Holiday Artisan Fair Welcome Package
Welcome!
We're so excited to welcome you to the Holiday Artisan Fair & Market at Bolton Spring Farm!
There's something truly special about the farm as the holiday season approaches. The orchards have settled into their late-autumn beauty, the Country Store is dressed for Christmas, and the air is filled with the sights, sounds, and wonderful anticipation of the season ahead.
This year, we're bringing together more than 80 talented artists, artisans, farmers, specialty food producers, and local businesses for a weekend celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, community, and the simple joy of shopping small.
Guests will stroll the market discovering one-of-a-kind gifts, gathering delicious things for their holiday tables, enjoying seasonal treats, warming up by the fire, and listening to the beautiful sounds of traditional Christmas carolers. And, of course, Santa will be making an appearance!
But what makes this event special isn't simply what we're offering. It's the people behind it. That's YOU!
Each of you brings something unique to this celebration: your creativity, your passion, your talent, and the countless hours spent making, growing, designing, and perfecting the things you share with the world.
Together, we're creating something that feels a little different from the usual holiday shopping experience. Something more personal, more meaningful, and perhaps a little reminiscent of Christmases past.
A Little Holiday Magic
One of the things guests especially appreciate is seeing our vendors embrace the spirit of the season. While entirely optional, we encourage you to have a little fun with your booth!
Think fresh greenery, twinkling battery-operated lights, festive displays, or even a little holiday attire. It doesn't need to be elaborate. Sometimes the smallest details create the most memorable moments.
Our goal is to create a cohesive, warm, and inviting holiday atmosphere that complements the natural beauty of the farm and allows your work to shine.
Below, you'll find important information, helpful tips, and resources to help you prepare for a successful and enjoyable weekend.
Thank you for being part of our growing community of makers, growers, and small businesses. We're genuinely grateful to have you with us.
Here's to a wonderful weekend filled with holiday cheer, happy shoppers, and a little Christmas magic!
Warm regards
Karen
Farm Fresh Events | Bolton Spring Farm
Food Truck Information
We're excited to welcome you to Christmas in July at Bolton Spring Farm!
Food, beverages, and festive treats play an important role in creating the joyful atmosphere that guests have come to love about this event. Throughout the weekend, visitors will spend time shopping with artists and makers, enjoying live music, exploring the orchard, and gathering with friends and family. Your participation helps create the warm, welcoming experience that makes Christmas in July such a memorable tradition.
Key Details for Food Trucks
Please plan to be onsite, parked, and ready to serve by 10:45 a.m.
We have carefully reviewed your setup requests and will position your truck in the location that best accommodates your operational needs while supporting the overall event layout.
Additional information regarding attendance, demographics, marketing efforts, and event details can be found later in this packet.
Arrival & Parking
Food trucks will enter via the gravel road located directly across from the Bolton Spring Farm Country Store and proceed onto the event field. Once you arrive, a member of our team will direct you to your assigned location.
Please refer to the map below for your entrance route, parking location, and exit path. Trucks will exit using the same route at the end of the event.
The yellow area on the map represents the artisan fair. The live music area and beverage service will serve as central gathering points designed to encourage guests to move throughout the event grounds.
Matt Regan will be your primary contact for food truck arrival and placement. Having operated a food truck himself for several years, he understands the logistics involved and will help ensure your arrival and setup go as smoothly as possible.
Utilities
Please note that water and electricity are not available onsite. Food trucks should plan to be fully self-contained.
Trash Removal
Food trucks are responsible for removing all trash, recycling, cooking waste, grease, boxes, and other materials generated by their operation during the event.
Please plan to leave your space in the same condition in which you found it. Bolton Spring Farm does not have dumpster facilities available for vendor use, and food truck trash may not be left in event trash receptacles intended for guests.
Any bags, boxes, or waste materials left behind will be considered vendor refuse and may impact participation in future events.
Thank you for helping us keep the farm clean, safe, and welcoming for our guests, vendors, and staff.
Vendor Information
Set up & Breakdown
Booth Setup Guidelines for All Participants
All booths must be set up by 10:15 a.m. and ready to go by 10:30 a.m.!
