The Best Holiday Market in Every State
It's that time of year! Holiday festivals are in full swing and popping up everywhere. Filled with lights, trees, decorations, gifts, and food, attending one of these can definitely get you in the seasonal spirit.
Methodology: We did our own research to find the best bang-for-your-buck! The markets listed here offer the most in terms of experience—like vendors, food, and entertainment. Dates, locations, and other markets in the state were also compared and considered to give you a unique experience close to Christmas.
Now, discover the best holiday market in every state.
ALABAMA: CahaBAZAAR, Bicentennial Holiday Market in Birmingham
This one-day event on December 14 features over 70 local artists, vendors, and makers. It is hosted by the Cahaba Brewing Company, so of course, there will also be beer!
Market times:
December 14, 2019: 12 to 6 p.m.
ALASKA: The Maker's Market hosted by Little Fish Workshop in Anchorage
Head to The Maker's Market for free family holiday fun! Enjoy complimentary parking, coffee, and food trucks while strolling 50 local vendors.
Market times:
December 14-15, 2019: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
ARIZONA: Holidays at the Market in Tucson
Five days of more than 250 local food, gift, and craft vendors cap off with live music, a featured chef, and a holiday raffle on Sunday at Rillito Park. Even though it won't feel like a winter wonderland, it will look like one!
Market times:
December 11-15, 2019: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
ARKANSAS: 52nd Annual Christmas Frolic in Little Rock
Travel back in time to holidays past at the Historic Arkansas Museum on December 8. Crafts for sale include cards, ornaments, sachets, wreaths, and even wax seal letters.
Market times:
December 8, 2019: 1 to 4 p.m.
CALIFORNIA: Grand Central Market in Los Angeles
Jewelry, pottery, books, vintage items, and more are on display for two weekends at the Grand Central Market. Yoga, body care, and wellness vendors will also be on hand.
Market times:
December 14 & 15, 21 & 22, 2019: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
COLORADO: Denver Christkindl Market in Denver
Celebrating 19 years, the Denver Christkindl Market has everything you love in traditional holiday markets like artisans, live music, and more. Don't forget to pick up some German food and hot chocolate in an iconic collectible cup!
Market times:
November 29 – December 23, 2019
Sunday – Thursday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
CONNECTICUT: Sunday Chester Holiday Market in Chester
The regular weekly local market transforms for the holidays every Sunday in Downtown Chester. Find gifts for family and friends, but also pick up holiday meal must-haves!
Market times:
December 1, 8, 15, and 22, 2019: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
DELAWARE: Holiday Market in Middletown
More than 150 booths convert the Middletown High School into a winter wonderland. The event also helps to support the school's music and art students.
Market times:
December 14, 2019: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
FLORIDA: Key West Holiday Celebration in Key West
There's no shortage of Christmas spirit in Key West! The Harbor Walk of Lights, pet pictures with Santa, lighted boat parade, and a Christmas Day brunch sail are a few of the events going on all month.
Market times:
November 27 – December 31, 2019: Hours vary
GEORGIA: Atlanta Christkindl Market in Atlanta
Get into the holiday spirit with this traditional Christkindl Market with so many decorations, you won't realize you're in the heart of downtown Atlanta. Admission is free, and there's no doubt the mulled wine will be waiting!
Market times:
November 21 – December 23, 2019: 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
HAWAII: Mele Kalikimaka Marketplace in Honolulu
Santa, Rudolph, and many gift vendors will be on hand for the market all weekend long. You can also register for a gingerbread workshop to create a gingerbread house to take home.
Market times:
December 14, 2019: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
December 15, 2019: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
IDAHO: The Holiday Market on The Grove Plaza in Boise
Spend Saturdays at this special market in downtown Boise. Being part farmers market means you can grab gifts from local artists as well as fresh produce and other foods.
