Thursday, December 7, 2023

A new local Christmas tradition. Here’s a look at the Williamsburg Christmas Market

Tim Nolan juggling at the Williamsburg Christmas Market (WYDaily/Photo by Gabrielle Rente)

The Williamsburg Christmas Market saw a lot of merry faces this weekend, and on Saturday, WYDaily attended the market to see what vendors and artisans had in store.

Saturday was a rather warm day for it to feel like a winter festival, but the atmosphere was merry and bright. Festive red sheds outlined the perimeter of the square, with fire pits located in the center. The smoke coming from the wood had a rich, sweet smell.

RELATED STORY: The first Williamsburg Christmas Market starts soon. Here’s the skinny

As patrons of the Christmas Market entered the square, vendors from Copper Fox distillery handed out free samples to guests. Masks were required when walking the market, but people could step to the side to sample treats and eat kettle corn from Uncle Dave’s.

Up on the stage, adjacent to the market entrance, a brass quartet played Christmas jingles. Occasionally, a little child would wander over to dance in front of the stage, adjusting their face mask as they swayed to the music.

Inside a vendor booth across from the stage, Nino Galoppo of Nino Rose worked on his porcelain roses. More porcelain flowers sat on a table for display, unpainted, some holding unlit colored candles.

A little ways down the line was a booth for Bees N’ Burg, a natural personal products business owned by Paul Brown.

“I wanted to start making products that are natural for people and their families,” he said.

His booth sold items made from bees waxes, from lip balms to candles. One item he said was very popular was the handmade soap bars with a natural loofah inside for washing and exfoliating.

While families took a lap of the market, Tom Haye watched from his booth in the corner of the market. Dozens of piles of vibrant Peace Frog t-shirts line his shelves. Haye works as a fairs and festivals vendor for Peace Frog.

He said he’s glad to attend the market, especially after the tumultuous year, and hopes his product can extend a little bit of happiness for people.

“These t-shirts bring people joy,” he said, holding up a tie-dye print shirt.

“We can see the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s just a really long tunnel,” he added.

Haye said he usually works Second Sunday as well, but skipped this month so he could attend to his booth at the Christmas Market.

The Williamsburg Christmas Market is located in the P6 parking lot on the corner of Francis and South Boundary Street. The last weekend to enjoy the market is Dec. 18-20, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free.

YOU MIGHT ALSO WANT TO CHECK OUT THESE STORIES:

Related Articles

MORE FROM AUTHOR