Holiday Mercado—A Joyful Southside Celebration

​This year’s Holiday Mercado was a resounding success, bringing together the Southside community for a day of festive cheer, creativity, and connection. Held at the Fraternal Order of Police on December 14, the event showcased the rich cultural heritage of Santa Fe’s Southside while supporting local talent and artisans.

With over 30 vendors offering handmade goods, attendees had the perfect opportunity to shop for unique holiday gifts while discovering the incredible creativity within the community. From handcrafted jewelry to artisanal home goods, every booth featured something special. The event buzzed with activity as families and friends explored the vibrant market together.

One of the highlights of the Holiday Mercado was the winter coat giveaway for kids, generously sponsored by the St. Vincent Hospital Foundation. Coats were distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring local children could stay warm this winter. It was heartwarming to see families leave with smiles and cozy coats in hand.

Children also enjoyed free arts and crafts activities, coloring books, and crayons provided by Del Norte Credit Union. The arts and crafts stations were a hub of creativity, with little ones enthusiastically making holiday-themed masterpieces to take home.

Of course, no holiday celebration would be complete without Santa! Families captured the magic of the season with complimentary photos with Santa, who brought plenty of cheer and holiday spirit. Be sure to check out our event gallery to relive the joyful moments and see the wonderful Santa photos that brightened the day.

The Holiday Mercado brought free admission, a lively atmosphere, and a shared sense of community to Santa Fe’s Southside. We are so grateful to everyone who attended, supported local vendors, and made the event unforgettable. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the St. Vincent Hospital Foundation, Del Norte Credit Union, and all the amazing vendors who contributed to this festive celebration.
​
We look forward to seeing you next year for another joyful and meaningful Holiday Mercado. Until then, happy holidays and warm wishes to all!