Holiday Arts & Crafts Markets in Santa Fe

Last updated November 27, 2023

Want to add a touch of local charm and creativity to your gift-giving this year? Look no further than this curated list of the best Santa Fe Holiday Arts & Crafts Markets, where you’ll discover one-of-a-kind treasures crafted by talented artisans and small businesses. From intricate textiles to exquisite jewelry, these markets are a festive celebration of Santa Fe’s rich culture and artistry. Your holiday shopping can make a real difference by supporting local talent and creativity. So, skip the big-box stores and give the gift of uniqueness and community spirit this holiday season.

And if you’re looking to find something from the comfort of your home, don’t miss our 2023 Holiday Gift Guide!

PATHWAYS WINTER MARKET

Visitors to the market can expect to find a diverse array of handmade crafts, including pottery, jewelry, textiles, paintings, sculptures, and more. With over 200 vendors participating, there will be something for everyone. In addition to the art, the market will also feature live music, traditional Pueblo dancers, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere to put everyone in the holiday spirit. More info here.

Saturday, November 25 and Sunday, November 26

9 am – 4 pm @ Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino

CHRISTMAS ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR BY NEW BEGINNING CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Christmas Arts & Crafts Fair at the Santa Fe Place Mall for Small Business Saturday. Free refreshments & drinks, Christmas carols, Christmas goodies for kids, and many giveaways from vendors tables & Mall vendors.

Saturday, November 25

11 am – 3 pm @ Santa Fe Place mall

ARTWALK SANTA FE’S WINTER MARKET

Of course we had to include our own holiday market! We’re super excited to partner once more with the Santa Fe Brewing Company for our third Winter Market. Expect 30+ NM emerging artists, ornament decorating, live music, food, a toy and food drive, and more. Admission is a suggested donation that will benefit local charities.

Saturday, December 2, 2023

Noon – 8 pm @ Santa Fe Brewing Company HQ (35 Fire Pl.)

CHRISTMAS FAIR AT THE LIGHT AT MISSION VIEJO

Lots of vendors, concession, a cakewalk and a 50/50 raffle.

Saturday, December 2, 2023

9 am – 4 pm @ The Light at Mission Viejo

MANDELA INTERNATIONAL MAGNET SCHOOL’S ART SHOW CRAFT FAIR

Organized by the school, this yearly craft fair is currently accepting vendors. Click here to apply.

Saturday, December 2, 2023

9 am – 3 pm @ Mandela International Magnet School, 1604 Agua Fria St, Santa Fe, NM 87505

STRING OF LIGHTS HOLIDAY MARKET

This popular holiday market comes back to the Farmer’s Market Pavilion for its eight season and promises to curate an eclectic and diverse group of 60+ local artists.

Saturday, December 9

5 – 9 pm @ Farmer’s Market Pavilion

ATC WINTER CRAFT FAIR

This is ATC’s second annual Winter Craft Fair. It is a student organized event that they host to support their graduating seniors. They have a variety of goods sold by the vendors including pottery, soaps, crochet/knitted items, jewelry, and much more. Join them and support the graduating class of 2024!

Saturday, December 9

10 am – 2 pm @ 74 A Van Nu Po Rd

2023 IAIA HOLIDAY ART MARKET

Over one hundred of the finest artists and craftspeople from across New Mexico will be setting up shop at Santa Fe Community College’s (SFCC) Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair and Institute of American Indian Art’s (IAIA) Holiday Art Market. Works for sale include jewelry, handbags and totes, woodcarvings, pottery, paintings, prints, photos, tinwork, handmade cards and ornaments, and much more.

Saturday, December 9

9 am – 4 pm @ SFCC’s Main Hallway and Campus Center at 6401 Richards Ave + IAIA’s Performing Arts and Fitness Center at 83 Avan Nu Po Road.

HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR AT BOXCAR

Boxcar’s first Holiday Craft Fair in their Boxcar Cafe Downtown Santa Fe near the Plaza, 10-15 vendors.

Saturday, December 9

9 am – 4 pm @ Boxcar Cafe, 133 W Water St.

MAKE HOLIDAY PARTY

The MAKE Holiday Party is an opportunity to meet friendly maker faces, celebrate a year of making, and learn about what next year will bring! Get those holiday gifts: shop the Maker Mart, with MAKE members vending their wares!

Saturday, December 16

5 – 8 pm @ MAKE Santa Fe, 2879 All Trades Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87507

YULE MARKET AT EL REY COURT

Shop local vendors and sip cozy cocktails while you listen to the festive sounds of Swing Soleil. Don’t forget to wear your ugliest sweater.

Sunday, December 17

5 – 10 pm @ El Rey Court, 1862 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe

We’ll continue to update this blog post as more markets are announced so stay tuned!

By Alex Streeper, ArtWalk Santa Fe co-founder

How To: Turn Art Into a Business in New Mexico

So, you’re an artist who’s looking to take things to the next level? Well, there’s a lot to consider and this is in no way a completely comprehensive guide, but here’s some information to get you started:

What is a professional artist? Is that different than just making art?

A professional artist (emerging or established) is someone who has turned their creative passion and hobby of creation and monetized it. You can be an artist who sells art via websites like Etsy or at a local art market (like ArtWalk Santa Fe!). Regardless, if you’d like to turn your art into a business, the following information might be useful to you.

