Last weekend, the holiday spirit came alive in the heart of Central Oregon. The annual Holiday Artisan Market—a collaboration between Brasada Ranch Resort and Cascade Hasson International Realty’s very own, Alexis Willick, creator of the Southern Oregon Artisan Market—welcomed resort guests, members, and community locals for an afternoon that truly embodied festive, ranch-style joy.
As a real estate broker and passionate supporter of the arts, Alexis has spent nearly five years championing local makers by hosting community markets and artisan-focused events. Her mission is simple: help artists thrive by connecting them with neighbors, travelers, and new fans—one handcrafted piece at a time.
And this year’s market was the biggest yet!
🎁 A Marketplace Filled With Heart & Handmade Gifts
From 3–6 PM, guests browsed an incredible collection of artisan goods, each item crafted with care by local talent. Booths filled The Barn with:
- Unique pottery and ceramic art
- Handcrafted jewelry
- Fine art and home décor
- Seasonal, small-batch goods perfect for gifting
Alexis believes that art invites connection—and watching shoppers meet the makers behind their favorite finds made the afternoon feel personal and meaningful.
🎄 Holiday Fun for the Whole Family
Festivities ran throughout the afternoon and into the evening, creating unforgettable memories for families and friends:
- Pony rides & a charming petting zoo
- Cookie and ornament decorating for kids
- Live music filling the air throughout the event
- Scavenger hunts and lawn games
- Warm, cozy carriage rides under the lights
- Delicious festive treats and beverages
Kids 12 and under even received an activity passport that led to a special surprise from Santa himself!
🎅 Santa’s Grand Arrival & Annual Tree Lighting
A highlight of the night began at 4:45 PM, when Santa arrived by carriage to cheers and wide-eyed wonder. Families gathered for the Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5 PM in front of a holiday decked-out Fire Truck, accompanied by carolers, music, and glowing holiday happiness. From there, the celebration continued with photos with Santa and more carriage rides to wrap up a magical evening.
🌟 Why This Market Matters
Supporting local artists doesn’t just help small businesses—
it nurtures the creative heartbeat of our community.
Alexis sees this work as a natural extension of her real estate career. While helping a client find a home, or an artisan find a home for their art, home isn’t just a place—it’s the people, the culture, and the creativity that make a community feel alive.
Her ongoing involvement in artisan events allows her to uplift makers, build community connections, and contribute to a vibrant local economy. And with this year’s success, Alexis is already planning to grow the market even further in the years ahead.
Mark Your Calendars for Next Year 🎨✨
Alexis’ Holiday-inspired Artisan Markets will continue to return each year around the same time – bigger, brighter, and more festive than ever. The markets range from the Oregon Coast to the Rogue Valley, and now in Central Oregon.
Whether you’re shopping for handcrafted treasures, making holiday memories with your family, or supporting local artists, this is one tradition you’ll want to keep.