Business name and/or logo must be clearly displayed.
Vendors to provide their own tents, tables, and chairs (we prefer white pop-ups, but it is not required)
All display tables must be covered with floor-length tablecloths.
Packing materials must be kept out of sight and stored under tables with clothes.
Tents must be secured to the ground by weights and stakes. We will inspect all tents and if they are not properly and safely secured to the ground, we will ask you to take down your tent.
General Logistics for All Participants
There will be signs marking booth rows
Each row starts with 1 at the top
Each space is marked with your number on the ground
The right and left corners of the front of your booth are also marked on the ground
While your booth space is 10x10, we allow extra breathing room between spaces so center your booth between the two corner marks to benefit from that space
ENTRANCE & EXIT. Please do not enter through the main entrance (where the event occurs). ENTER at the gravel road that loops around to the field. This is the vendor entrance. It will be marked and there will be a parking assistant waving you in. Then please EXIT at the main entrance. This will help prevent congestion.
Booth breakdown cannot start until after 3:30 p.m. No vehicles are allowed on the field until all guests have exited
🚨 Please know your booth number and assigned row when you arrive.
🚨 All events are outdoors and run rain or shine.
🚨 All cars must be off the field and parked in vendor parking by 10:45 a.m.
Tips for Preparing for an Outdoor November Market
A little New England weather is part of the charm of an outdoor holiday market, but November can sometimes be a little too charming, bringing chilly temperatures, wind, rain, and occasionally even a little snow!
We want everyone to be comfortable, safe, and ready for a wonderful weekend, so please plan accordingly.
Dress in layers. Warm footwear, gloves, hats, and extra layers are strongly recommended.
Secure your tent. All tents must be properly anchored with adequate weights appropriate for outdoor conditions. Please be prepared for wind. We cannot reinforce this more. Your safety and the safety of all participants and guests is paramount.
Protect your merchandise. Bring waterproof coverings and containers to protect products, packaging, and displays from moisture.
Consider your displays. Lightweight decorations, signs, and merchandise should be securely fastened to prevent them from blowing away.
Plan for limited daylight. November afternoons get dark earlier, so please keep this in mind when planning your breakdown.
Prepare for uneven ground. The market takes place on orchard grounds, which may be damp or uneven. Waterproof footwear and sturdy carts are helpful.
Use battery-operated lighting. Small, warm LED lights can make your booth especially inviting on an overcast November day.
The event is scheduled to run rain or shine. However, we will monitor conditions closely and communicate any necessary changes should severe weather create safety concerns.
Our goal is to make this a beautiful, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for everyone, whatever Mother Nature has planned!
FULL WEEKEND INSTRUCTIONS
Friday Setup Option
You can opt to set up your key booth infrastructure (tent, table, chairs, displays) on Friday between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. If you would like to set up on Friday, please let me know by November 1. I highly recommend setting up on Friday if you can.
Saturday Setup
Setup Windows. On Saturday, there will be two set up windows:
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Booth Access. Vendors can drive directly to their booth. We ask that you please drop off your items, park in the dedicated vendor parking, and then come back and begin your set up. This will help minimize congestion and ensure everyone has access to their booth.
Booth Assignments. Set up windows will be sent with your booth assignments the week before the event, along with other details including parking instructions, etc.
Saturday Breakdown
Booth Access. You will not be allowed to drive up to your booth on Saturday. You will be allowed to park on the main event field, but will have to carry your items from your booth to your vehicle. There will be parking assistants there to help you if needed.
Overnight Security. We will have someone on-site to provide courtesy security, but we cannot guarantee the safety of your products. We highly recommend taking high-value items, cash boxes, items that could get damaged, etc. with you at the end of the day.
Sunday Setup
Setup Windows. You will have the same setup window time on Sunday that you were assigned on Saturday.
Booth Access. You will not be allowed to drive up to your booth on Sunday. You will be allowed to park on the main event field, but will have to carry your items from your vehicle to your booth. There will be parking assistants there to assist you if needed.
Sunday Breakdown
Booth Access. To ensure a safe and efficient load out:
All guests must be off the field before any vehicles are allowed to enter for load out.
