The Best Holiday Markets in Every State
Whether you prefer to go the traditional holiday market route of hot cocoa and handmade gifts or enjoy a more hip holiday shopping experience—think: a happy hour within spitting distance of international vendors' wares—we've found the best holiday markets for every kind of shopper, in every single state. (And bonus: most of them include the perfect gifts for your foodie friends.) So go ahead—complete your holiday shopping with this handy guide. —Jillian Kramer
Alabama: Christkindlmarket in Huntsville
Raise a glass of Straight to Ale Brewery's Glühwein (mulled wine) before you shop for crafts and gifts in a heated outdoor pavilion—though we doubt it'll be too cold at this southern spot.Dates: 3 to 9 p.m. Dec. 9; location: 2620 Clinton Ave W., Huntsville
The Best Holiday Markets in Every State
Alaska: Winter Arts Faire in Ketchikan
More than 80 local vendors sell their wares at this indoor market that boasts craft stations to keep the kiddos busy while you shop for their gifts from you— err, we mean from Santa.Dates: 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 25, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 26; location: 330 Main Street, Ketchikan
Arizona: Christkindlmarkt in Cave Creek (near Scottsdale)
Get your cookie-fix at this traditional German market, where you can nosh on lebkuchen— gingerbread cookies—then wash them down with Warsteiner winter beer instead of milk. (It is a German market after all.) Everything from candles to ornaments will also be for sale.Dates: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 9 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 10; location: 6245 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek
Arkansas: Moonlight Market in Malvern
This market may run (almost) year-round, but because it requires all its vendors to run no fewer than 300 LED Christmas lights in and on their tents, it always feels like the holidays here. May we recommend you grab sweet (literally) stocking stuffers from Mandy's Candy?Dates: 3 to 9 p.m. Dec. 3; location: Bank of the Ozarks Amphitheater, Malvern
California: Moulin's Holiday Market in Newport Beach
All December, this French restaurant's pattiserie transforms into a Parisian holiday market; its cases are filled with everything from B?che de No?l ( yule log) to real artisanal foie gras.Dates: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 1 through Dec. 31; location: 1000 N. Bristol St., Newport Beach
Colorado: Denver Christkindl Market in Denver
Transport yourself to an Old-World Christmas celebration, where you can dance to live German music, shop from European craft vendors hawking everything from ornaments to pottery, and eat authentic bites such as marzipanbrot or stollen, German Christmas breads. Dates: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 17 through Dec. 23; location: Skyline Park at 16th St. Mall and Arapahoe St., Denver
Connecticut: Festival of Trees in Danbury
This two-day market is stepping up the Christmas game: here, you can buy professionally decorated trees—with proceeds going to Ann's Place, a local cancer-support center. Go on the evening of Nov. 18, and you can grab a beer while you shop trees and the marketplace.Dates: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 17 through Nov. 19, and 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Nov. 18 for Taps & Trees Craft Beer Fest; location: Crowne Plaza Hotel, 18 Old Ridgebury Road, Danbury
Delaware: Christmas Market at Poplar Hall in Newark
Picture it: a restored 18th century farm, decked out in Christmas décor. That's what you'll find here—plus artisan and handmade gifts, fare prepared by nearby Wilmington's best chefs, and beer, cider, and wine (for only $5!) brought in from local breweries and wineries.Dates: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 2; location: Historic Poplar Hall, 3176 Denny Road, Newark
Florida: The Chocolate Wonderland in Clermont
Take Lakeridge Winer's free wine-tasting tour, then enter its Chocolate Wonderland, an outdoor (air conditioned) tent filled with chocolatiers' handmade gifts. If you can set your sweet tooth aside, the winery also boasts a more traditional holiday market, where you can also purchase local artists' and crafters' creations and additional food and beverage items. Dates: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 8 and Dec. 9, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 10; location: 19239 U.S. 27 N., Clermont
