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The Homestead’s Holiday Market brings more than 40 local vendors, live music and farm animals to The Homestead Rest in Sparta on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The free holiday shopping day is hosted by NJ Mama Events at the restaurant’s property at 294 North Church Road, with a rain date of Sunday, Nov. 8.
Our team likes this one as an early start on holiday shopping close to home. It is a relaxed, family-friendly day where you can pick up handmade gifts, grab lunch and a drink and let the kids visit the animals, all without paying a cent to get in.
What to Expect at the Holiday Market
According to the organizer’s event page, the market features more than 40 local vendors set up across the grounds of The Homestead Rest. The vendor application says the organizers are looking for local makers, boutiques, artists, crafters and small businesses, so expect a mix of handmade goods, gifts and seasonal decor rather than mass-produced merchandise.
Here is what the organizers have announced for the day:
- More than 40 local vendors
- Live music by Rob Gorny
- Food and drinks from The Homestead Rest
- An outdoor bar serving cocktails
- Farm animals to meet
- Free admission
The organizers describe it as a family-friendly holiday event and say they are encouraging festive, seasonal vendor displays that welcome guests of all ages.
About The Homestead Rest
Photo: The Homestead Rest via Google Business Profile.
The Homestead Rest is a rustic restaurant and bar on North Church Road in Sparta, with weathered barn wood outside and a wood-beamed dining room and bar inside. It is the kitchen behind the market’s food and drinks, so lunch is covered without leaving the grounds.
This is the latest in a series of seasonal markets NJ Mama Events has hosted at The Homestead this year. The organizer’s page lists a Harvest Market on Sept. 12 and a Spooky Market on Oct. 10, 2026, both built around the same mix of local vendors, live music and the outdoor bar. The Holiday Market is the festive finale of that run.
Rain Date and Planning Tips
The market is planned as an outdoor event, so dress for a November day in Sussex County and bring a warm layer. The vendor terms say the Sunday, Nov. 8, rain date will be used only if severe weather makes it unsafe to hold the market, a call made by The Homestead Rest and NJ Mama Events. If the forecast looks rough, check the event page before you head out.
Bring a tote bag for your finds, and plan to arrive earlier in the day if you want the best pick of one-of-a-kind items. Since admission is free, it is an easy stop to pair with other plans around town.
Make a Day of It in Sparta
The Homestead Rest is a short drive from White Deer Plaza and downtown Sparta. If you want to keep exploring after the market, our guide to things to do in Sparta, NJ covers trails, museums and indoor options. Looking for another holiday shopping stop this season? Our team also covered the Fairview Fest Holiday Market.
Homestead’s Holiday Market at a Glance
- What: The Homestead’s Holiday Market, hosted by NJ Mama Events
- When: Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain date Sunday, Nov. 8)
- Where: The Homestead Rest, 294 North Church Road, Sparta, NJ 07871
- Cost: Free admission
- Details: The Homestead’s Holiday Market on Eventeny
Featured photo: The Homestead Rest via Google Business Profile.
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