Booths must be completely packed up before you can bring your vehicle on-site.
Then head to the vendor parking to grab your vehicle.
Drive back to the event and load out.
Our events are continuing to grow and we are implementing additional procedures to ensure the safety of our partner vendors, staff, and guests 🤗.
SATURDAY ONLY INSTRUCTIONS
Saturday Setup
Setup Windows. On Saturday, there will be two set up windows:
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Booth Access. You will not be allowed to drive up to your booth on Saturday. You will be allowed to park on the main event field, but will have to carry your items from your vehicle to your booth. There will be parking assistants there to assist you.
Booth Assignments. Set up windows will be sent with your booth assignments the week before the event, along with other details including parking instructions, etc.
Saturday Breakdown
Booth Access. You will not be allowed to drive up to your booth on Saturday. You will be allowed to park on the main event field, but will have to carry your items from your booth to your vehicle. There will be parking assistants there to assist you if needed. All guests must be off the field before any vehicles are allowed to enter for load out.
SUNDAY ONLY INSTRUCTIONS
Sunday Setup
Setup Windows. For Sunday-only booths, there will be one setup window:
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Booth Access. You will not be allowed to drive up to your booth on Sunday. You will be allowed to park on the main event field, but will have to carry your items from your vehicle to your booth. There will be parking assistants there to assist you.
Booth Assignments. Set up windows will be sent with your booth assignments the week before the event, along with other details, including parking instructions, etc.
Sunday Breakdown
Booth Access. To ensure a safe and efficient load out:
All guests must be off the field before any vehicles are allowed to enter for load out.
Booths must be completely packed up before you can bring your vehicle on-site.
Then head to the vendor parking to grab your vehicle.
Drive back to the event and load out.
Our events are continuing to grow and we are implementing additional procedures to ensure the safety of our partner vendors, staff, and guests.
Vendor Placement Considerations
As part of our event planning, we work to thoughtfully place vendors throughout the market to support safety, accessibility, and the overall guest experience.
If your booth includes items such as latex balloons, strong fragrances, generators, propane equipment, smoke-producing cooking elements, amplified sound, or anything else that may impact nearby vendors or guests with sensitivities or accessibility needs, please let us know in advance so we can consider this during booth placement planning.
Field Access and Parking
Please ENTER through the roadway across from Bolton Spring Farm and EXIT through the main field opening for set up. This will enable us to keep cars moving safely and efficiently. There will be attendants there to direct you. See map image and Google Map.
Vendors are welcome to drive up to their booth space for Friday or Saturday setup. Please drop your things and park vs. leaving your car in the aisle while you set up. Clearing vehicles from the aisles quickly will prevent congestion and allow all artists to benefit from the opportunity to drive up to their respective booth.
Vendor parking is located at 115 Main Street. It is about a 5-minute walk from the event field (it is a front yard area of a home on the Bolton Spring Farm property). See map image and Google Map.
Event Highlights
What Makes This Holiday Fair Special
We've designed the Holiday Artisan Fair & Market to be more than a place to shop. It's an opportunity for guests to slow down, connect with local makers and farmers, and enjoy the beauty and traditions of the season.
80+ Artists, Artisans & Specialty Food Producers. An extraordinary collection of handcrafted art, jewelry, pottery, textiles, home décor, specialty foods, and gifts from across New England.
A Farmers Market for the Holiday Table. We're delighted to feature regional farms and specialty food producers offering delicious, locally made products perfect for holiday gatherings, hostess gifts, and seasonal entertaining.
The Sounds of Christmas. Our beloved traditional carolers will return, strolling through the market and filling the orchard with the beautiful sounds of the season. They were an absolute highlight of last year's celebration!
A Visit from Santa. Santa will be making his way through the market, visiting with guests, posing for photographs, and perhaps even doing a little holiday shopping himself.
Something Delicious Around Every Corner. Our gourmet food trucks and specialty beverage vendors will offer plenty of wonderful things to eat and drink, from warm comfort food and fresh coffee to seasonal treats and locally crafted beverages. Food trucks we are hosting, include:
Wheelie Good (Sat. & Sun.)
Wheat + Water Crafted Doughz (Sat. & Sun.)