Market times:
Saturdays November 2 – December 21, 2019: 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
ILLINOIS: The Christkindlmarket in Chicago
One of the city's most famous holiday events is back for the 24th year, and there's no better place to pick up traditional eats, mulled wine, and gifts. In addition to the Loop location, there is also a market next to Wrigley Field at Gallagher Way in Wrigleyville.
Market times:
November 15 – December 24, 2019
Sunday – Thursday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
INDIANA: Carmel Christkindlmarkt in Carmel
Find all of the Christkindlmarkt originals here, with a few extra activities, like ice skating and a kid's corner. Be sure to check out the Glühwein Pyramid as well!
Market times:
November 16 – December 24, 2019
Wednesday & Thursday: 4 to 9 p.m.
Friday, Saturday, & Sunday: 12 to 9 p.m.
IOWA: Iowa City Holiday Market in Iowa City
This annual holiday market conveniently happens twice—so if you forgot anything after the first trip, you can make a second. Two floors of gifts, crafts, and food are available.
Market times:
November 16, 2019, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
December 14, 2019, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
KANSAS: Christkindlmarket in Ellinwood
Shopping, bingo, a Gingerbread Village, pictures with Sankt Nikolaus, and more will be on hand at the town's 7th annual holiday market.
Market times:
December 7, 2019: 1 to 5 p.m.
KENTUCKY: Louisville Christmas Show in Louisville
Free admission and pictures with Santa, combined with more than 750 booths, highlight this three-day holiday showcase. The show has been going on for over 30 years and is said to bring in more than 50,000 guests every year.
Market times:
December 13, 2019: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
December 14, 2019: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
December 15, 2019: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
LOUISIANA: Helen Brett Holiday Market in Gonzales
You'll find gifts for any jewelry lover on your list at this weekend-long show, formerly called the Baton Rouge Jewelry and Merchandise Show. Admission is $17, but includes access to the event's almost 500 booths.
Market times:
December 13 & December 14, 2019: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
December 15, 2019: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
MAINE: Maine Indian Basketmakers Holiday Market in Orono
View more than 50 artists and weavers, plus enjoy storytelling, dancing, drumming, and other art forms at this one-day showcase. There is also a fashion show and a raffle.
Market times:
December 14, 2019: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
MARYLAND: Christmas Village in Baltimore
Enjoy the winter wonderland at this Christkindl market, but, for colder nights, there is a heated tent! Pick up gifts like jewelry, ornaments, and other treasures throughout the wooden booths.
Market times:
November 23-December 24, 2019: Hours vary
MASSACHUSETTS: Christmas in Boston in Boston
Although this market is open all year round in Boston's iconic Faneuil Marketplace, there's no better time to visit than the holiday season. Pick up decorations, gifts, and more, all in one convenient space.
Market times:
Open year-round
Monday – Thursday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
MICHIGAN: Holiday Market in Detroit
While the Saturday market takes place year-round, the Holiday Market is back with additional dates. Plenty of local gifts, crafts, art, and food are available for purchase.
Market times:
November 26, December 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 2019: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
MINNESOTA: Plate & Parcel Holiday Market in Minneapolis
Enjoy holiday cheer inside the greenhouses at the Wagner Garden Centers while shopping more than 60 vendors. Admission is free, and the vendors change every week.
Market times:
November 2-December 22, 2019: Saturdays & Sundays 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
MISSISSIPPI: Christmas Festival in Canton
More than 200,000 lights shine bright throughout the courthouse square for almost a month for this festival. Vendors and other activities, like bungee jumping, a train ride, horse and buggy rides, and cider tasting are also on hand.
Market times:
November 29 – December 1, 2019: 5 – 9 p.m.
December 6 – December 23, 2019: 5 – 9 p.m.
MISSOURI: Christkindl Markt in Rolla
Rolla in Missouri is a sister city to Sondershausen, Germany, and they celebrate the holidays just like their counterpart does! Polka dance, watch the tree lighting, have breakfast with Santa, and more during this weekend-long celebration.
