NEW BEDFORD — The Madeira Feast grounds will be converted for the first time into an European-style Christmas market this holiday season.
Just like Europeans have done for centuries, visitors will have the chance to wander outside with a warm beverage while sampling different delicacies, checking out holiday gift ideas from vendors and listening to Christmas music.
The event will take place on Sunday, Dec. 7 from 2 to 7 p.m. at 50 Madeira Ave., New Bedford.
“We got the idea from all the Christmas markets that you see happening in Portugal and all over Europe,” said Tony Abreu, chairman of the special events committee for the Clube Madeirense S.S. Sacramento, the sponsor of the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament, commonly known as Madeira Feast. “What we’re trying to do is get as much use and people down here throughout the year, not just for the feast.”
Abreu said the club has always organized a Christmas party for the children of its members but this year they decided to make it a community event.
“We really wanted to do more for the community this year,” he said. “So, actually before the Christmas market, we’re going to be inviting in the morning about 100 kids from foster homes to come and preview the Christmas market privately.”
What to expect at the Christmas market
Since Kids Day during the Madeira Feast has always been a hit and a great outreach opportunity, Abreu said his committee wanted to introduce something similar at Christmas time.
“Normally, what we do is support [organizations] like the Salvation Army or Saint Anthony’s food pantry,” Abreu said. “So, what we wanted to do was actually do some outreach here during Christmas. That’s where we got the idea of having the needy children in the morning and then in the afternoon open it up for the rest of the community.”
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Abreu’s team is working with Child and Family Services in New Bedford to identify and invite children and their families to come to the event.
“We work with them for the feast,” Abreu explained. “It’s different foster care social workers who are going to identify the families, and they’re going to fill out the applications.”
Families with children who do not get an application, or an invite, are encouraged to still come to the Christmas market because there will be a special treat for the little ones.
“The first 100 kids will receive a special gift from Mr. and Mrs. Claus,” Abreu revealed.
He said the main goal is to provide an unforgettable day full of festive cheer.
“We’ll have a train ride, bouncy houses, and we’re going to have food and desserts,” Abreu said. “It’s almost like what we did for our Fall Festa, but we’re trying to get a lot of Christmas-themed vendors. We’re trying to keep it all local vendors who make all sorts of arts and crafts.”
And while visitors shop, they can listen to Christmas carols and holiday songs.
“We’re probably looking into having a live singer, but we do plan on having Christmas carols and Christmas music,” Abreu said.
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Interested in being a vendor? How to sign up
Abreu said his committee is looking for vendors who sell unique gifts and treasures. There is no vendor participation fee.
“All they have to do to participate is donate a toy to our toy drive and they will be able to set up their vendor spot for free,” he said.
For more details, send an email to Abreu at [email protected].
Volunteer opportunities available
Abreu said they are also looking for volunteers who would like to give a hand before and during the Christmas market.
“We’ll always take any help we can get, especially with the preparing and wrapping of the gifts,” he said. “I know there’s always people who like to volunteer around the holidays, so if there’s anybody that wants to volunteer, they can send me an e-mail, and we can set that up.”
For more information, email to [email protected].
Is there an admission fee?
No, the event is free.