Holiday In The Valley Christmas Market
- Feature
- 6 minutes ago
- 3 min read
If you love antiques, handmade treasures, and the nostalgic charm of the holiday season,
Holiday in the Valley at the Wadsworth Homestead is an event you won’t want to miss.
Co-hosts Julie Achtyl and Jessie Karlsen, the duo behind Harvest Home Décor, share their passion for creating a holiday market that blends history, community, and creativity.
From Local Roots to Holiday Magic
Julie and Jessie’s love for home décor and antiques started young. Jessie grew up helping in her parents’ primitive country gift shoppe, learning the art of design and how to create welcoming spaces. Julie fondly remembers attending local markets with her mother, soaking in the nostalgia of holiday décor. Though they often crossed paths in childhood, they didn’t meet until college, where their shared passion for decorating sparked a lasting partnership.
With a “dollar and a dream,” they launched Harvest Home Décor, which has flourished over the past 11 years. Since their first market in 2014, they’ve hosted and vended at local festivals, earned accolades, and now curate a holiday market beloved by the Rochester community. This year, they’re excited to bring the magic to a new setting: the historic Wadsworth Homestead.
Will and Louise Wadsworth // Julie Achtyl and Jessie Karlsen
What Makes Pop-Up Markets Special
“Pop-up markets have a different energy than traditional shopping,” Julie and Jessie explain. “The connections between customers and creators are so special. You learn the story behind each product and appreciate the unique passion that goes into it. It’s an experience you just can’t get in a store.”
For both hosts, the most rewarding feedback comes from seeing their creations in shoppers’ homes, hearing about the holiday traditions that take root at the market, and fostering a true sense of community.
A Venue Steeped in History
Julie and Jessie are grateful to partner with Louise and Will Wadsworth, who open the homestead for the community to enjoy its history and beauty. More than just a venue, the Wadsworth Homestead is a historic gem lovingly maintained by the family. Decorated by Maureen Wheeler and her family, it radiates holiday spirit, complete with twinkling lights, Christmas trees, and the scent of wood-burning fireplaces. “It’s the perfect backdrop to transport visitors back in time while enjoying the festive atmosphere,” Julie and Jessie say.
Festive Touches to Delight Every Sense
This year’s market offers more than shopping. Guests can enjoy a food truck, samples from a local brewery, sip signature cocktails, and capture memories with festive photos around the decorated estate.
With over 35 vendors, shoppers can explore handmade treasures including holiday décor, synthetic and dried floral wreaths, wooden flower arrangements, candles, lotions, skincare and self-care products, jewelry, clothing, and artwork. They’ll also find wooden signs, cutting boards, blankets, home décor, local foods, baked goods, cookies, syrups, honey, dog treats, children’s learning activities, and more.
Julie and Jessie carefully curate the vendor mix, blending veteran artisans with new talent to ensure a diverse, high-quality experience. They emphasize that meeting the makers makes each purchase more personal and memorable—a gift that carries a story.
Why You Can’t Miss It
For first-time visitors, the appeal is clear: Holiday in the Valley isn’t just a market. It’s a celebration of craftsmanship, community, and the holiday spirit. “The transformation of the homestead into a bustling, festive market is magical,” Julie and Jessie say. “It’s something we think about all year, and seeing it come alive is why we keep doing it.”
Whether you’re checking off your holiday shopping list or simply soaking in the sights and sounds of the season, the Wadsworth Homestead promises a holiday experience that blends beauty, history, and joy.