Market times:
December 6 & 7, 2019
MONTANA: Holiday Market Jubilee in Bozeman
Bring in a non-perishable food item to get into this holiday market for free, or admission is $2 per person. Live music and local gifts will be available, plus there will be alpacas to pet!
Market times:
December 7, 2019: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
NEBRASKA: Omaha Holiday Market in Omaha
Heated tents protect the vendors at this outdoor farmer's market turned holiday festival. Santa's workshop will also be open!
Market times:
December 6 & 7, 2019: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
NEVADA: Cowboy Christmas in Las Vegas
Your one-stop-shop for all the country gifts you need! This showcase started in 1986 and is free to attend.
Market times:
December 5 – 14, 2019: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
NEW HAMPSHIRE: Holiday Craft Fair in Jaffrey
Santa and more than 60 merchants will be on hand at this market that is free to attend. 2019 marks the craft fair's 39th year.
Market times:
December 14, 2019: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
NEW JERSEY: Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar in Asbury Park
In addition to shopping and enjoying holiday food and drinks at this holiday market, take in the 30-foot Christmas tree, visit the lounge, or try out the holiday photo booth! Receive a free photo with Santa if you bring in a toy to donate.
Market times:
November 30 – December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 2019: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
NEW MEXICO: Rail Yards Holiday Market in Albuquerque
Organizers expanded the show this year to two days instead of one, allowing you another chance to shop local merchandise or receive a new ornament in the ornament exchange. Just about 200 vendors will be in attendance, so there's plenty to pick from.
Market times:
December 14 & 15, 2019: 12 – 4 p.m.
NEW YORK: Union Square Holiday Market in New York City
There are multiple holiday markets in the city, but the Union Square space features new additions this year, like Little Brooklyn, Urbanspace Provisions, and a new design style. All the traditional food, craft, and gift favorites are back, of course!
Market times:
November 21 – December 24, 2019
Monday – Friday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
NORTH CAROLINA: The Carolina Inn Holiday Market in Chapel Hill
Warm up with a hot chocolate, mulled wine, or smores by the fire while shopping for decorations and gifts made by artisans from all over North Carolina.
Market times:
December 8, 15 & 22, 2019: 12 – 4 p.m.
NORTH DAKOTA: The Christmas Market in Fargo
Create holiday signs, wreaths, floral arrangements, and more during workshops at the Eco Chic storefront.
Market times:
December 6, 2019: 4 to 8 p.m.
December 7, 2019: 9 a.m to 5 p.m.
OHIO: Christmas Tree Festival in Lima
View more than 100 decorated Christmas trees all packed into the Allen County Museum during this four-day festival. Many children's activities will also be available, including a Children's Shoppe, crafts, entertainment, and a reading of The Polar Express.
Market times:
December 4 & 5, 2019: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
December 6, 2019: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
December 7, 2019: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
December 8, 2019: 12 to 5 p.m.
OKLAHOMA: Downtown in December in Oklahoma City
For just about two months, Downtown Oklahoma City is transformed into a winter wonderland with events, activities, and shopping opportunities galore. Take free water taxi rides, browse holiday pop-up shops, listen to carolers, skate at the ice rink, and more!
Market times:
November 8, 2019 – January 11, 2020: Hours vary
OREGON: Village Green Christmas Market in Cottage Green
This festival features 500,000 lights, live music, vendors, visits with Santa every night (pictures are free!), and traditional German food such as bratwurst, sauerkraut, and schnitzel sandwiches. You can even pet real-life reindeer!
Market times:
November 29 – December 31, 2019: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
PENNSYLVANIA: Christmas Village in Philadelphia
Santa has his own house at this market, where pictures and meet and greets are available. Other Christmas market staples (vendors, food, and mulled wine!) are also on the calendar.
Market times:
November 28 – December 24, 2019
Sunday – Thursday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
RHODE ISLAND: Holiday Market in Newport
This weekend-only festival has everything you need to finish off your shopping list. Igloos are also available to rent for a fun night of eating and drinking!