So, what would transitioning into a business look like?

The following steps explain what you’d need to become a business in New Mexico:

  • Choose a business entity type and register your business with the Secretary of State to obtain a business license;
  • Obtain Tax ID Numbers;
  • Obtaining a CRS Number in New Mexico

Choose a Business Entity Type and Register Your Business

The entity type you choose will affect how your business is taxed, your ability to obtain financing, the transfer of assets and ownership interests, how you manage and run your business and your personal liability. You should consider getting legal advise and financial advice for guidance on determining which entity type is best for you. Depending on the entity type you choose you MAY be required to register your business with the Office of the Secretary of State;

  • Entities Requiring Registration: Profit Corporations, Professional Corporations and Associations, Nonprofit Corporations, Limited Liability Companies (LLC).
  • Entity that May Register: General Partnerships, Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP) and Limited Liability Limited Partnerships (LLLP) are not required to register with the Secretary of State, however they may register if they wish to.
  • Entity Not Requiring Registration: Sole proprietorships (a good start for an artist!)

Choosing a type of business entity now does not mean you are locked in to that forever – you may start as a sole proprietorship when it’s just yourself doing everything, and eventually grow into an LLC, for example.

Sole Proprietorship:

For artists just starting, a sole proprietorship is easy to establish and gives you complete control of your business. You’re automatically considered to be a sole proprietorship if you do business activities, but DON’T REGISTER as any other kind of business. Sole proprietorships DO NOT produce a separate business entity. This means your business assets and liabilities are not separate from your personal assets and liabilities. You can be held personally liable for the debts and obligations of the business. Sole proprietorships can be a good choice for low-risk businesses and owners who want to test their business idea before forming a more formal business.

Corporations, LLCs and Partnerships:

All Corporations, LLCs, and Partnerships must first register with the Secretary of State. You can register LLCs online, but partnerships and corporations registration forms must be completed and submitted via mail or in person. If you are unsure, please consult a CPA or attorney. Forms available for registering your business are all accessible through the Secretary of State website https://www.sos.state.nm.us/business-services/start-a-business/. Once you have decided on your type of business, you can proceed to register your business here (watching the “How to File online for Domestic Limited Liability Company” video at the bottom of the page really helps in figuring out the website). Rates can be found on page 3 of this document.

Learn more about Entity Types/Business Structures here: https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/choose-business-structure

Screenshot of the log in page for the New Mexico Secretary of State's Corporations and Business Services page to register a business

Obtain Tax ID Numbers

Federal Tax ID Number (EIN):

A Federal Tax ID Number known as an Employer Identification Number (EIN), is used to identify a business entity. Any entity other than a sole proprietor/individual owner that does not have employees must obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN or EIN, same thing). You need it to pay federal taxes, hire employees, open a bank account, and apply for business licenses and permits. It’s free to apply for an EIN, and you should do it right after you register your business. You must apply for this through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) online. More information and a link to apply online can be found at https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online

State Tax ID Number (CRS)

Anyone who engages in business in New Mexico must register with the Taxation and Revenue Department at no cost. Some exceptions are made if your business is exempt from gross receipts, withholding, or compensating by state law. After registering and choosing a filing frequency you will receive a New Mexico tax identification number known as a CRS Identification Number. This number is used to report and pay state and local gross receipts tax, New Mexico withholding tax and compensating tax under the Combined Reporting System (CRS). Your filing frequency refers to the frequency at which you need to make withholding tax payments to the agency. Learn more and follow the steps to apply for a CRS number at https://www.tax.newmexico.gov/businesses/who-must-register-a-business/ (and you can actually apply at https://tap.state.nm.us/). **Vending in many public locations such as city spaces and at the Railyard require you to have a CRS number as part of their permitting process.**

Note: Keep in mind that when registering for a CRS number, the system will ask you how often you will file your state tax returns (filing frequency). You can choose from several options like annually, quarterly, monthly, etc. The gross receipt tax in Santa Fe is the 8.4375% you see added to sales, so make sure to include it in your prices!

NM Taxation & Revenue homepage
New Mexico Taxation & Revenue “Apply for a New Mexico Business Tax ID” page

To watch a step-by-step video on how to “Apply for a Business Tax Identification Number (BTIN/CRS) using TAP,” go to https://youtu.be/bmm_L8Q7Mo8

Please note that this blog post does not constitute legal counsel or is meant to be a substitute for legal advice. This blog post was designed to be a general guide of the steps someone might need to take to become an art business in New Mexico. Please seek legal and tax advice if you have any questions or need assistance.

Sources:

NM Secretary of State, Corporation and Business Services: https://portal.sos.state.nm.us/BFS/online/

U.S. Small Business Administration, Choose a business structure: https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/choose-business-structure

State of New Mexico’s Business Services Division, Steps to Starting a Business: https://api.realfile.rtsclients.com/PublicFiles/ee3072ab0d43456cb15a51f7d82c77a2/4e9b14e8-8eaf-484f-9792-65689f6e5909/Steps%20to%20starting%20a%20business.pdf

IRS, Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) Online: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online

New Mexico Taxation and Revenue, Who must register a business?: https://www.tax.newmexico.gov/businesses/who-must-register-a-business/