Georgia: Merry Shrimpmas on Jekyll Island
When Hurricane Irma forced Jekyll Island, a state park, to cancel its annual Shrimp & Grits Festival, its organizers came up with a plan: they'd throw the fest closer to the holidays—and add in a holiday artists' market selling pottery, jewelry, woodwork, and photography.Dates: 2 to 8 p.m. Nov. 24, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 25; location: Jekyll Island Historic District
Hawaii: Islandwide Christmas Crafts and Food Expo in Honolulu
There'll be a whopping 400 artisans at this expo. (You can check out the overwhelming list of the event's vendors here.) If you can't find gifts here, then you probably can't anywhere.Dates: 4 to 9 p.m. Nov. 24, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 25, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 26; location: 777 Ward Ave., Honolulu
Idaho: Wintry Market in Bois
This holiday market touts itself as a cool—excuse the very bad weather pun—place to buy affordable handmade goods from indie artisans and crafters using "traditional methods."Dates: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 18 and Nov. 19; location: 1000 W Myrtle St, Boise
Illinois: Christkindlmarket in Chicago
Chicago's Christkindlmarket is largest open-air Christmas fest in the city, according to the market's website. You'll find hand-blown and painted ornaments, toys, jewelry, clothes, wood works, décor—and Glühwein served in a unique souvenir mug you can take home. Dates: 11a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 17 to Dec. 24; location: Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., Chicago
Indiana: Bliss Barn Christmas Market in Fairmount
Even Santa won't miss this market, which will replicate Europe's Christmas markets in the setting of a barn that's less rustic and more high-brow. (It's got crystal chandeliers hanging from the rafters.) Here you can shop, see Santa Claus, and take a Christmas wagon ride, too. Dates: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Nov. 24, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Nov. 25, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 26; location: 8271 S. 100 E., Fairmount
Iowa: Christkindlmarket in Des Moines
Ethnic foods and gifts are sold from traditional wooden stalls at this holiday market, which will also feature polka bands, choirs, and beer tent to celebrate a successful shopping spree. Dates: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 1 and Dec. 2, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 3; location: 221 Walnut St, Des Moines
Kansas: Indoor Holiday Farmers' Market in Overland Park
Before Overland Park's farmers' market closes for the year, it will open up a holiday market complete with "tasty treats, beverages, arts and crafts, jewelry, [and] boxed gift items," its website says. And for those who never carry cash: this market gladly accepts credit cards. Dates: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 2; location: Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty St., Overland Park
Kentucky: Holly Day Market in Lexington
Vendors from across the country gather at this annual holiday market to hawk their wares. Bonus: your children—and you, too—can actually eat Christmas cookieswithSanta here.Dates: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 1 and Dec. 2, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 3; location: 430 W. Vine St., Lexington
Louisiana: Mistletoe & Moss Holiday Market in Lake Charles
You'll find more than 80 merchants here selling everything from specialty foods to home furnishings. Nov. 16 is ladies night—where you can sip (wine and other drinks) and shop. Dates: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 16 and 17, 9 to 5 p.m. Nov. 18; location: Lake Charles Civic Center, 900 Lakeshore Dr., Lake Charles
Maine: Prelude Holiday Gift Market in Kennebunk
Before the town's annual tree-lighting, pop by this market for last-minute gifts including hand-crafted jewelry, stocking stuffers, unique hand-woven items, artwork, and more. Dates: 3:30 to 5 p.m. Dec. 1; location: River Tree Arts, 35 Western Ave., Kennebunk
Maryland: Christmas Village in Baltimore
