Holiday Market & Preparing for Winter

November 8 & 9 2025 | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Kick off the holiday season at GCV&M!

Join us on Saturday, November 8, and Sunday, November 9 for a festive weekend combining two beloved traditions: our 5th Annual Holiday Market and 15th Annual Preparing for Winter in the Historic Village. Browse unique handcrafted gifts at the Holiday Market, then step back in time to discover how Western New Yorkers got ready for the cold season in the 19th century. It’s the perfect way for families to celebrate the start of the holidays!

Take part in 19th-century winter ready-making

Stroll through the Historic Village where preparations are underway for the snowy season ahead.

See how sausage gets made as we render lard and case some sausages at Jones Farm. Head to Livingston-Backus kitchen to see the fall bounty from the gardens preserved and prepared for the winter months.

Help GCV&M light the way this winter by learning how to dip a traditional candle in Hetchler. Then go party like it’s 1807 at the Thomson Tavern with parlor games that are fun for the whole family.

Stop by Altay to see how people of the 19th century would have stayed warm in style. At the Foster house we, are displaying all the bells and whistles of a one-horse open sleigh.

Fire and ice collide behind Hosmer’s Inn as we explore the art of meat smoking and ice collecting.

Enjoy Indigenous storytelling

Join guest educator, Perry Ground, on Sunday for Indigenous storytelling sessions in Brooks Grove Church to learn about winter traditions! He will be speaking at 11:00am and 12:30pm

Shop a cheerful Holiday Market

Shop hand-crafted and locally-produced goods at our Holiday Market. From a multitude of art, food, and gift vendors representing the very best from Western New York, and just in time for seasonal gift-giving! Visitors can peruse unique gift items and village-made goods in the Flint Hill Store.
Enjoy live music from David Knaudt while you shop in the Meeting Center.

An ATM will be conveniently located in the foyer of the John L. Wehle Gallery.

In the Meeting Center

  • ARL Artistry & Design
  • Boss Street Books LLC
  • Brodeur Builds
  • CDGA Coffee Co.
  • Design After Design
  • Fire Creek Farms
  • GWA Chamber of Commerce
  • Hodinöhsö:ni’ Artists
    • Marissa Corwin Manitowabi
    • The Flower Vase on 438
    • Pottery by Cami Jones
    • Cards by Laticia McNaughton
  • Honey Works Apiary
  • Katydid Ceramics
  • Lazy Acres Alpacas
  • Meliora Crystals & Minerals
  • Merikan Stronghold Meadery
  • MillsLee
  • Morning Mist Soap
  • Out of Our Jars
  • SarKim Creations
  • Shertique LLC
  • Sweet Impressions
  • TeaLicious Trendz
  • The Santa Man
  • The Spice Project
  • These Old Bones
  • Travelin Tom’s Coffee of Genesee Valley
  • Victorianbourg Wine Estate

In the Exhibition Barn

  • Buffalo Artisan Food Traders
  • Carriage House Creations
  • Dacian Falx Leathersmith
  • Elder Earth Candles
  • Elaina’s Heavenly Goods (Sunday only)
  • F. Oliver’s
  • Farm on the Hill
  • Florida Nut House
  • Goblin Parlour Games
  • Hang Loose Creations
  • Jim Dell
  • Kasey Melissa Art
  • Magnolia Antiques and Collectibles
  • Mostly Celtic Beadwork
  • Oak & Flora Shop
  • Oggs Metal and Forge
  • Once Again Nut Butter
  • Still Meadow Farm Soaps & Sundries
  • Troll Bridge Farm

In the Carriage Barn

  • Boice-Pardee Travel
  • Confection Connection
  • Gail Mitchell Designs
  • GCV&M Trades & Whistlestop Bakery
  • Lauren Rae Pottery
  • Paula’s Handmade Braided Wool Rugs
  • Rook’s Bags
  • Twists and Trails
  • Y’all Earrings

Looking to be a vendor at our annual Holiday Market? Click the button below to learn more and apply.

Warm up with a bite to eat!

Stop by Hosmer Taproom to warm up with a hand pie and a warm beverage, shop historical treats and baked goods in the Confectionery.

Grab a bite to eat in the Depot Restaurant, offering hot entrees like chili, burgers, and crispy chicken sandwiches, plus lighter fare like wraps, salads, and more. Also offering snacks, sweets, and craft beverages. 

Located outside of the Carraige Barn will be Robs Kabobs and Al Dente, serving flavorful kabobs made with fresh ingredients and casual Italian food.

Selfie Station

All day photo opportunities at two different Selfie Stations in the Village. Perfect for that holiday card!

Give back: Thanksgiving-themed can drive

We’re excited to be collecting Thanksgiving-themed non-perishables for families in need in our community! Donations will be delivered to Little Free Pantries in the Rochester area.

When you join us for Holiday Market & Preparing for Winter, please plan to bring one or two non-perishable food items to help contribute to a local family’s Thanksgiving Dinner. (Think, gravy, cranberry sauce, corn, beans, etc.!) We’ll be collecting the non-perishable donations in large bins in our Admissions Tunnel and working in coordination with community organizations to distribute the generous donations. Thank you! 

Ticket Information

Buy online before 4 p.m. November 7 and save! 

General Public: 

Age 13+: $14 online before November 7 | $16 online after November 7 and at the gate

Age 4 – 12: $12 online before November 7 | $14 online after November 7 and at the gate

Age 3 and under: FREE

Museum Members: 

Members age 13+: $8 online before November 7 | $10 online after November 7 and at the gate

Youth Members age 4 – 12: $6 online before November 7 | $8 online after November 7 and at the gate

Museum Members age 3 and under: FREE! 

FAQs

Is there ample parking?

Parking is free and plentiful! Park in any of the main lots at the front of the Museum. Please leave the first two bays available for handicapped parking. 

How do I show my purchased tickets?

Please have your ticket(s) either printed out OR pulled up on your phone screen and ready for scanning for quick and easy check-in. Pro-tip: take a screenshot of each of your tickets to have ready and pulled up on your phone screen! Please note: Wifi can sometimes be spotty at the front of the Museum. 

Is this event rain or shine?

Yes! This event is rain or shine. The Museum will only cancel in case of a severe weather emergency.

How should I dress?

Please dress accordingly for the predicted weather conditions.  

We recommend wearing a good pair of walking shoes – there is a lot to see and do, and surfaces in the Historic Village (brick paths, cobblestone, grass), can be uneven. 

Are service animals welcome?

Yes! Leashed service animals are welcome with proper identification. 

Is there an ATM onsite?

Yes! There will be an ATM located in the lobby of the John L. Wehle Art Gallery.

What if I need a refund for my ticket?

We’re sorry to hear that you’re not able to attend! Tickets may be refunded only up to 7 days prior to the event date and are strictly non-transferable by date, entry time, or program. 

Are courtesy passes accepted for this event?

Yes, courtesy passes are accepted for this event. You will check in through Admissions as usual and turn them in there for admittance. 

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