Submitted by Kristy Benson-Amarante
(November 18, 2024) — We all hear, read and share plenty of memes about shopping small, shopping locally and supporting small businesses, especially at this time of year. Read on for how, when and where you can shop from more than fifty small businesses from around town and around Connecticut – all handmade, all hand-crafted, all talented artisans – all under one roof. It doesn’t get any easier than this to shop small!
The town’s holiday market, lovingly renamed the Higganum Yuletide Marketplace, is set to return this year under different leadership. Kristy Benson-Amarante, former Higganum Farmers Market Manager and owner of Bittersweet Farm, a Tea Company, has teamed up with the originator of this market, Janet Verney, owner of Janet’s Fashion Flips. Together, they are thrilled to announce that there will be more than fifty unique, hand-crafted vendors to shop from!
As you wander the hallways of the former Haddam Elementary School, you’ll find soaps, lotions, candy, chocolates, baked goods, hand-crafted wood items, jewelry, upcycled fashion, wall art, crocheted hats and scarves, granola, sea glass art, three-foot gnomes, garden art, candles, tea, infused honey, homemade marshmallows, jam, stuffed critters, dog treats, live wreaths and arrangements, wooden signs, freeze dried candy, wall hangings, stickers, hot cocoa bombs… the list is endless! Back by popular demand, we have a room dedicated entirely to vintage items as well!
This season, Kristy is thrilled to announce that the market will be making a donation to the Haddam Food and Fuel bank, of more than $3000! The market also will be a spot to bring non-perishable food and unwrapped toys, which will be turned over to HKYFS and the Food Bank.
Stay tuned for more information on a special event, Santa’s Village, on December 13, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Cafe Laurel will be selling their fabulous gourmet food, and many town groups will be set up to offer different crafts, games, and items for the whole family to enjoy together. String old-fashioned popcorn and cranberries, make an ornament to take home, decorate a cookie, grab a cup of hot cocoa or hot tea, and visit Santa. Blue Fire Stage Company will be providing families and shoppers with live Christmas carols throughout the night. Meet your neighbors, bring your friends, and spend the evening with us! Follow the market on Facebook at Higganum Yuletide Marketplace to stay up to date.
Market Information
November 22, 2024 to December 15, 2024
Fridays: Noon to 7:00 p.m./Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m./Sundays: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Black Friday Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Special Event: December 13, 2024, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., during market hours.
Main Entrance: Double Doors (closest to new playground)
Cash and Credit Cards Accepted
