Annual Holiday Market Makes Its Return To Family Owned Chester Farm

CHESTER, NJ — As we bid farewell to Halloween and discard our pumpkins, it is that time of year when fairs and festivals give way to Christmas and Winter activities ranging from shopping to Christmas light displays.

In order to kick off the holiday season, Riamede Farm welcomes all residents and visitors to the second annual Christmas Market at the Farm holiday market on November 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This family-friendly free event in the farm's apple orchards and vintage barn features over 25 hand-picked local vendors, food offerings, a pie tasting and plenty of holiday cheer.

"We’re very excited for this year’s event, which has more than doubled in size from last year! We’ve gathered a wonderful group of curated vendors, each offering handmade and truly unique items that we think our guests will enjoy exploring," Owner Ashley O’Keefe said.

The event allows attendees to enjoy the holiday season while shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts from a variety of vendors, ensuring that there is something for everyone in your life.

Among the event's vendors are sweet treats, wearable knits and blankets, home decor, original artwork, sustainable living goods, pottery and ceramics, jewelry, cheese, florals and succulents, paper crafts, foods and sauces, pet goods, bath and body products, kids' items and more.

"Christmas at the Farm provides the perfect opportunity to get a jump start on your holiday shopping, pick up something special for your Thanksgiving host, get a teacher’s gift, or find a unique handmade item for yourself," O’Keefe said.

Guests can snack on food from the Summer Daze food truck, Behind the Plates' charcuterie cups, Waffles and Dreams' waffle bar, and Linda's Biscotti while shopping. Riamede Farm will also have a pie tasting station set up where guests can sample and pre-order their Thanksgiving pies.

To cap off the day, Riamede will host its second Barn Dance in their vintage barn, complete with easy-to-follow lessons and music from professional square dance caller Ed LaPlante.

As it is family-friendly event, guests are encouraged to bring their own alcohol and a picnic blanket to enjoy an evening of music and fun with friends, with food provided by the Summer Daze food truck.

The Barn Dance will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and tickets can be purchsed here.

If you want to enjoy more autumnal activities before getting into the holiday spirit, Riamede's orchards will be open for pick-your-own apple picking. A separate $5 entrance fee is required for those who also wish to take a hayride, O’Keefe said.

Riamede Farm was New Jersey's first pick-your-own apple orchard, opening its gates to the public in 1974. Half of its orchards still nurture large old seedling apple trees planted over a half-century ago, giving Riamede a distinct atmosphere.