Brewed2perfection, LLC (Sat. & Sun.)
Woodman’s of Essex (Sat. & Sun.)
Say Cheese! (Sat. & Sun.)
Off the Hook Roadside Eatery (Sat. & Sun.)
Squirrel? A Dog Bistro (Sat. & Sun.)
The Orchard Bar & Beer Garden. Bolton Spring Farm's new Orchard Bar will be serving a selection of local craft beers, while our friends at Hardwick Vineyard & Winery will offer their wines by the glass and bottles to take home.
A Cozy Place to Gather. With a warming fire pit, hot cider, hot chocolate, and the farm's beautiful late-autumn setting, guests will have plenty of reasons to linger, relax, and enjoy the day.
The Bolton Spring Farm Country Store. The nearly 200-year-old Country Store will be dressed for the holidays and filled with seasonal favorites, farm-fresh treats, cider donuts, apple dumplings, gifts, and plenty of old-fashioned Christmas charm.
Together, these experiences create a relaxed, festive atmosphere that encourages visitors to spend time exploring the entire market, discovering new favorites, and supporting the remarkable people who make this event possible.
The Merry Maker Tour
A little holiday adventure with a big purpose: helping guests discover YOU!
We're excited to bring back the Merry Maker Tour, our popular passport-style experience designed to encourage guests to explore the entire market, meet new artists and makers, and discover the incredible talent behind the gifts they're purchasing.
Guests will receive a Merry Maker Tour postcard when they arrive. As they visit participating booths, vendors will mark their designated spot on the card, helping shoppers complete their holiday adventure.
It's a simple activity, but one that creates wonderful opportunities for conversations, introductions, and new customer relationships.
And guests who complete their tour will be eligible to enter a special holiday prize drawing! We will announce a winner on Saturday and Sunday. If you are interested in contributing to the prize basket, please let me know.
Participation is optional, although we hope you'll join the fun!
How You Can Help Us Run A Smooth & Successful Event 🤗
Permitting. If you are serving any food items or samples, you must have a permit from the Nashoba Associated Board of Health. You can find all the information you need on our Vendor Application page (at the bottom of the page). All permit requests must be received by Nashoba Associated Board of Health by mail 14 days before any event. A copy of your permit must be emailed to events@BoltonSpringFarm.com a week prior to the event.
Be Prepared. You must know your booth number when you arrive. If you don’t, we will not check you in and ask that you go park and look up your number. By knowing your booth number you will help keep everything running smoothly and avoid delays for fellow vendors. We are always going to be there to help you, but we need everyone to do their part (and the majority of you certainly do!). We want to get everyone set up as safely and efficiently as possible and this small detail will go a long way in helping us achieve that goal.
Stop. Drop. And GO! Please unload your items and then move your vehicle promptly to vendor parking before setting up. This ensures all vendors can access their booths efficiently.
Use the Proper Entrance and Exit. We have a dedicated entrance and exit for vendor set up. Please enter through the driveway across from the farmstand. We will have an attendant there this year to direct you. The map is included above.
Early Arrivals. If you are planning to come earlier than your assigned set up time, you must let me know in advance. The morning is heavily scheduled to allow time for the event staff to set up, and then the vendors. This flow helps ensure that the venue is set up for a successful day while also allowing the vendors the time and space they need to make their booths shine!
Go Ahead and Wave Me Off! The rows and booths are all marked. If you know where you are going, just wave me off at check in and head to your spot.
Audience & Demographic
Christmas in July attracts a broad audience of shoppers who value handcrafted goods, local businesses, seasonal experiences, and community connection. While women ages 25–65 continue to make up a significant portion of our audience, the event also attracts couples, families, groups of friends, and visitors looking for a unique and memorable summer outing.
Our guests are highly engaged and intentionally seek out artisan markets, farm experiences, and opportunities to support local artists, makers, farms, and small businesses. They enjoy discovering one-of-a-kind products, hearing the stories behind them, and finding meaningful gifts well before the traditional holiday shopping season begins (one artist shared that she sold a painting for $1,000 at the Savor Fair event in June! So excited for her!).
