Discover local gifts you won’t find anywhere else – That’s CNY

If you’re stumped when it comes to finding something special for the people on your holiday shopping list, don’t worry. Artisans and makers in Central New York host holiday markets featuring handmade products, seasonal flavors, live music, and more.

Here’s a roundup of vendor fairs that offer gifting options and experiences that go beyond anything you’ll find in the big box stores – all with lots of fun.

The Syracuse Art District’s Holiday Open Studios

This Saturday, more than 60 artists are taking part in an open day, giving visitors a closer look at their creative process. With works on display including paintings, ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, fashion and woodwork, the market offers original creations to give as gifts as well as live demonstrations. Phokouttahere’s “mainly Vietnamese” food truck, stationed at Delavan, will serve the crowd from noon to 4 p.m. The ticket proceeds will benefit the further development of the Lipe Art Park.

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat., Dec. 7
WHERE: Delavan Studios, 509 W. Fayette St., and The Gear Factory, 200 S. Geddes St., Syracuse
COST: Tickets are $5 in advance or at the door and include access to both buildings
MORE INFORMATION: Delavan Studios

Open house holiday

Discover unique gifts in a magical, glittering setting at Carol Watson Greenhouse’s Holiday Open House. With creative holiday decor offering inspiration, the event will host local artisans including Farmstead Lavender, Clean Slate Farm, Paul Schantz the Birdhouse Man, Owera Vineyards, Sallie Thompson Ceramics, Lynn Schantz Quilts, Heavenly Glass, Rosenco on Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon Permanent jewelry. Home-baked cookies and Wassail Punch provide an extra dose of happiness.

WHEN: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat. Dec. 14 and Sun. Dec. 15
WHERE: 2980 Sentinel Heights Rd., LaFayette
COSTS: Participation is free
MORE INFORMATION: Carol Watson Greenhouse

Prison City Holiday Market

Bring the whole family to Prison City Brewing’s Christmas Market. This event features more than 40 artists from across New York State, live music and entertainment, vacation photos, face painting, and pony and donkey petting on Saturday and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus and Newfoundland dogs on Sunday. In addition to the brewery’s drinks, food from Prison City, Bearded Bear BBQ and German Christmas Truck will be available.

WHEN: 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sat. December 7th and 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sun. December 8th.
WHERE: 251 North St., Auburn
COSTS: Participation is free
MORE INFORMATION: Prison City Brewing

Art market

At Art Mart you’ll find items from more than 30 local artisans offering jewelry, watercolors, oil paintings, ceramics, pottery, woodwork, glasswork, textiles, photography and more. The non-profit organization Syracuse Allied Arts has hosted the gallery since 1954, which can be found at various locations throughout downtown Syracuse. Now in its 69th year (there was no exhibition in 2020), Art Mart is located near The MOST – a convenient stop after a long day at the museum with the kids.

WHEN: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Saturday until December 24th
WHERE: 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse
COSTS: Participation is free
MORE INFORMATION: Art Mart

Harvey’s Garden Holiday Market

Harvey’s Garden invites visitors to its second Christmas Market, where 15 local vendors will display arts, crafts and products on the second floor of the Beer Hall. Live music and Christmas drink specials make this event even merrier. Toss & Fire Pizza is open until 9 p.m. and musician Dan Frawley starts at 6 p.m

WHEN: 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sat. Dec. 7th
WHERE: 1200 E. Water St., Syracuse
COSTS: Participation is free
MORE INFORMATION: Harvey’s Garden

Holiday market

Meier’s Creek Brewing Company and Michelle DaRin Jewelry are hosting a holiday market with live music, food and drinks including fresh seasonal beers, and festive cheer. Discover handmade items from vendors like Kaleena Scuteri, Farm Girl Juicery, Valenti Studios, Horton Daniel Furnishings, What the Fudge, Farmstead 1868, Decaf Candles, Stay Golden Soy, Bloom & Vine, Dude’s Delights Macarons, Live Wild Adornments and many more.

WHEN: 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Sat. Dec. 7
WHERE: 33 Rippleton Rd., Cazenovia
COSTS: Participation is free
MORE INFORMATION: Meier’s Creek Brewing Company

Plowshare Craft Fair and Peace Festival

This multicultural event features more than 120 vendors and, according to its website, brings together “conscientious consumers and fair traders for a weekend of commerce and communication.” Plowshares offers shoppers a more sustainable way to purchase clothing, metalwork, fiber arts, photography and more while supporting local artisans and organizations. A new live artist takes the stage every hour, while several tempting items are auctioned off in the silent auction. Ji-Woo’s Korean Seoul Food and Oompa Loompya’s food trucks will be on site and in keeping with tradition, all available dishes will be vegetarian or vegan; Coffee, tea, horchata and atole are available for sale at the workers’ center.

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat. Dec. 7 and 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sun. Dec. 8
WHERE: Nottingham High School, 3100 E. Genesee St., Syracuse
COST: Tickets range from $2 to $5 and are free for children under 16 and over 65
MORE INFORMATION: Syracuse Peace Council

Stay Fresh Artist Series: The Secret Santa Show

Find something truly unique at the Stay Fresh Artist Series Secret Santa Show. The event will feature 30 local artists including Thomas Ward III, Tommy Lincoln, Kyle Proia, Randy Hadzor, Jaleel Campbell, Kate Palermo, Andy Orr, Iris Williams, Carrie Valenzuela, Manny Matias, Fick Neeley, Sarah Tietje-Mietz and many more. Each artist chose the name of another participating artist and was tasked with creating a portrait of that person in their own artistic style; The artists won’t find out who their secret Santa was until opening night.

WHEN: Opening Reception: 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Sat. Dec. 7. The show can be seen until December 22nd from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m
WHERE: 108 Wyoming Street, Syracuse
COST: An art or music donation to benefit Arts Project Syracuse (TAPS)
MORE INFORMATION: Stay Fresh Design

St. Elias Holiday Bazaar

St. Elias is hosting its fourth annual Christmas Bazaar featuring local artists, entrepreneurs and more. Browse handmade soaps, candles and jewelry, home decor, embroidered goods, local honey, wines and other items from more than 20 vendors. Enjoy henna art and a lunch or dinner of homemade Middle Eastern dishes, including tabbouleh salad, kabab sandwich, and pistachio ghraybeh.

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat. Dec. 7 and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sun. Dec. 8
WHERE: 4988 Onondaga Rd., Syracuse
COSTS: Participation is free
MORE INFORMATION: St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Church

The Crazy Daisies Flowers & Garden Café Winter Art Market

This greenhouse holiday market features live music and specialty drinks, as well as more than 40 vendors across New York State selling pottery, jewelry, clothing, pendulum readings, paintings and plants. Visitors can sample fresh, local fare at Crazy’s Garden Café, including pizzas, small plates, desserts, New York beer, wine and craft cocktails. Participation is free, but donations of canned goods to the local pantry are welcome.

WHEN: 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sat. Dec. 7
WHERE: 4693 Kasson Rd., Syracuse
COSTS: Participation is free
MORE INFORMATION: Crazy Daisies