Shoppers stocked up for Christmas at an artisan market at Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery in Alexandra on Saturday (December 10), alongside the usual weekend summer markets in Pioneer Park.

There was something for everyone at the event: Children enjoyed Santa’s grotto while Monteith’s provided some more adult activities with cocktail lessons and a wine tasting competition.

Maia and Anya meet Santa in his grotto

Wine from local growers was for sale, along with mead – a drink more traditionally associated with Christmas in the northern hemisphere.

Broken Hive Mead is based at Pisa Moorings and stall holder Natalie enjoyed educating people about the ancient drink. 

“There’s plenty of honey about for making mead,” she said.

Honey was also available in its natural state from the Patearoa Honey Company. 

“It’s wonderful to be part of a market that brings people together to showcase the talents and produce of the area,” Anna (who has 120 hives and sells primarily at markets) said.  

Anna from Patearoa Honey Company displays her wares

Alexandra’s cake decorating group, fresh from successfully hosting the national conference a few weeks ago, contributed a cake stall.

Local produce proved popular both indoors and outside. Coco Canvas, a new business based in Cromwell, offered hand-crafted chocolates. Central Nuts provided locally grown nuts and associated products. Nick from Raggedy Range had both sheep and goat cheese available.

Based in Galloway, Raggedy Range breeds the animals, milks them daily and produces wheels of cheese. They are “the only cheesemakers in Central Otago” according to Nick.

Raggedy Range is based in Galloway

Nev and Jen from Omakau were busy at their stall selling upcycled goods from coffee tables to towel holders and oven mitts.

“People are out buying for Christmas,” Jen said, adding that last’s week’s Omakau market event had also been busy.

Some stall holders came from further afield. 

Robyn Win from Balclutha, who was selling wheat bags, aprons and other items made from recycled blankets and linens, is a regular at the summer markets. 

Various artisan skills were on show in the museum during the day. Early in the morning, Mel Cade from South City Party Nibbles in Invercargill demonstrated how to decorate Christmas treats with icing.

Organiser Paula Stephenson (also Central Stories manager) was pleased the inaugural artisan market was well supported.

Santa, who was serenaded by bagpipe at the start of the day, was particularly busy in his grotto but had time to say he’s looking forward to a busy Christmas.

“There are no lockdowns this year so I will definitely get to all the kids. The sleigh’s been serviced and the reindeer are ready to go.”

The sun shone on Saturday’s outdoor summer market