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.
Girlfriends Holiday Market
When: Friday–Saturday, Nov. 11–12
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.
Edmonds Holiday Market
When: Saturdays, Nov. 12, Nov. 19, Dec. 3, Dec. 10 and Dec. 17
Find it: Along 5th 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. See the website for information on specific vendors.
Kris Kringle Market
When: Friday–Saturday, Nov. 18–19
Find it: Thurston County Fairgrounds in Lacey
Entry: $5; ages 12 and younger free. Entry into the kids’ zone play area is $5 in advance or $10 at the door.
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 Christmas market. You’ll find shopping, a beer garden, food trucks, photos with Santa, Krampus and a toy drive. The kids’ zone area features an obstacle course and additional kid-size activities.
Julefest: A Nordic Christmas Celebration
When: Saturday–Sunday, Nov. 19–20
Find it: National Nordic Museum in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood
Entry: $10; youths ages 12–18 $5; 11 and younger free
What to expect: This year the National Nordic Museum will host its 45th 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.
United Indians Native Art Market
When: Saturday–Sunday, Nov. 19–20 and Dec. 17–18
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.
Holly Jolly Holiday Market
When: Friday–Saturday, Nov. 25–26
Find it : Thomas Family Farm, Snohomish
Entry: Free
What expect: Featuring more than 125 vendors, food trucks and more, this is a great place to start your holiday shopping and support your local community. A certain jolly man in a red suit will even be making an appearance on Saturday. Watch the event’s Facebook page for updates.
GeekCraft Expo
When: Friday–Sunday, Nov. 25–27
Find it: Magnuson Park, Hangar 30 in Seattle
Entry: Friday entry $10–$15 (advance/door); Saturday or Sunday entry $2–$5. Ages 12 and younger enter free.
What to expect: Looking for something fun to do on Thanksgiving weekend? Head to this fun, quirky market for “nerds who make things.” Founded in 2016, GeekCraft Expo has grown into a curated, geek-themed handmade market.
Kirkland Urban Frostival & Winter Market
When: Saturdays, Nov. 26, Dec. 3, Dec. 10 and Dec. 17
Find it: Kirkland Urban in Kirkland
Entry: Free
What to expect: Enjoy the wintery decorated plaza while you shop for artisanal crafts at this downtown community event. Tandem Frostival event features photo ops with Santa, free treats while they last and a gingerbread suite.
Giving Marketplace
When: Friday–Saturday, Dec. 2–3
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. Note that proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test are required for entry.
Urban Craft Uprising
When: Friday–Sunday, Dec. 2–4
Find it: Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, Seattle
Entry: $10 for preview night on Friday, Dec. 2; 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 the 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. 3–4
Find it: Phinney Center, Seattle
Entry: $5; ages 11 and younger free; food bank donations are also requested but not required.
What to expect: Enjoy a holiday market with 100 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.
Pierce County Holiday Markets
When: Saturdays, Dec. 3 and Dec. 10
Find it: Frontier Park Lodge, Graham (Dec. 3); Meridian Habitat Park, South Hill Puyallup (Dec. 10)
Entry: Free
What to expect: Find unique holiday gifts and enjoy holiday music, complimentary holiday photos, live entertainment and more.
Spice Bridge Holiday Market
When: Saturday, Dec. 10, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Find it: Spice Bridge Food Hall, 14200 Tukwila International Blvd. Suite 141, Tukwila
Entry: Free
What to expect: A global selection of gifts and tastes from around the world. Spice Bridge is part of the Food Innovation Network’s Food Business Incubator, a program that helps immigrants and refugees in South King County launch and build food businesses. Learn more about the amazing food you'll find here.
Tacoma Art Market: Deck the Halls Makers' Market
When: Sunday, Dec. 11
Find it: Dystopian State Brewing Co. in Tacoma
Entry: Free (reserve your free spot online so you don’t miss out)
What to expect: Stop by this local brewery for a fun all-ages event. Shop some 25 booths of goods form Tacoma’s local makers, enjoy live music, indulge in a tasty treat and enter the Festive Sweater contest for a chance to win $50 to spend with the vendors.
Holiday market shopping tips:
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