The holidays are here, and with them comes the pop up of holiday markets — offering food, decorations and winter activities to get you into the holiday spirit. While big-name department stores may offer discounts, they can get quite crowded (and stressful) as the holidays close in. And they definitely don’t have the charm of a holiday market.
If you’re looking for ideas on where to go near you, we’ve got this guide that highlights the best holiday market in each state. To make sure we’re featuring markets that offer the most authentic and holiday-spirited experience, we looked at seasonal markets that you can only catch as the holidays approach. Plus, each one has something special that is certain to get you in the holiday spirit.
Image Credit: DGLimages.
Alabama: Return of the Nerdy Noel
Address: 2620 Clinton Ave., Huntsville
Celebrate the holidays the nerdy way at this annual holiday market — expect to find lots of sci-fi, comic and anime goodies for that pop culture lover on your gift list. Plus, you can play with bunnies up for adoption from the Alabama Rabbit Rescue.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Straight to Ale Brewery.
Alaska: Colony Christmas
Address: 723 S. Valley Way, Palmer
This annual market has horse-drawn and reindeer sleigh rides, pictures with Santa and a fire art display in the sky. Vendors come from all over the state offering custom clothes and jewelry, too.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Official State of Alaska Website.
Arizona: 4th Avenue Winter Street Fair
Address: Fourth Ave. between Eight St. and University Blvd., Tucson
With over 500,000 annual visitors, this the city’s largest holiday market and it doesn’t disappoint. Expect to find over 400 vendors selling homemade crafts, and local entertainment playing all day and night long.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Official State of Arizona Website.
Arkansas: Holiday Geek Market
Address: 2537 N. McConnell Ave., Fayetteville
This holiday market specializes in gifts for the self-proclaimed geeks in your life. Shoppers will find themed gifts from cult classics like Harry Potter, Doctor Who and everything in between. Shoppers can also delight in door prizes, games and even a costume contest.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Official State of Arkansas Website.
California: Great Dickens Fair
Address: 2600 Geneva Ave., Daly City
Step back in time and enjoy a Dickens-era Christmas at this festive holiday market, sete in an exhibition hall transformed into Victorian London. Tiny Tim and the Ghost of Christmas Past roam the aisles, while costumed vendors sell ceramics, jewelry and clothing.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Great Dickens Fair Website.
Colorado: Denver Christkindl Market
Address: 1515 Arapahoe St., Denver
Walk into this market to find a German village complete with Bavarian carolers, mulled wine and gingerbread houses. Pick up themed Christmas ornaments, Andrean fleece, authentic beer steins, cashmere accessories and more.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Denver Christkindl Market Website.
Connecticut: Artistry at Guilford Art Center
Address: 411 Church St., Guilford
Not sure what gifts to give your loved ones? This market has personal shoppers available for gift-giving ideas and decoration advice — walking you through vendors selling ceramics, jewelry, toys and more. The Center also hosts several special events during the holiday market, including a jewelry and prosecco reception.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Artistry at Guilford Art Center Website.
Delaware: Christmas Market at Poplar Hall
Address: 3176 Denny Rd., Newark
A historical private home and farm transforms in the wintertime to a market, complete with live demonstrations, gourmet food and local artisans — and, of course, a Christmas tree farm.
Image Credit: Delaware: Christmas Market at Poplar Hall.
Florida: Traditional Christkindlmarkt
Address: 5111 Lantana Rd., Lake Worth
The whole family can have a great holiday at this German-themed outdoor market: Kids can participate in ornament-making and gingerbread house workshops while you relax with an imported German beer and some roasted nuts, all while holiday carolers perform.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Traditional Christkindlmarkt Website.
Georgia: Decatur Holiday Marketplace
Address: 155 Erie Ave., Decatur
A local elementary school transforms into an indoor winter wonderland in time for the holidays, complete with a mini art studio and plenty of live music from all genres, including bluegrass, folk and blues.
Image Credit: Georgia: Decatur Holiday Marketplace.
Hawaii: Festival of Lights Christmas Boat Parade
Address: 333 Keahole St., Hawai’i Kai
Boats are decked out with ornaments, tinsel and lights for this Christmas-themed boat parade — with prizes awarded for the best ones. Expect to see great live music and hula performances.
Image Credit: Courtesy of the Hawaii Marina Community Association.
