Believe it or not, holiday markets are here! While it’s easy (and tempting) to just click your way through your holiday shopping online, there’s something special about a real-live arts and crafts market.
From candles and soap to jewelry and toys — not to mention handmade specialty foods! — you’ll find something special for everyone on your list. (And perhaps yourself?) At the same time, you’ll support local artists and makers. So, don your holiday cheer and head out to one of these terrific holiday markets around Seattle and beyond. There are some great new markets this year, like the Seattle Christmas Market, that you won’t want to miss!
Head to the markets below and find the perfect gift you’ve been looking for. Markets are listed in order of opening date.
Girlfriends Holiday Market
When: Friday–Saturday, Nov. 10–11
Find it: Thurston County Fairgrounds in Lacey
Entry: $5–$10; ages 15 and younger free
What to expect: Start your holiday season at this fun market featuring twinkling lights, fresh greens, delicious food, hot beverages and music. Browse vendor tables to find items that are vintage, antique, upcycled, crafted and more.
Arts at the Armory
When: Saturday–Sunday, Nov. 11–12
Find it: Tacoma Armory, 1001 S. Yakima Ave., Tacoma
Entry: Free for all ages
What to expect: A this unique, interactive market artists will be sharing their work. You’ll have an opportunity to learn about the artistic process and purchase one-of-a-kind creations. Local food trucks will be on-site during the event.
Edmonds Holiday Market
When: 2023 information coming soon
Find it: Along Fifth Avenue North by the Edmonds Historical Museum
Entry: Free
What to expect: Held in downtown Edmonds, this outdoor market is a great place to find festive gifts and farm-fresh ingredients for your perfect holiday meal. Check the Edmonds Holidays website for more info, coming soon.
Kris Kringle Market
When: Friday–Saturday, Nov. 17–18
Find it: Lacey Community Center, 6729 Pacific Ave. S.E., Lacey
Entry: Adults $5; ages 3–17 $2; family pass $15 (covers 2 adults and any number of children).
What to expect: Presented by the Spouses Club of Joint Base Lewis–McChord, the Kris Kringle Market is a family-friendly event modeled after the European-style Christmas market. You’ll find shopping, a beer garden, food trucks, free photos with Santa, and free hot chocolate and crafts for kids.
Underground Holiday Market
When: Saturday, Nov. 18
Find it: Shoreline City Hall covered parking garage, 17500 Midvale Ave. N., Shoreline
Entry: Free
What to expect: This community market brings more than 80 artists and makers together in a unique outdoor covered holiday market. Live entertainment, a hands-on craft station, and food trucks and vendors make this market enjoyable for the whole family. Check the Underground Holiday website for a full vendor list and details. Complimentary parking, a free shopping bag and a shuttle to the market are offered across the street at Brotherton Cadillac NW.
Julefest: A Nordic Christmas Celebration
When: Saturday–Sunday, Nov. 18–19
Find it: National Nordic Museum in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood
Entry: Adults $10; youth ages 12–18 $5; ages and younger free. Select the day you’d like to attend and purchase tickets online.
What to expect: This year the National Nordic Museum will host its 46th annual Julefest: A Nordic Christmas Celebration. This event transforms the museum grounds into a traditional outdoor Nordic market, similar to those widely attended throughout northern Europe. Check the Nordic Museum’s website for the schedule of live performances throughout the weekend and a full list of vendors.
Seattle Christmas Market
When: Open daily, Nov. 24–Dec. 24
Find it: Held at Seattle Center, on the South Fountain Lawn and in Fisher Pavilion. 305 Harrison St., Seattle
Entry: Adult admission is $19.99; admission for youth ages 7–17 is $11.99; children ages 6 and younger enter free (early bird savings are available for a limited time). Purchase a time-specific ticket in advance at the Seattle Christmas Market website.
What to expect: New to Seattle in 2023, this market is modeled after popular Christmas markets held in Germany. The market combines colorful décor, authentic gifts, enticing food and drinks and family entertainment. Its aim is to create a festive atmosphere for celebrating holiday spirit. Shop from more than 60 vendors, take a ride on the Christmas Carousel and embark on a market-wide scavenger hunt. Follow the Seattle Christmas Market Facebook page for updates.
Holly Jolly Holiday Market
When: Friday–Saturday, Nov. 24–25
Find it : Thomas Family Farm, Snohomish
Entry: Free
What expect: Featuring dozens of vendors, food trucks and more, this market makes for a great place to do some holiday shopping while supporting your local community. A certain jolly man in a red suit will make an appearance Saturday. Watch the Holly Jolly Holiday Market Facebook page for updates.
GeekCraft Expo
When: Friday–Sunday, Nov. 24–26
Find it: Magnuson Park, Hangar 30, Seattle
Entry: Friday entry $15–$20 (advance/door); Saturday or Sunday entry $2–$5. Ages 12 and younger enter free. You can purchase tickets at the door, but this event usually sells out, so purchase online in advance if you want to make sure you get in!