West Shore Park is transformed into an impressive holiday market—with thousands of twinkling lights and two stages of live music—where you can shop from more than 50 vendors while sipping on hot chocolate, German beer, and mulled wine, and noshing from a full menu of European food, including German bratwurst, potato latkes, and spekulatius.Dates: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 23 through Dec. 24; location: West Shore Park, Inner Harbor, 501 Light St., Baltimore
Massachusetts: Holiday CrEATor Market at Boston Public Market
You'll find something for every foodie on your list at this new holiday market, from vendors such as Vendors such as such as Seedsheets, Alex's Ugly Sauce, and Top Shelf Cookies. Think: screen-printed tea towels, all-natural booze infusers, and edible stocking stuffers.Dates: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays Nov. 18 through Dec. 17; location: 100 Hanover St., Boston
Michigan: Kerstmarkt in Holland
Of course you would find a Dutch-inspired holiday market in a town named Holland. This market shares space with the local farmers' market, so you can do your grocery shopping and your holiday shopping, for items such as lip butters, antiques, mittens, and more.Dates: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 18, Nov. 25, Dec. 2, and Dec. 9, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 24, 3 to 8 p.m. Nov. 28, Dec. 1, and Dec. 8; location: Eighth Street Marketplace., 150 W. Eighth St., Holland
Minnesota: St. Paul Christmas Market in St. Paul
Modeled after the Christmas markets found in Munich, this market offers items such as ornaments, nutcrackers, beeswax candles, decorative glass, wool mittens and scarves, and jewelry for shoppers and Glühwein, roasted nuts, and sausages for drinkers and eaters.Dates: 4 to 9 p.m. Dec. 1 and Dec. 8, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 2 and Dec. 9, 12 to 6 p.m. Dec. 3 and Dec. 10; location: Union Depot East Plaza, 240 E. Kellogg Blvd., St Paul
Mississippi: Hotty Toddy Holiday Marketplace in Oxford
What's better than holiday shopping at 63 vendors selling decor items, jewelry, fine art, pottery, food, photography, and more? Doing it with a mimosa or Bloody Mary in hand, both of which you can buy—and sip on and enjoy—at this market, which also benefits the University of Mississippi's Meek School of Journalism and New Media. Dates: 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 1 (preview event) and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 2; location: The Jefferson, 365 Highway 6 E., Oxford
Missouri: Kristkindl Markt in Hermann
Stone Hill Winery hosts this traditional German Christmas market, where hot soups and mulled wine will be served, and crafts and "Christmas goodies" can be purchased.Dates: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 2; location: 1110 Stone Hill Highway, Hermann
Montana: Little Red Truck's European Christmas Vintage Market in Missoula
In case the name of this market didn't give it away, this is the Christmas market to shop if you're in search of vintage finds such as old-school signs or antique furniture and décor. Outside, food trucks will serve up everything from German sausages to teriyaki chicken. Dates: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 9; location: Missoula County Fairgrounds, 1101 South Ave. W., Missoula
Nebraska: Omaha Farmers Market Holiday Market in Omaha
Gourmet jams and jellies, cheeses and baked goods, jewelry, and arts and crafts will all be up for grabs at this holiday market. (Plus, Santa promises to stop by at 2 p.m. Dec. 3.)Dates: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 2 and Dec. 3; location: Aksarben Village, 67th and Center streets, Omaha
Nevada: Artisans Holiday Faire in Reno
You'll leave this first-annual event feeling good—if for no other reason than knowing you purchased raffle tickets that will benefit the Veterans Guest House, which provides down-on-their-luck veterans and their families with a safe, warm, and clean place to stay. But if you don't want to take your chances in the raffle, 20 local artists will also sell unique gifts. Dates: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 10; location: LakeRidge Golf Course, 1218 Golf Club Dr., Reno
New Hampshire: Downtown Holiday Market in Manchester
Shop local artisan goods at this market, then stay in downtown Manchester for a meal at one of its restaurants. May we recommend Cotton for eclectic American comfort food?Dates: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 30, Dec. 7, and Dec. 14, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 9 and Dec. 16, Brady Sullivan Plaza, 1000 Elm St., Manchester
