Welcome to Broadway Stages' Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues. We encourage our readers to consider supporting these organizations to advance the local community. This week, we explore local holiday markets!

Broadway Stages encourages you to shop local all year round. It stimulates the economy and builds a stronger community. But this time of year is an especially exciting time to shop local. Neighborhoods throughout the City have special holiday markets and pop-ups offering treats from retailers and makers who live and work near you. Here is just a small sampling of such markets in the communities that Broadway Stages calls home.

Shopping isn't a chore at the Holiday Hop at Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden on Staten Island. Staten Island's annual holiday tradition takes place this weekend. When you go, you can browse the goods offered by over 150 NYC-based artisans. You can divide your time among four cultural organizations. Art Lab presents the Handcrafted Holiday Fair, the Staten Island Museum brings you Edible Island, and Culture Shop is hosted at the Noble Maritime Collection. And, of course, there is Cottage Row Curiosities by the namesake Snug Harbor. But the occasion also features live music by a brass band, DJs, and food and drink provided by Kills Boro Brewing Company. It is a great place to eat, drink, and be merry!

One of our favorite places to shop in Queens any time of the year is the Astoria Market at the Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden. However, on December 8 and 15, the Market hosts two theme markets that offer handmade, baked, and vintage goods perfect for the season. Over 60 vendors will be present each week, and the vendor mix will change between weeks. So, plan on attending more than once! No matter when you attend, you can expect a large variety of fine art, jewelry, clothing, ceramics, seasonal decor, specialty food, winter produce, and more. While there, you can sate your appetite in the Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden with festive food and drink.

The Holidays Makers Show @ City Point in Brooklyn is a market with a purpose. It was created as a mixed-use retail market platform rooted in social justice. Specifically, the founders sought to amplify underrepresented business leaders such as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and women-led businesses. From Friday through Sunday throughout December, the Market has everything from custom jewelry to dog accessories. You can choose from festive products like homemade candles, custom clothing, and delectable baked goods at over 60 local vendors. Check items off your list while supporting a commitment to promoting equity and community investment.

These are just a few options available to you during this season. You don't have to shop online or go to a big box store to meet your needs. Your community probably has exactly what you need and some things you didn't even know you needed! Broadway Stages thinks this is a great opportunity to meet your neighbors and explore the neighborhoods that are not on your daily path. And just as Broadway Stages reinvests in our communities by prioritizing local vendors for our needs, you can, too. When you patronize a local retailer, 289% more revenue stays in the local economy than when you shop at a chain store. So, this winter, shop local. And when you do, tell them Broadway Stages sent you.