Rustic Wonders: Find holiday gifts at Fredericksburg’s Trade Days
Story and photos by BLAIR DUPRE
For those looking to support small businesses for the holidays, or for those who are fans of antiques, the Trade Days in Fredericksburg is the place to be.
Featuring more than 350 vendors, the Trade Days happens on the third weekend of each month and thousands of shoppers from all around come in search of something old, something new or even something old made new.
After paying $5 for parking, which covers parking for the entire weekend, visitors are invited to peruse through seven large barns, comparable to aircraft hangars, and acres of property where the aforementioned vendors sell a multitude of items.
Vendors have items for sale as small as earrings to as large as kitchen tables, benches and other types of indoor and outdoor furniture. Some products are homemade, while others are televised products or treasures that are simply waiting to be found by the right person.
For art lovers there are traditional art pieces including paintings, but there’s also more non-traditional items including animal statues made from welded and painted tools.
As far as antiques go, it would be easiest to ask what they don’t have. Dishes of every color, shape and purpose can be found all throughout the Trade Days. Items with a more rustic aesthetic including Firkin buckets and wagon wheels can be found as well. There is also an impressive amount of cast iron cookware that can be used for cooking as well as decor. Cornstick cast iron pans could be found at many vendors stations.
There are just as many vendors outside of the barns as there are inside. Some are set under pop-up canopies while others are housed in small buildings and their items vary greatly. Those looking to own their own cowboy hat, add a plant to their garden or even look through a shop for antique doors can find them at Trade Days.
Walking around, doing all that shopping can be tiring, but there’s no need to worry. Visitors are invited to relax in the Biergarten, which offers a variety of beer, and listen to live music. There are also plenty of food options including barbecue, roasted corn, a variety of mac and cheese and more.
The Trade Days welcomes individuals, friends, families and even four-legged fur babies, as many visitors can be seen looking around with their dogs.
The Trade Days is located at Sunday Farms near many wineries, Lukenbach and hundreds of bed and breakfasts. Many travel into downtown Fredericksburg after shopping to enjoy the many things the area has to offer. Not to mention Fredericksburg is known for its holiday festivities — making it a great place for a day trip during the holiday season.
The next Trade Days will take place Dec. 20-22, perfect for those who may wait until the last second to do their Christmas shopping.
For more information on the Fredericksburg Trade Days and to view the list 2025 dates visit www.fbgtradedays.com.
Fredericksburg’s Trade Days
Address: Highway 290, seven miles east of Fredericksburg (across from Wildseed Farms)
Social Media: facebook.com/fredericksburg.days