New Jersey: Weihnachtsmarkt (Lake Mohawk German Christmas Market) in Sparta
You can watch folk dancers, listen to a 'Capella music, or shop for holiday presents at this outdoor traditional German market, which is ranked as "one of the top 10 things to do in December in the state," according to its website. Dates: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 2 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 3; location: 21 Boardwalk, Lake Mohawk
New Mexico: World Famous Winter Spanish Market in Albuquerque
World famous? Count us in. New Mexico artists gather here to sell Spanish Colonial-style artwork. All of the artists are on site so that you can learn about their process at purchase. Dates: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 2 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 3; location: National Hispanic Cultural Center, 701 4th St. SW, Albuquerque
New York: Union Square Holiday Market in New York
You may be familiar with Union Square for its impressive year-round farmers market. But in November and December, another market opens here—a holiday market constructed with winding aisles of craftsmen and artists' huts selling unique gifts. Stop by to shop, or simply for lunch; you'll find everything from Parisian specialty soups to hot chocolate here. Dates: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 16 through Dec. 24; location: Union Square between E. 14th and 17th streets
North Carolina: The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery Weihnachtsmarkt in Charlotte
Set in the brewery's biergarten, which seats more than 1,000 people and has cozy fire pits, you can sip on the brewery's beers (and buy 'em, too) while shopping foodie gifts, such as cheeses, European-inspired baked goods, and even all-natural dog treats for your fur baby. Dates: 4 to 9 p.m. Dec. 1, Dec. 8, and Dec. 15, 2 to 9 p.m. Dec. 2, Dec. 9, and Dec. 16; location: 4150 Yancey Road, Charlotte
North Dakota: Dickens Village Festival in Garrison
Like its name suggests, this holiday fest will take you back to the days of Charles Dickens, and boasts a fruit cake toss, children's top-hat decorating, horse-drawn carriage rides, English high tea, a quilt show—and many holiday shopping opportunities, too, of course.Dates: Various times Nov. 24, Nov. 25, and Nov. 26, Dec. 1, Dec. 2, Dec. 8, and Dec. 9; call 1-800-799-4242 for specific times and location
Ohio: The Cleveland Bazaar Holiday in Cleveland
This is the Cleveland Bazaar's largest event. It's housed inside the 78th Street Studios, a repurposed re-purposed warehouse, which automatically ups the event's cool-factor. Plus, you'll find hundreds of indie crafts perfect for stocking stuffers and unique holiday gifts.Dates: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 9 and 10 am. to 6 p.m. Dec. 10; location: 1300 W. 78th St., Cleveland
Oklahoma: Holiday Pop-Up Shops at Midtown in Oklahoma City
Let's just say you're the kind of person who'd like to shop inside a (plastic) igloo. Then this holiday market is the one for you. Some 35 rotating vendors set up shop in geodesic domes, which look like igloos, to sell their wares. You can also purchase your Christmas tree here. Dates: 10 am. to 9 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 24 through Dec. 23; location: NW 10th and Hudson streets, downtown Oklahoma City
Oregon: Westside Warehouse District Holiday Market in Eugen
Award winning wines, beers, and spirits—from Noble Estate Urban, J. Scott Cellars, Viking Braggot Company, and Crescendo Spirits—are served at this holiday market, where you'll be encouraged to give those same bottles to friends, family, and other loved ones as gifts. Dates: 2 to 8 p.m. Dec. 9; location: Tyinn Street to Commercial Street in Eugene
Pennsylvania: Christmas Village in Philadelphia
For a little more than a month, the newly-renovated LOVE Park turns into an authentic open-air German Christmas market. Shoppers can buy gifts—from local, national, and international vendors—from decorated tents, then take in a live show at a large stage. Or go after work on a Wednesday for the market's Ho-Ho-Happy hour for discounted drinks. Dates: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 23 through Dec. 24; location: LOVE Park, 1500 Arch St., Philadelphia
Rhode Island: Holiday Market at Pilotlight in Providence