Idaho: Holly Jolly Christmas Expo
Address: 560 E. Anderson St., Idaho Falls
Parents can shop at over 80 vendors for kid-friendly holiday gifts (especially now that Toys-R-Us is no longer around). Kids can visit the North Pole and decorate a cookie with Ms. Claus or make an ornament with Frosty — don’t forget to grab a free photo with Santa before you go.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Holly Jolly Christmas Expo Website.
Illinois: Christkindlmarket
Address: 50 W. Washington St., Chicago
Inspired by the German Christmas tradition, this Daley Plaza market has it all: Handmade nutcrackers, ornaments, cuckoo clocks, schnitzel and German beer.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Christkindlmarket Website.
Indiana: Yelp’s Totally Bazaar
Address: 40 E. Clair St., Indianapolis
Here you can check out goods from more than 150 vendors, from a natural foot-care line to a gourmet popcorn stand. The best part? All participating retailers are local small businesses — so you won’t feel (too) guilty for spending a little extra.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Yelp’s Totally Bazaar Website.
Iowa: Holiday Thieves Market
Address: 125 N. Madison St., Iowa City
You can find over 100 artists showcasing paintings, ceramics, woodwork jewelry here — and a wine and craft beer tasting. Make sure to take advantage of the free gift wrapping on site.
Looking for more ways to make the holidays more affordable? Check out this list of 50 freebies and discounts.
Image Credit: Courtesy of University of Iowa Website.
Kansas: Kristkindl Markt
Address: 205 W. 65th St., Kansas City
This German holiday market boasts live music, a biergarten, delicious German fare and an eccentric Christmas flea market. While you shop, your kids can make their own gingerbread house.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Kristkindl Markt Website.
Kentucky: Christmas Market at Michler’s
Address: 417 E. Maxwell St., Lexington
Shop for soaps, jewelry, ceramics and wreaths at this greenhouse-turned-market. Munch on a Christmas pastry, sip on some mulled wine and listen to classical music performed by a local group while you shop.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Michler’s.
Louisiana: Christmas Marketplace Days
Address: 31025 LA-1, White Castle
Climb aboard steamboat American Queen for a holiday shopping experience on the Louisiana River. Shop for holiday-themed arts and crafts, but make sure to stay for the fireworks at night.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Nottoway Plantation Resort.
Maine: Season of Giving Art Sale
Address: 117 Main St., Kennebunk
Set at the cozy Brick Store Museum, this holiday market features local artists and entrepreneurs selling china and memorable keepsakes — ranging in price from $5 to $500 — to add to your Christmas decor.
Image Credit: Courtesy of the Brick Store Museum .
Maryland: Christmas Village
Address: 501 Light St., Baltimore
The city’s Inner Harbor transforms into a Christmas village, complete with traditional German-style wooden huts and a giant Christmas tree in the village center. The city elects a Nuremberg Christkind to represent the spirit of Christmas — make sure to catch her at the village on select days.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Christmas Village Website.
Massachusetts: Downtown Boston Holiday Market
Address: 467 Washington St., Boston
You can find this artist market in the heart of downtown, where local vendors sell jewelry, wood carvings and sculptures.
Image Credit: Courtesy of City Hall Plaza Boston Website.
Michigan: Eastern Market
Address: 2934 Russell St., Detroit
This market gives shoppers a single place to find all the ingredients they need for the holidays. This includes food, as well as Michigan-made clothing, art and jewelry to stuff your stockings.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Eastern Market
Minnesota: Holidazzle
Address: 1382 Willow St., Minneapolis
This market transforms downtown Minneapolis into a holiday community gathering, complete with food and craft vendors, visits from Santa, musical performances and an outdoor skating rink. Once a week, you can catch a classic holiday movie and surprise giveaways.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Holidazzle Website.
Mississippi: Canton Christmas Festival
Address: 147 North Union St., Canton
Canton’s Historic Courthouse Square will glow with more than 200,000 lights throughout this holiday festival. Don’t miss the interactive Christmas Village, where children can make food for Santa’s reindeer and collect marshmallows from Frosty the Snowman.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Canton Christmas Festival Website.
Missouri: Downtown Kirkwood Christmas Market
Address: 150 E. Argonne Dr., Kirkwood
Local vendor Summit Produce converts part of the Kirkwood Farmers’ Market into a 2,000 square foot Gingerbread Shoppe during the holiday season, filled with treats like peppermint bark, molasses puff and solid milk chocolate presents. You can pick out a Christmas tree from the lot on your way out.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Downtown Kirkwood Website.
