Family YMCA Winter Vendor Market Brings Local Makers Together
On December 6 the Family YMCA in Los Alamos hosted a Winter Vendor Market where local artisans and food vendors set up stalls and welcomed holiday shoppers. The event highlighted small business resilience, cultural traditions, and opportunities for community connection that matter to residents during the busy season.
On Saturday, December 6 the Family YMCA hosted a Winter Vendor Market that opened its doors to shoppers seeking locally made gifts and seasonal treats. Vendors had set up stalls across the YMCA space and offered a range of handmade items and prepared foods, creating a lively community atmosphere on a chilly morning.
Among the vendors present were Corky and Dode Designs and Jenise Brown Jewelry, alongside booths selling Native American crafts and jewelry. Food offerings included Phil and Rita’s Carne Seca and baked goods from Ana Martinez, with biscochitos specifically noted among the selections. Shoppers also found roasted nuts, custom hats made on site, and a variety of locally made jewelry. Photographs from the market showed tables arranged for browsing and artisans displaying finished goods, reflecting the hands on work behind each item.
The market served more than holiday shoppers. By putting local makers and food vendors in a single space the event supported small business income and kept retail dollars circulating in Los Alamos County. For Indigenous artisans and other creators, the market provided a visible place to sell culturally important items and to connect directly with residents who value those traditions. For families and older adults, the event offered an accessible way to acquire locally prepared foods and handmade gifts while engaging with neighbors.
Public health and community wellbeing are part of the larger context for gatherings like this. The YMCA space is familiar to residents as a hub for physical and social programs, and markets contribute to social cohesion that supports mental health. Prepared food sales also pose routine food safety considerations, so shoppers benefit from clear labeling and vendor transparency about ingredients and storage.
As the holiday season continues, community markets such as the YMCA Winter Vendor Market illustrate how local events can boost small business resilience, sustain cultural practices, and strengthen neighborhood ties. For Los Alamos residents seeking meaningful gifts and community connection, these markets remain an important local resource.