Like a meet-and-greet, think of this market as a meet-and- eat. You'll be able to nosh on local food favorites—while chatting up their creators—and buy art and gifts here too.Dates: 12 to 4 p.m. Dec. 9; location: 55 Cromwell St., Providence
South Carolina: Holiday Fair in Greeneville
More than 300 crafters and commercial vendors from 15 states set up shop at this holiday fair. (But don't stress: you can plan your shopping strategy with this list of vendors.)Dates: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 2; location: TD Convention Center, 1 Exposition Dr., Greenville
South Dakota: Holiday Celebration and Winter Market in Rapid City
Ice skating, tree lighting, and Santa Claus, oh my! There's all that and more—like shopping opportunities—at this market, where local vendors will sell one-of-a-kind gifts and wares.Dates: 2 to 6 p.m. Nov. 25; location: 526 Main St., Rapid City
Tennessee: Made South Holiday Market in Franklin
Here, you can shop for holiday gifts—sold by some 150 makers—inside a former factory that's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Plus, from 5 to 9 p.m., you can enjoy tastings with some of the region's best chefs, like Chopped judge Maneet Chauhan.Dates: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 18; location: The Factory at Franklin, 230 Franklin Road, Franklin
Texas: Pearl Holiday Night Market in San Antonio
As a local band plays and holiday lights twinkle, more than 20 vendors sell everything from handmade soaps to artisan chocolates, goats' milk cheeses, and gluten-free breads. Dates: 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 7, Dec. 14, and Dec. 21; location: 1100 Springs Plaza, San Antonio
Utah: Christkindlmarkt SLC in Salt Lake City
Come for the 80 vendors selling everything from jewelry to traditional German gifts such as smokers; stay for the life-changing caramelized waffles sold from the Bruges Waffle Bus.Dates: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 29, Nov. 30, Dec. 1, and Dec. 2; location: 2601 E. Sunnyside Ave., Salt Lake City
Vermont: Touch of Vermont Holiday Gift Market in Montpelier
You can pay for gifts made by the more than 45 vendors at this holiday market, or you can walk away with a discounted gift—if you're lucky enough to win in this market's big raffle. Dates: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 16; location: Montpelier City Hall, 39 Main St., Montpelier
Virginia: Lovettsville Christkindlmarkt in Lovettsville
Forget Kris Kringle. You'll see Krampus and the Christkindl angel at this holiday market. (Santa's here too.) German and Austrian foods and unique crafters' gifts will be for sale. Dates: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 3; location: 16 South Berlin Pike, Lovettsville
Washington: Christkindlmarkt in Leavenworth
This Bavarian-style Christmas market offers authentic Bavarian foods, handmade arts, crafts, and gifts—plus a lantern parade to kick off the shopping and holiday merriment.Dates: 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 24, 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 25, 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Nov. 26; location: Front Street Park, 1001 Front St., Leavenworth
West Virginia: The Christmas Marketplace at Charlestown
Bespoke items—made by artists who live and work in and around the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia—can be bought at this two-day-only holiday marketplace. Dates: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 25 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 26; location: Charles Washington Hall, 100 E. Washington St., Charles Town
Wisconsin: Old World Christmas Market in Elkhart Lake
Inside this old world market is an old world food court. Fill your shopping bags with Czech blown-glass ornaments, Russian nesting dolls, and German hand-carved nutcrackers, then fill your stomachs with roasted almonds, wiener schnitzel, and Nüremberg bratwurst.Dates: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 1 through Dec. 10; location: The Osthoff Resort, 101 Osthoff Ave., Elkhart Lake
Wyoming: Powell Country Christmas Gift Show in Powell
Shop 'til you drop on this event's first day, then celebrate a shopping spree well-done with a lighted parade on the second day. (P.S. You just might spot Santa Claus in the parade too.) Dates: 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 1 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 2; location: The Commons, 125 Bent St., Powell