Montana: Missoula Holiday Made Fair
Address: 32 Campus Dr., Missoula
The University of Montana hosts more than 200 local artists at their annual Christmas market, selling soaps and candles, among other items. And if you get one of the candles, you can make a holder personalized for the recipient. Here are a few other ideas for DIY holiday gifts that won’t ruin your budget.
Image Credit: Courtesy of HandMADE Montana.
Nebraska: Holiday Lights Festival
Address: Gene Leahy Mall, Omaha
Walk down more than 40 blocks of streets decorated with lights at this downtown festival, which features an ice skating rink and holiday concerts. Shop, eat and drink in the Old Market and take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Holiday Lights Festival Website.
Nevada: NFR Cowboy Christmas Show
Address: 3150 Paradise Rd., Las Vegas
Expect to find everything Western-themed here, from spurs and boots to Midwestern art and pottery. Don’t miss the featured rodeo entertainment, which includes junior competitions and professional showcases.
Image Credit: Courtesy of NFR Cowboy Christmas Show.
New Hampshire: Vintage Christmas
Address: 14 Hancock St., Portsmouth
Take a trip back in time with this colonial-themed Christmas village, complete with a candlelit guided tour of the historic neighborhood of Puddle Dock and an outdoor skating rink.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Vintage Christmas Website.
New Jersey: Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar
Address: 1300 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park
Inspired by German Christmas markets, the Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar offers vintage and handmade art, jewelry and other goods, accompanied by live music and performances. Must sees include the 30-foot Christmas Tree and holiday photo booth.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Asbury Park Bazaar.
New Mexico: Winter Indian Market
Address: 100 E. San Francisco St., Santa Fe
Santa Fe’s Winter Indian Market is a celebration of Native arts and crafts. From jewelry to textiles to basketry to ceramics, you’ll find something for everyone on your gift list, all while supporting your community.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Sante Fe Indian Market Website.
New York: Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Address: Columbus Circle & 59th St., New York
Located at the entrance of Central Park, this holiday market captures the city’s elegant Christmas spirit with designer goods and gourmet treats. Catch the famous Rockefeller Christmas tree on 50th Street afterwards.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Columbus Circle Holiday Market.
North Carolina: Beary Merry Christmas
Address: 210 E. Front St., New Bern
Every winter, the entire town of New Bern transforms into a spectacularly lit Christmas village. Gather around the Christmas tree, take your picture with Santa and check out the entries to the annual gingerbread house competition.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Beary Merry Christmas.
North Dakota: Very Merry Holiday Craft Market
Address: 630 1st Ave. N #6, Fargo
Drekker Brewing Company, the best brewery in the state, is hosting their very own holiday market, complete with local vendors, crafts for sale and, of course, beer.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Drekker Brewing Company.
Ohio: Steubenville Nutcracker Village & Advent Market
Address: 120 S. 3rd St., Steubenville
Catch a ride on the “holly trolley” to take you through the market, which features baked goods, arts and crafts and puzzles you can take home to the kids. The market is also home to a collection of more than 150 nutcrackers — don’t miss the 6-foot one.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Steubenville Nutcracker Village Website.
Oklahoma: The Holiday Pop-up Shops
Address: 399 NW 10th St., Oklahoma City
This market hosts local shops that rotate weekly, so you’ll find something new every week. If you are looking to warm up, try the delicious Katiebug’s hot chocolate stand. Looking for something a little stronger? Big Friendly Beer Bus has you covered.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Holiday Pop-up Shops Website.
Oregon: Village Green Christmas Market
Address: 725 Row River Rd., Cottage Grove
This Middle Ages-themed, open-air holiday market features festive food and drink, including German hot spiced wine. As you shop the storefronts for ceramics and fresh baked goods, listen for the sound of carolers performing throughout the day.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Village Green Christmas Market Website.
Pennsylvania: Christmas City Village
Address: 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem
One of the largest holiday celebrations in the country, this village has live music, good eats and more than 150 vendors from across the U.S. Early risers can even get breakfast with St. Nick, but those who come later can enjoy holiday spirits and wine tasting, as well as craft their own glass holiday ornaments.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Christmas City Village Website.
Rhode Island: Providence Flea
Address: 324 Hope St., Providence
This is your holiday stop for all things vintage and handcrafted, from colorful pieces of jewelry to soaps to wooden furniture. You can grab a bite to eat from local food trucks and pledge to support community nonprofits that set up shop among the other vendors.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Providence Flea Website.
