Though retired, Randy Miller wakes up before dawn on market days. He unloads crates of seasonal produce alongside boxes of baked goods, loaves of bread wrapped in paper and pies carefully packed for the drive.

As the winter season approaches, Miller depends on his holiday sales to keep his farm running until the spring. After decades of farming, he knows this time of year he isn’t just selling food, he’s selling tradition, comfort and gifts.

That seasonal shift is unfolding at farmers markets across Missouri. As winter and the holidays near, farmers adapt their harvest and handmade goods to seasonal demand, markets adjust schedules and offerings to accommodate holiday crowds, and shoppers turn to local vendors for fresh food, baked goods and gifts.

“Most people don’t realize that winter goods are planned months in advance,” Miller said. “By the time shoppers see pies, breads, preserves, wreaths or winter produce at a market, farmers have already made decisions the year before.”

Ryah Wurman, senior, said she prefers farmers markets for the holidays because of handmade goods and because they support local businesses.

“It was busy and there were a lot of people running around, it was vibrant and colorful,” Wurman said. 

Abby Stann, cashier at The Summit all Seasons Market, said managing Christmas goods is different from other seasonal goods, with a lot more sweets and decor. It’s more detailed.

“Customers don’t usually realize we bag all the candy, all the ordering we do, personalization of the ornaments and decor, supporting everything in the back, ” Stann said.

Although working during the winter months is hard on her and her coworkers, Stann said it is worth it in the end.

“Everyone who comes here is really happy to be here, they want to get gifts for their family members or for others, think of how much people care for the holidays in their spending and shopping,” Stann said.