Holiday Shopping

The countdown has begun for the 2017 holiday season. Depending on your culture, faith or nationality, there are a dozen observed holidays between now and the end of 2017. And we all know what most holidays include…FOOD! What better place to prepare than at the market where not only is there a variety of fresh, local meats, vegetables, fruits, breads, pastries, dairy products, flowers, libations and artisan products for celebratory feasts, but locally made fine crafts perfect for presents.Here are a few tips that will help you make the most of your holidays when shopping at one of the Central Farm Markets:

1. Know the market schedule: Central Farm Markets has a Special Thanksgiving Market on Tuesday, November 21 at the Pike location in Rockville (10am - 2pm) where you can pick up your fresh turkey and any other foods on your menu. Be aware though that not all the vendors participate in this special market. For more information about the 2017 Special Thanksgiving Market items available for pre-orders, check out this online brochure. Double-check to make certain what you need will be available, otherwise, plan to shop on the weekend prior’s regular markets.As with the special holiday market brochure for Thanksgiving, Central Farm Markets will be putting together another online brochure for markets in December so stay tuned. And yes, the Sunday markets are open on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve this year with our regular season hours.
2. Place special orders in advance: if you need a specific size, cut, amount, etc. please let your vendors know ahead of time. Many vendors have special items, such as larger cuts and holiday desserts that they do not normally bring to market.
3. Shop early for the staples: these are the items that are at market every week, but tend to go fast during the holiday season. Think eggs, breads, milk, cider, salad greens, etc.
4. Great gift ideas abound: in addition to lots of delicious food and drinks (always welcomed gifts), artisan vendors offering pottery, woodworking, handcrafted soaps and lotions, and knitting are also found at all three Central Farm Markets locations making one-stop local shopping easier this holiday season. And if you can’t decide, stop by the markets’ information tents for gift certificates in the amount of your choosing.
5. REMEMBER all markets are CLOSED the weekend following Thanksgiving: seriously, eat your leftovers. Plus, the vendors enjoy spending time with families and friends just like you do. We’ll be back the following week…promise.