South Carolina: Holiday Festival of Lights
Address: 871 Riverland Dr., Charleston
You can drive or walk the enchanted light trail and watch Christmas trees “dance” to the music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. When you’re done feasting on roasted marshmallows or a chocolatey treat from Santa’s Sweet Shoppe, you can also pick up presents from three different gift shops. Don’t forget to check out the 50-ton holiday sand sculpture before you go.
Looking for more family-friendly activities? Check out this list of inexpensive ways to have fun this holiday season.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Holiday Festival of Lights Website.
South Dakota: Christmas at the Capitol
Address: 500 E Capitol Ave., Pierre
Learn more about the history of Pierre and listen to local choirs and jazz groups at this month-long event. But, the real highlight is the almost 100 Christmas trees, decorated by volunteers from communities, schools, churches, nonprofit organizations and state government offices.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Christmas at the Capitol Website.
Tennessee: Porter Holiday Market
Address: 625 Smith Ave., Nashville
Not only are there over 175 vendors at this seasonal market, you can find food trucks, DJ-spun tunes and free prizes for attendees. As a special bonus, the entire market is indoors and heated, which means you can enjoy winter festivities while escaping the cold.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Porter Holiday Market Website.
Texas: Texas Christkindl Market
Address: 1650 E. Randol Mill Rd., Arlington
Inspired by German Christmas traditions, this holiday village features seasonal gifts, decorations and other traditional German goods, as well as live entertainment by local choirs and dance troupes.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Texas Christkindl Market Website.
Utah: Downtown Winter Market
Address: Rio Grande Depot (300 S. Rio Grande St.), Salt Lake City
As if the Rio Grande Depot wasn’t beautiful enough, imagine it filled with holiday goodies. More than 70 vendors are participating this year, bringing in locally grown produce and meats as well as handmade crafts and jars of honey, which are perfect gifts for neighbors or to use as stocking stuffers.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Salt Lake City Farmers Market Website.
Vermont: Touch of Vermont Holiday Gift Market
Address: 39 Main St., Montpelier
Get custom-made gifts for everyone on your wishlist at this local market, which features over 45 local vendors offering up everything from hard cider to fuzzy blankets and scented balms.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Touch of Vermont Holiday Gift Market Website.
Virginia: Alexandria Holiday Market
Address: 300 John Carlyle St., Alexandria
Shop for craft goods like local wines and cheese and artisan goods while your kids get their face painted and decorate their own ornament — best of all, you can do this and listen to live entertainment.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Alexandria Holiday Market Website .
Washington: Holiday Market at Westlake Park
Address: 401 Pine St., Seattle
Enjoy the winter weather at this outdoor holiday market, featuring 24 booths that rotate each week. This year’s showcase will feature artisans from Urban Craft Uprising and their handmade goods.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Holiday Market at Westlake Park Website.
Washington, D.C.: Downtown Holiday Market in Penn Quarter
Address: F St NW & 8th St. NW, Washington, D.C.
Found in the heart of the nation’s capital, this holiday market has it all: More than 150 artisan vendors selling everything from soaps to textiles, food vendors serving up favorites like empanadas and mini donuts and local musical groups performing jazz, americana, bluegrass and more
Image Credit: Courtesy of Downtown Holiday Market Website.
West Virginia: Christmas in Shepherdstown
Address: 104 S. King St., Shepherdstown
There are enough winter activities for the whole family here, from a live nativity, town tree lightings, toy train displays and holiday shopping. Experience the town (and learn about it, too) all while on a horse-drawn carriage, for only $5 per adult and $3 per child.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Christmas in Shepherdstown Website.
Wisconsin: Old World Christmas Market
Address: 101 Osthoff Ave., Elkhart Lake
Expect to find German bratwurst, Czech blown-glass ornaments and Russian hand-painted Santa nesting dolls. Make sure to catch Father Christmas for a photo on your way out.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Old World Christmas Market Website.
Wyoming: UW Holiday Market
Address: 1000 E. University Ave., Laramie
Put on each year by the University of Wyoming, this holiday market has a wide assortment of potential gifts, including baked goods, home decor, handmade craft and holiday items, clothing, jewelry and children’s books, from 50 different vendors. Show up and get a prize at the door — you can also take part in the auction of vintage UW china, with all proceeds going to charity.
This article originally appeared on Policygenius and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
Image Credit: Courtesy of University of Wyoming Website.
