The holiday markets here celebrate a long history of handicrafts made on the Outer Cape. Where there were once bayberry candle makers, rug hookers, net weavers, beach plum canners, and candy cookers, now there are potters, chefs, herbalists, leathersmiths, printmakers, floral arrangers, and sculptors. The markets are popular gathering spots for shoppers, but they also create a welcome feeling of community for makers.
“We thought it would be a nice way to bring people out and support local vendors at the same time,” said Kristen Roberts, owner of Truro Vineyards, who started the vineyard’s weekend-after-Thanksgiving artisan market in 2020.
Printmaker Sylvia Tomayko-Peters, who was there showing her work on Dec. 7 and 8, agreed. “As an artist you spend a lot of time on your own,” she said. “At craft fairs, the best part is the human interaction. You’re reminded that you’re part of a big supportive community of makers, customers, and friends.”
The weekend after the vineyard kicked things off, Wellfleet Preservation Hall had some 50 vendors setting up for its Holiday Bazaar & Craft Fair. There, too, the interaction is something artisans appreciate. Artist Charlotte Goldberg was there with her handmade jewelry and miniature dioramas. “Seeing everyone else’s artwork is inspiring,” she said.
In Provincetown, the Canteen has gone all out again this year with its holiday market. This one gives procrastinators a chance: it’s open every weekend until nearly New Year’s — the last day is Dec. 29. Its outdoor beach bar is redecorated for the occasion with an alpine chalet theme, and they’re serving mulled wine, hot toddies, and hot chocolate alongside raclette, sausages, waffles, poutine, grilled pretzels, pierogis, and currywurst.
“I love connecting with people in town, and those visiting, who are interested in supporting handmade art,” said Peter Chao, whose holiday ornaments are framed miniature homages to paintings by artists like Helen Frankenthaler, Robert Motherwell, and Edward Hopper. He was there last weekend, happily braving the cold with other artists and artisans. “It’s such a great community to be a part of, and during the holidays it’s just even more festive and fun,” he said.
Twenty-six local makers sell their work out of beachside wooden huts at the Canteen market, and artisans rotate through during the four weeks, so there’s always new work to see there. Still ahead, 18 craftspeople and artists will be participate in the Rugosa Gallery Holiday Market in Eastham on Dec. 13 and 14, Eastham United Methodist Church will hold a Christmas Fair on Dec. 14, and the Provincetown Commons hosts a Holiday Makers Market on Dec. 14 and 15.
