This past Saturday, during the Town of Islip’s annual Holiday Market, vendors, shoppers, and even Santa braved the cold.

From noon to 6 p.m., tents were set up outside Islip Town Hall, where local artists and entrepreneurs displayed their wares. There was no doubt something for everyone.

For the foodies, various homemade food items, including freeze-dried candy and gluten-free cookies, were for sale. For those looking for holiday decor, wreaths, wooden works, handmade ornaments, and more were available. A few vendors also offered items for the cats and dogs in our lives, such as bandanas and food bowls.

Additionally, many businesses sold accessories, handbags, apparel, lanyards, and other fashion items. For kids, there were vendors selling plushies and figurines.

In addition to shopping, people were invited to take pictures (or selfies) with Santa and even make a wish list. There was also a petting zoo with a donkey, ducks, and goats, and kids could enjoy pony rides.

Although the sun provided some refuge from the December chill, it began to set a little more than halfway through the event. Fortunately, there were bonfires set up in groups on the grass, where people could get warm and make s’mores with the purchase of a s’mores kit. For those looking for a more savory food option, there were food trucks from local businesses.

Whether you were shopping, eating, petting animals, or making a Christmas list, carolers could be heard singing familiar holiday tunes.