Market times:
November 29- December 20, 2019: Hours vary
SOUTH CAROLINA: Holiday Festival of Lights in Charleston
A train takes visitors through the light show at this festival (tickets are $3), while other attractions include a vintage carousel, a sand sculpture, a climbing wall, and much more. Take a trip to Santa's Sweet Shoppe for some extra treats to give as gifts (or to keep!).
Market times:
November 15 – December 31, 2019
Sunday – Thursday: 5:30 to 10 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 5:30 to 11 p.m.
SOUTH DAKOTA: Holiday Market at the Museum in Brookings
This showcase has something for everyone in the family—an ornament make-and-take for the kids, the museum gift shop for those on your gift list, and more than 20 vendors and farmers market favorites.
Market times:
December 7, 2019: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
TENNESSEE: Marketplace in East Nashville in Nashville
A brand-new event, The Marketplace will be open year-round, but is selling holiday gifts, crafts, decorations, and more during the month of December when the theme is "Enchanted Nashville." Food trucks are also on hand to take care of holiday hunger fixes!
Market times:
November 30 – December 22, 2019
Saturdays & Sundays: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
TEXAS: Texas Christkindl Market in Arlington
Although the 5,000 square feet of ice skating fun is a major highlight of this traditional Christkindl Market, the 30-foot Christmas Tree and St. Nikolas are also festive additions. You won't be able to resist the roasted almonds, pecans, and cashews in addition to macarons, chocolates, and other eats.
Market times:
November 29 – December 22, 2019
Sunday – Thursday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
UTAH: Holiday Craft Market in Salt Lake City
Browse ceramic, print, glass, and other types of art from almost 80 local creators that make great gifts or decorations. Food will also be on hand to keep attendees energized!
Market times:
December 6 -21, 2019
Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
VERMONT: Holiday Craft Market in Manchester
Fans can get a look at the market before the doors officially open on December 7 at the Preview Sip n' Shop on December 6. The rest of the weekend (and the next) features plenty of local merchants with handmade jewelry, pottery, and other items.
Market times:
December 7 & 8, 2019: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
December 14 & 15, 2019: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
VIRGINIA: Del Ray Artisans' Holiday Market in Alexandria
Free admission means you can visit all three weekends—and you'll want to because the vendors change for each! You'll find jewelry, pottery, crafts, and more, and upcycled tote bags and other items will be available to buy, with a portion of the sales going to benefit local artists through the Del Ray Artisans organization.
Market times:
December 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, 2019
Fridays: 6 to 9 p.m.
Saturdays & Sundays: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
WASHINGTON: Georgetown Trailer Park Holiday Market in Seattle
What could be better than buying gifts and getting them gift wrapped for free while you enjoy hula hoops and cookies? This local artists' showcase is definitely unlike any you've ever seen! Why? Hint: the location!
Market times:
November 30 – December 30, 2019: Hours vary
WEST VIRGINIA: A Handmade Christmas in Harpers Ferry in Harpers Ferry
Bundle up and get ready to enjoy a day browsing gifts for everyone. Snack on treats and sip on drinks like beer, wine, and hot cocoa, courtesy of the Barn of Harpers Ferry.
Market times:
December 21, 2019: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WISCONSIN: Christkindlmarket in Milwaukee
Put on by the same leaders of the two Chicago Christkindlmarket locations, the Milwaukee festival also has free admission for all 40 days it is opened this season. Pair a pretzel with an iconic brew while you're there—Milwaukee is known for beer brewing!
Market times:
November 15 – December 24, 2019
Sunday – Thursday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
WYOMING: University of Wyoming Holiday Market in Laramie
The Seneca Creek Studios is hosting this art show and offering free shipping on print orders placed during the event. Other art will be available and artists will be available to meet, and there will also be a giveaway!
Market times:
December 13, 2019: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
