Enjoy holiday markets throughout Santa Fe.
How Santa Fe’s small businesses make a big impact
By Bridget Dixson
As the holiday season approaches, the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce and its membership of more than 800 local businesses remind you that Small Business Saturday is a pivotal shopping day—and it’s just around the corner, on November 30. This special occasion celebrates the heart and soul of our community and communities all over the country: small businesses. Every gift you buy locally brings more meaning to the holidays, as you support the backbone of Santa Fe’s distinctive charm and character. Our community embraces buying from neighbors and people we know, and that is one of the things that makes Santa Fe so special.
Did you know that 80% of businesses in Santa Fe have fewer than ten employees? These small enterprises rely on local support, and your shopping choices this season can make a significant impact in sustaining them.
While online shopping is convenient, shopping locally fuels our city’s economy by creating and maintaining jobs, fostering community pride, and preserving the essence of Santa Fe. By choosing to shop at local stores, your dollars stay within the community, enriching your neighbors, and supporting those who keep the cultural spirit of the City Different alive.
The Impact of Shopping Local
When you shop locally, $68 of every $100 stays within the community, compared with only $43 when you shop at national chains. These additional dollars help fund city services, support schools, and create local jobs. Local businesses also reinvest in our community by donating to local charities, sponsoring school activities, and ensuring Santa Fe’s vibrant business scene continues to thrive.
This holiday season, your decision to shop locally will have a lasting impact, ensuring that Santa Fe’s small businesses remain a vital part of the community.
Celebrating 25 years in Santa Fe.
Discover Santa Fe’s Local Treasures
Make this holiday season special by exploring some of Santa Fe’s hidden gems. Whether it is a handcrafted piece of jewelry, a locally produced delicacy, or artisan textiles, our local shops offer distinctive, meaningful gifts that you cannot find anywhere else.
From the historic Plaza to the renowned galleries along Canyon Road, the Siler-Rufina art district, and our vibrant Southside, each neighborhood has its own flavor. Challenge yourself to visit five new local stores this holiday season where you might discover an unexpected treasure or that perfect gift for a loved one.
Shop Local from the Comfort of Home with the Santa Fe Marketplace
For those who prefer the convenience of online shopping, the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce and the City of Santa Fe Tourism Department have made it easier than ever to shop local through the Santa Fe Marketplace: SantaFe.ShopWhereILive.com. With over one hundred local businesses featured on the platform—offering items such as New Mexico chile, locally produced foods, and unique art—your purchases will support small businesses in our community.
Visit Local Holiday Markets, Events, and Family-Friendly Restaurants
When it comes to markets and special holiday events, Santa Fe boasts a variety of options that feature local artisans and makers. The whole family can enjoy ArtWalk Santa Fe on November 16 and December 10, or the Feria Mercado on December 14.
Those interested in sustainability will want to attend the Recycle Santa Fe Art Festival, November 8 through 10, at the Convention Center. This annual event is the place to score fabulously creative and useful gift items for special people on your list. Artists must use at least 75% recycled items in order to be a vendor and their ingenuity is beyond impressive.
On December 7, the Kitchen Table, a community-focused kitchen, will host its second Annual Holiday Market where you will find everything from flavored butter and bagels to biscochitos and freeze-dried treats—all perfect gifts for your foodie friends. For a complete list of markets, visit santafe.org.
At the Railyard, classic holiday movies will be shown at the Violet Crown theater, along with the much-anticipated holiday blockbuster movies. Visit the Santa Fe Farmers Market, which will move indoors for the season, and introduce the kids to farmers and fresh, locally grown produce, along with edible holiday gift ideas. Or venture to Nuckoll’s where the holiday spirit will be alive in the food hall with plenty of music, food, drinks, and fun for all.
Shop online through Santa Fe Marketplace and support locals.
Or take a break from shopping and head to one of Santa Fe’s many family-friendly venues, such as the Santa Fe Children’s Museum and the Botanical Gardens, where the holidays come to life through colored lights, music, and activities for the whole family.
Looking for a festive café to enjoy with the family? Cake’s Café, located near the Plaza, is a great spot to grab coffee or a quick bite. Known for its Mexican Mocha and Monte Cristo, Cake’s Café also hosts family-friendly events, including Kids Karaoke every Saturday. They are also planning to host Santa’s Corner, where children can take photos with Santa Claus. Follow Cake’s Café on social media for event details.
The Cowgirl is always a hopping spot where the family can have some grub and listen to live music. And a stroll along Guadalupe with the festive holiday streetlights promise to lure you directly to the Plaza for the holiday light display that attracts locals and visitors to celebrate the season.
Invest in Santa Fe
When you dine and shop locally this holiday season, you are investing in the future of Santa Fe. Our small businesses have overcome incredible challenges in recent years, and your support ensures that the vibrant, creative, and unique spirit of the city continues to thrive.
Wishing you a joyous, locally inspired holiday season! Let us make this year’s gift-giving a celebration of all that makes Santa Fe special—its people, creativity, and local businesses.
As the President and CEO of the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce, Bridget Dixson leads efforts to support and advocate for local businesses in Santa Fe. With more than a decade of experience in the Chamber, she is passionate about strengthening the local economy through innovative initiatives, including Small Business Saturday. Under her leadership, the Chamber promotes economic growth, fosters community connections, and ensures that Santa Fe’s small businesses continue to thrive.