🎄 Preparing for Christmas Markets: What to Expect
- Olive
- Oct 23
- 3 min read
There’s something magical about the first chill in the air, the scent of cinnamon and pine, and the soft glow of fairy lights. ✨For us at Olive Paw Photography, that means one thing — Christmas Market Season!
Every year, I pack up the studio, load the car (this year the van!) with prints, frames, and a generous supply of dog treats, and head out to share my work with all of you at local markets. It’s one of my favourite parts of the year — and in this post, I’m giving you a peek behind the scenes at what goes into preparing for these festive weekends, and what you can expect when you visit.
🐾 The Heart of Christmas Market Season
Christmas markets are more than just stalls and fairy lights — they’re about community, creativity, and connection.
Each one brings together local makers, artists, and foodies to celebrate the season and share a bit of magic. For Olive Paw, it’s a chance to connect face-to-face with fellow dog lovers, show you our photography up close, and help you find the perfect gift that celebrates your four-legged friend.
🛍️ What You’ll Find at the Olive Paw Stall
When you visit our stall this year, you’ll discover:
Beautiful framed prints of dogs full of joy, movement, and love
Gift vouchers for the Muddy Paws Experience — perfect for the dog lovers in your life
Gift voucher bundles the Muddy Paws Experience plus some of our beautiful products
The Festive Pup Up Studio Drop in and get a festive Pawtrait
All new digital artwork!
All new Christmas cards!
Whether you’re shopping for a gift or just stopping by for a chat, you’ll feel the warmth that makes this season so special.
🎁 Behind the Scenes: How We Prepare
Preparation starts weeks before the first market. Here’s a glimpse of what goes on behind the curtain:
Printing & packing: Our new digital prints are printed professionally, and wrapped by hand. Vouchers are packaged by hand (Olive is always watching when I'm packing the treat filled stocking filler!)
Styling the Stall: I sketch out every detail — from signage to fairy lights — to make sure it feels cosy and welcoming.
Stocking Up: Prints, vouchers, packaging, card readers, business cards, signage… it all has to be ready. (including the new Olive Paw Xmas jumper!)
Packing the Car: Somehow, it always feels like playing Tetris every year however this year we now have the van so shouldnt be as stressful!
☕ What to Expect When You Visit
Whether it’s your first market or your tenth, visiting is part of the festive fun!
You’ll find:
Friendly faces — and plenty of wagging tails
Exclusive offers only available at markets
Gift wrapping and personal recommendations
Festive photo opportunities (because who doesn’t love a Christmas jumper dog photo?)
The atmosphere is relaxed, warm, and joyful — exactly what Olive Paw stands for.
🎅 Upcoming Market Dates
You can find Olive Paw Photography at these markets this year:
📍 15–16 November — First Christmas Market Weekend - The Swan at Newby Bridge
📍 22–23 November — Second Market Weekend - Shop small at 36, J36 Auction Mart Crooklands
📍 5–7 December — Final Festive Market - Kirkby Lonsdale
Each weekend will feature special offers, festive packaging, and the chance to meet me (and maybe Olive too!).
💛 A Little Seasonal Treat
To celebrate the run-up to our first market, we’re offering 20% off our £75 Muddy Paws Experience this autumn.
Use code AUTUMN20 when booking online to save your spot — the offer ends 31st October - 🐾 BOOK NOW 🐾
🐶 Join the Festive Fun!
Whether you’re shopping for gifts, planning a shoot, or just fancy saying hello, I’d love to see you at one of our Christmas markets this season.
Let’s make this Christmas one to remember — full of muddy paws, wagging tails, and plenty of sparkle.
✨ See you at the markets!
Dave & Olive
📍 Sedbergh, Cumbria🌐
Comments