-worker’s tiny son, Tim.” This season, shop local. From Longmont to Niwot to Boulder and back again, there are plenty of opportunities to skip the algorithm and do it the old-fashioned way. Take the Winter Market, for example. In early December, Boulder County Farmers Markets is ready for its final hurrah: a two-day indoor bazaar from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 6-7 at the Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Road, Longmont, that brings together more than 150 local farmers and artisans for one last weekend of the year. “It’s our mix of food vendors, producers and artists, all together under one roof,” said Liz Thomas, senior markets manager for Boulder County Farmers Markets. “Every farmer, food producer, and artisan is making what they’re selling.” Thomas said that Boulder County Farmers Markets (BCFM) operates with a strict “producer-only” model, meaning that every farmer, rancher, baker and artist sells only what they make themselves. “No one’s bringing in something from Texas and reselling it,” she said. “These are Colorado makers and Colorado growers.” The resulting Winter Market is a glorious, massive indoor bazaar featuring local farmers and legitimate artisans who fill bins with potatoes and squash alongside jars of honey and rows of dried flower bouquets. Fresh greens from late-season growers share space with hand-loomed scarves, handmade ornaments, leather goods and preserves. Inside, there’s plenty of whimsy: a tractor photo booth, an ugly sweater contest (voting is encouraged) and a scavenger hunt with prizes for those who spot the hidden tags. And outside, there’s an outdoor food court with patio heaters and live music. Thomas described the event as a combination of a farmers market and family gathering — a moment for vendors and shoppers alike to pause before the long winter. It’s also a reminder that in an age of same-day shipping, local still matters. Here, gifts are made, not mass-produced, and the transaction still includes eye contact. While BCFM’s Winter Market highlights Boulder County’s agricultural roots, the Niwot Holiday Native Art Market celebrates its Indigenous — and creative — people. The one-day event, returning from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 30 to Niwot Hall, 195 2nd Ave., Niwot, features 15 Indigenous artists from across the Front Range and is hosted by Thunder Wolf Native Arts & Culture, a nonprofit founded by artist and organizer Tom Myer. Myer said they had an inaugural market in March, then another one in June, both in Niwot. “We had such a great response from the folks in Niwot,” Myer said. “They really want to support the Native community.” This upcoming holiday edition of the market will include both traditional and contemporary works — from jewelry and beadwork to pottery, weaving, paintings, and digital art. “People love that traditional Native American work,” Myer said. “The beaded earrings, the baskets, the pottery. It’s always a good look.” For Myer, the event is part of a larger effort to connect Indigenous artists with local audiences and build lasting support systems. “The heart of business along the Front Range is small business,” he said. “It feels so much better to give our money to our local people.” Through Thunder Wolf, Myer also supports Native language revitalization programs, youth summer camps and guest speakers who share Indigenous culture and history across the state. “People really want to know more, to support and to understand the history of this area,” he said. “It’s all part of the story of Colorado.” So maybe the big-box world has perfected convenience, but in Boulder County, the season feels near and dear. From Longmont’s fairgrounds to Niwot’s town hall, holiday shopping looks less like clicking a button and more like shaking a hand: A reminder that the best gifts aren’t tracked, shipped, or shrink-wrapped, but hand-picked (and hand-made) with love. Holiday markets Here are some local markets, bazaars, fairs, pop-ups, emporiums and craftstravaganzas across the Front Range. Boulder Boulder Mountain Handmade market: Boulder Mountain Handmade is ringing in its 49th event this year, a market that is also a key fundraiser for the Boulder Mountain Fire District. This year’s fundraiser will feature 55 artisans selling wares, including visual artists, woodworkers, potters, jewelers and fiber artists. The event’s attractions for kids include fire engine tours, a make-and-take art project and live performances each day by young musicians (Boulder Suzuki Strings) and dancers (Kinesis Dance); 10 a.m. Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 8-9, Boulder Elks Lodge, 3975 28th St., Boulder; bouldermountainhandmade.com. Firefly Handmade Holiday: Firefly artisans will fill the blocks of Pearl Street Mall, featuring the best of local craft, art and design from more than 80 area makers. Over the two days, there will be live music from Strings and the Box, Matt Flaherty Band, Earth to Aaron and Daniella Katzir Band; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15-16, Pearl Street Pedestrian Mall, 1325 Pearl St., Boulder; fireflyhandmade.com/boulder-holiday-market. Junkyard Holiday Art Market: Peruse tons of artists and enjoy music, festive warm holiday drinks and tasty snacks. Explore a vibrant collection of handmade treasures, local art and one-of-a-kind creations by talented artists and makers from the community. From handcrafted jewelry, toys, ceramics and textiles to prints, junk-art sculptures and more, there’s something for everyone; noon Saturday, Nov. 29, Junkyard Social Club, 2525 Frontier Ave., Unit A, Boulder; junkyardsocialclub.org/drop-in-event/junkyard-holiday-art-market. Artastic Holiday Market: This holiday market features unique hand-crafted treasures from local artists and crafters. Enjoy the festive atmosphere while purchasing baked goods, locally made gifts from more than 50 vendors and supporting the community while listening to live holiday music. A portion of sales funds the school’s arts programming; 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 5, Horizons K-8, 4545 Sioux Drive, Boulder; tinyurl.com/7j9dx6s2. Holiday Artisan Market & Festival of Light: This annual market runs each day throughout the Festival of Light, offering a light-filled holiday shopping atmosphere with live music, family-friendly activities and holiday nibbles. It features homemade items from community artists, including paintings, woodblock prints, pottery, beeswax candles, natural skin care products and other peace-filled gifts; 9 a.m. Friday-Sunday, Dec. 5-7, Eldorado Yoga Ashram, 2875 County Road 67, Boulder; free; eldoradoyoga.org. NoBo Holiday Market: From handmade art and home décor to cozy textiles and crochet animals, there’s something for everyone. Grab fresh coffee and homemade treats from Emory Jane’s Coffee Truck; noon Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 6-7, Scribble Art Workshop, 2299 Pearl St., Unit 4, Boulder; noboartdistrict.org. The Studio Holiday Market: Sip, shop and celebrate the season with local artists, artisans and complimentary drinks from Cocktail Caravan; 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, The Studio, 3550 Frontier Ave., Boulder, eventbrite.com. Winterfest at Chautauqua: Create unforgettable memories at Winterfest, Chautauqua’s annual holiday celebration. Enjoy festive food and drinks, live music, horse-drawn carriage rides and a variety of family-friendly activities; Friday-Saturday, Dec. 12-13, Chautauqua Park, 900 Baseline Road, Boulder; $27-$36; chautauqua.com. Holiday Sale: Find the perfect gift at the Groundworks Art Lab Holiday sale. Every item is handmade by local artists from our talented teaching staff. A wide selection of tableware, décor and service pieces will be for sale; 10 a.m. Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 13-14, Groundworks Art Lab, 3750 Canfield St., Boulder; groundworksartlab.org/holiday-sale. Boulder Holiday Gift Festival: The annual Boulder Holiday Gift Festival is Boulder’s biggest and best holiday shopping extravaganza. The festival is a great place to find the perfect gift from over 100 amazing local exhibitors. Enjoy a free concert starting at noon; 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, Boulder YMCA, 2850 Mapleton Ave., Boulder; coloradoevents.org/boulder-holiday-gift-festival. Longmont Mollie McGee’s Holiday Craft Market: Shop over 150 booths with unique, handmade artisan crafts. Mollie McGee’s has been hosting curated craft fairs around Colorado for 40 years; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 15-16, Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Road, Longmont; $5-$12; molliemcgees.com. Farmers Market Winter Market: This is the Boulder County Farmers Markets most festive market of the season. The annual Winter Market brings together 150 local farmers, ranchers, food producers and artisans to create a local-only holiday shopping experience that champions small businesses; 9 a.m. Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 6-7, Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Road, Longmont; bcfm.org/winter-market-2. Handcrafted Holiday Market: Held annually, the market brings together local vendors to create a unique holiday shopping experience that champions small businesses; 10 a.m. Dec. 13-14, Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Road, Barn A, Longmont; longmontartisanmarket.com. Last Chance Gift Fest: The Last Chance Gift Fest is an annual holiday shopping extravaganza for last-minute shoppers. Find the perfect gift at this colossal sale, featuring a vast assortment of art, crafts, toys, home decor, delicious food, unique items and much more; 10 a.m. Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 20-21, Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Road, Exhibit Hall, Longmont; coloradoevents.org/last-chance-gift-fest. Niwot Niwot Native Art Market: Skip the mall and enjoy a vibrant showcase of Native-made art, stunning jewelry and unique cultural items. Support independent Indigenous artists and find a truly special gift that tells a story; 11 a.m. Sunday, Niwot Hall, 195 Second Ave., Niwot; thunderwolfnative.com. Holiday Market: Shop from a variety of holiday pop-up vendors located at the Grange and businesses all over town. There will be festive food and drink, kids’ crafts, a meet-and-greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus and more; 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, The Grange, 195 Second Ave., Niwot; niwot.com/niwot-holiday-market. Lafayette Holiday on the Plaza: Enjoy a visit and photos with Santa, live carolers, artisan vendors and the annual tree lighting. Bring the whole family for an afternoon of festive fun, holiday treats and small-town cheer in the heart of Lafayette; 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, Festival Plaza, 311 S. Public Road, Lafayette; tinyurl.com/yx2erzsm. Loveland Festival of Lights: A hometown tradition, Festival of Lights signature event draws local crowds into downtown Loveland for the debut of holiday lighting along Fourth Street. Celebrate the holiday season with live music and entertainment, a tree lighting ceremony, holiday market, carriage rides, Santa and more; 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, Downtown Loveland, Fourth Street, Loveland; downtownloveland.org/festivaloflights. Holiday Festival: Enjoy new artisans, handmade works of art, holiday decor and gifts, fabulous fashions, craft food creations and more; 4:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Nov. 21-23, The Ranch Events Complex, 5280 Arena Circle, Loveland; $8; tinyurl.com/y2p3awky. Rocky Mountain Train Show: The Rocky Mountain train show is heading back to Loveland over Thanksgiving weekend. The show has 200 sales tables and more than 10-15 operating layouts. Kids ages 12 and under get in free; 9 a.m. Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 29-30, The Ranch Events Complex, 5280 Arena Circle, Loveland; $10; rockymountaintrainshow.com. Broomfield Jingle Bell Market Craft Fair: The annual Jingle Bell Market Craft Fair features multiple rooms filled with local crafters from Colorado; 8 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, Broomfield Community Center, 280 Spader Way, Broomfield; broomfield.org/617/Jingle-Bell-Market-Craft-Fair. Denver
