La Feria Holiday Market Opens Today, Tree-Lighting Ceremony Tonight

La Feria del Mercado de San Miguel, the pop-up Spanish foodtopia that opened in late September in downtown Miami’s Bayfront Park, is opening an adjacent holiday market today through January 6.

Throughout the holiday season, the market will feature more than 20 booths selling gifts and trinkets such as art, fashion, jewelry, toys, plants, flowers, hot chocolate, warm nuts, local produce, coffee, and artisan baked goods. And guests can pick up Christmas trees at the market's onsite tree vendor in December.

"The Holiday Market will consist of 20 rotating vendors," says Sara Read, founder of Miami's Independent Thinkers who was hired, along with Heather Read, Kerry McLaney, and Laraine Hart, to curate the market. "You'll really see things from across the board. The vendors will change over time too, so it will give a variety."

Among the confirmed vendors are Exquisito Chocolates, Italianway Imports, and LAR Coffee-Organo. Item prices will range from $15 to $20 and up. 

"It's exciting because this is the first-ever holiday market of its kind," she says. "It'll really bring a cheer to the holiday season. There's going to be local produce, coffee, and baked goods too. You'll be able to see a little bit of everything and taste the food from La Feria at the same time."

Adding to the magic of the season, Bayfront Park’s famous holiday tree will be relocated to the La Feria market area this year. The official tree-lighting ceremony will be held tonight at 7. Admission is free.

For years, Read has dreamed of creating a large, community-centered holiday market in Miami. Originally from New England, she relishes the holiday spirit. "We are very honored to be a part of this," she says. "And I really haven't seen anything like this before. Having it in the downtown area is perfect too. It gives Brickell residents such easy access."

The market is expected to draw a couple hundred visitors each weekday and a thousand or two Friday and Sunday. 

"I think the whole mood and atmosphere we're trying to portray is to create a nice, enjoyable holiday market," she says. "It's about enjoying and giving that sense of holiday. There is such a hustle and bustle here, and it's warm too, so it's a great way to bring family and friends together for some holiday cheer time."

The holiday market is located at 301 N. Biscayne Blvd. It's open now through January 6 from noon to 9 p.m. daily except Christmas Day and New Year's Day. 

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