A Market favorite for over 15 years, El Mero Mero Tamalero will be even busier than usual these next few weeks making delicious tamales for Dallas Farmers Market Tamales Weekend, but busier doesn’t bother owner Vanessa Ruiz –

“To me, making tamales at work doesn’t seem so much like work during the holidays. It reminds me of being younger and making them with our aunts, uncles, and cousins. It’s a tradition I always look forward to.”

Vanessa learned from her parents as a young child how to make tamales. It was as much a family affair when her father opened his restaurant before she was born as it still is today, with her husband, three sons, and mom working in El Mero Mero Tamalero daily.

“I learned the importance of family and hard work ethic from my parents, and we are following those lessons by teaching our kids the same. Being able to spend quality time with family, enjoying the presence of being surrounded by all your loved ones, catching up with everyone. I feel like we are able to bring the tradition of enjoying tamales to other families through our own family.”

Vanessa is adamant about using the highest quality of ingredients and striving to find what El Mero Mero Tamalero needs straight from the Dallas Farmers Market. If you’re wanting to order ahead, please visit El Mero Mero Tamalero for contact information.

Come discover the tradition and all the tamale varieties this Saturday, Dec. 14th and Sunday, Dec. 15th, as well as Saturday, Dec. 21st and Sunday, Dec. 22nd, from 9 a.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. on Sundays. We recommend that you visit early for best selection.

Alongside the tamales, there will be a kids craft area featuring Letters to Santa, Christmas Cards, and coloring sheets all weekend, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Santa will be visiting The Market, Saturday, Dec. 14th from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., and on Sunday, Dec. 15th, there’s a very special reindeer guest arriving with Hooves & Holiday Cheer from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the kids play area.

The kids don’t get to have all the craft fun – stop by Storytellers Bookshop in The Market for a Christmas Card Workshop with Chic & Gold Sunday, Dec. 15th from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.

There’s also live music Saturday, Dec. 14th from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. featuring Courtney Istre in The Market, and from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. featuring Dani Toralla and Band on the Pearl St. Plaza stage. Sunday, Dec. 15th finds Kira Goidel on the Pearl St. Plaza stage from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Take a break from the big box bustle to leisurely explore our Holiday Market vendors and a variety of small businesses offering seasonal produce, authentic flavors, and handmade goods. Support hardworking entrepreneurs and experience their passion by shopping local this holiday season.