Unlike many traditional craft fairs, Christmas in July is designed as an experience rather than simply a shopping event. Guests often spend several hours on the property enjoying live music, food and beverages, orchard views, and the festive atmosphere while exploring the market throughout the day.
Vendors can expect a crowd that is curious, supportive, and eager to connect. Products that feel giftable, seasonal, handcrafted, nostalgic, festive, or unique tend to resonate particularly well with this audience.
Estimated Attendance
We welcomed more than 1,000 guests to Christmas in July last year. While the event was previously held as a one-day market, we have expanded to a two-day format this year to provide guests with an even more enjoyable shopping experience and, hopefully, improve our odds of beautiful summer weather.
As with all outdoor events, attendance is influenced by weather conditions, but we anticipate a strong turnout throughout the weekend. (And yes, the rum has been planted!)
Promotion
Farm Fresh Events has launched a full promotion plan, including:
Facebook event (Launched 9/20)
Instagram reminders (Launched 9/20)
Cross promotion during the VERY BUSY Pick-Your-Own season, during our Tales, Tails & Ales event on September 19, and during our free concert on October 11 (Posters up at the farm starting 8/30)
Door signage at Bolton Spring Farm (8/30)
Road Signage (Installed at Bolton Spring Farm on Main Street (10/14)
Flyers to be posted in key coffee shops and community areas within a 40+ mile radius of Bolton Spring Farm (this week) You can download the flyer here.
Participating artists will be spotlighted in social media posts leading up to the event
All confirmed artists* are featured on the event webpage (*Payment and agreement received). If you see an error on your slide, please email me.
Ongoing social media campaign
Event description you can cut and paste:
A little holiday magic is coming to the orchard! 🎄
I'm excited to be part of the Holiday Artisan Fair & Market at Bolton Spring Farm, November 14 & 15!
Come shop 80+ artists, makers, farms, and specialty food vendors, enjoy traditional Christmas carolers, visit with Santa, and discover thoughtful, handcrafted gifts in a beautiful New England orchard.
I'll be there with [your products], and I'd love to see you!
📅 November 14 & 15 | 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
📍 Bolton Spring Farm, Bolton, MA
🎟️ $5 admission | Kids 12 and under free | Free parking
Learn more: https://www.farmfreshevents.com/holiday-artisan-fair-market
#ShopSmall #ShopHandmade #BoltonSpringFarm #HolidayArtisanFair
How you can help spread the word!
Please help us spread the word by liking, commenting on, and sharing event posts whenever you can. We also encourage you to engage with posts from your fellow artisans and makers, supporting one another helps expand everyone’s reach and visibility online!
Share your participation at the event on social and Tag @BoltonSpringFarm (I will add it to our story and highlights). Please tag instead of “add as collaborator.”
Use the event logo with any of your social posts. Include the event link: https://www.farmfreshevents.com/christmas-in-july-artisan-fair-market
Logo Downloads
Instagram Square Post & Facebook Square Post (1080 × 1080 px)
Instagram Story/Reel and Facebook Story (1080 × 1920 px)
Instagram Carousel (1080 × 1350)
This Holiday Season, Sell the Story Behind the Gift
Holiday shoppers are looking for something special. Something thoughtful. Something that says, "I saw this and thought of you."
And that's where you have an extraordinary advantage over big-box retailers and mass-produced products.
You're not simply selling a handmade ornament, a beautiful piece of pottery, a jar of locally produced honey, or a handcrafted necklace.
You're offering someone the opportunity to give a gift with a story.
As you promote your participation in the Holiday Artisan Fair, think about sharing not only what you're bringing, but why someone would love to give it (or receive it!).
Show your work in progress. Share your inspiration. Introduce the people behind your business. Offer ideas for meaningful holiday gifts, stocking stuffers, hostess presents, and special traditions.
And don't forget the holiday table! For our farmers and specialty food producers, this is a wonderful opportunity to help guests discover locally made foods that make gatherings a little more memorable.
The more guests know about you before they arrive, the more meaningful their visit to your booth becomes.
Because the best gifts aren't always the ones with the fanciest packaging.
Sometimes they're the ones with the best stories, and that is what you have.