What to expect: Looking for something fun to do on Thanksgiving weekend? Head to this fun, quirky market for art and goods from “nerds who make things.” Founded in 2016, GeekCraft Expo has grown into a curated, geek-themed handmade market.
Kirkland Urban Winter Market
When: Saturdays, Nov. 25 and Dec. 2 and 16
Find it: Kirkland Urban, Kirkland
Entry: Free
What to expect: Enjoy the festively decorated plaza while you shop for artisanal crafts at this downtown community event. While you’re in Kirkland, don’t forget to check out Winterfest at Marina Park, and drop off your letter to Santa in the special mailbox located at the southeast corner of Lake Street and Kirkland Avenue, next to Homegrown.
On Dec. 16 Santa himself will be at the market. Stop by between 10 a.m.–2 p.m. and get a free photo.
Giving Marketplace
When: Friday–Saturday, Dec. 1–2
Find it: Gates Foundation Discovery Center near Seattle Center
Entry: Free
What to expect: Support a good cause while shopping for everyone on your list! Find unique gifts from dozens of vendors, with proceeds going to support immigrants and refugees, women and girls, global health, education, and more. Check the website for more info on specific vendors.
Urban Craft Uprising
When: Friday–Sunday, Dec. 1–3
Find it: Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, Seattle
Entry: $12 for preview night on Friday, Dec. 1; free entry Saturday and Sunday
What to expect: Founded in 2005, Urban Craft Uprising now holds the largest indie craft event in the Pacific Northwest. Give yourself plenty of time for this one, as you’ll want to see everything! If you are looking for a fun, adults-only shopping event, check out UCU’s Preview Night on Friday to get a first look at everything. (Pro tip: Buy tickets online for Friday ASAP, as tickets sell out).
Winter Festival & Crafts Fair
When: Saturday–Sunday, Dec. 2–3
Find it: Phinney Center, Seattle
Entry: Teens and adults $6; ages 12 and younger free; food bank donations are also requested but not required.
What to expect: Enjoy a holiday market with more than 120 hand-picked makers in two historic buildings. You’ll find home goods, jewelry and accessories, art, pottery, apparel and more! You can also grab some snacks, a warm drink, and even buy a wreath or enter a raffle for a chance to win a beautiful handmade quilt.
Spice Bridge Holiday Market
When: Friday, Dec. 8, 3–7 p.m.
Find it: Spice Bridge Global Food Hall, Tukwila
Entry: Free
What to expect: If you have a foodie on your list, you won’t want to miss this! Enjoy holiday music as you try delightful treats from around the world and shop for unique crafts.
A Very Merry Market
When: Saturday, Dec. 9, 2–8 p.m.
Find it: Tacoma Armory, 1001 S. Yakima Ave., Tacoma
Entry: Free
What to expect: Tacoma Arts Live and Black Night Market present A Very Merry Market, where you can shop from more than 80 BIPOC owned businesses and artists. There will be live performances, and a chance to take a photo with Black Santa! Food trucks will be on sight, and in addition to shopping for everyone on your list, you’ll find family activities, games, workshops, art installations and more.
Pierce County Holiday Market
When: Saturday, Dec. 9
Find it: Meridian Habitat Park, South Hill Puyallup
Entry: Free
What to expect: Find unique holiday gifts and enjoy holiday music, complimentary holiday photos, live entertainment and more.
Holiday Bazaar at Old Chaser Farm
When: Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 9–10, 10 a.m.– 4 p.m.
Find it: The Holiday Bazaar will be held on Vashon Island at the farm’s inn and event space, about 10 minutes from Old Chaser Farm. It is requested that you park on the road and walk in the drive.
Entry: Free
What to expect: Come shop from a variety of makers and artists, including Grace Gow Jewelry, Wide Eyed Wines and Vashon Island Salve. There will be tasty treats and drinks as well. See the farm’s social media for more details.
Black Artists Market
When: Saturday, Dec. 16, 11:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
Find it: Tagney Jones Hall, The Opera Center, Seattle
Entry: Free
What to expect: This market features an array of unique treasures from Black artists, artisans and Black-owned small businesses. Shop and discover exquisite handmade gifts, one-of-a-kind decorations and treats, all while supporting local artistry. This market is developed in partnership with Intentionalist, Arte Noir and Wa Na Wari.
Parking can be reserved for up to two-hours at the nearby Mercer Street Garage ($20). Reserve online.
United Indians Native Art Market
When: Friday–Sunday, Dec. 15–17
Find it: Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center in Seattle’s Discovery Park
Entry: Free
What to expect: You’ll find beautiful work by Indigenous artists. Many different styles and tribes are represented, and vendors offer clothing, jewelry, woodworking pieces, drums, art prints and much more.
Holiday market shopping tips:
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Editor’s note: This article was originally published in 2022 and updated for the 2023 holiday season.
