Make holiday shopping a fun family day out this year with a trip to a local makers’ market. Visit Santa, enter a gingerbread house contest, and stroll through a magical Christmas tree forest—all while picking out thoughtful gifts for loved ones from talented local artisans. Most of these markets are outdoors, so wrap up, grab a hot cider and grab your purse for a stress-free shopping spree.
The Box Holiday Artist and Makers Fair Sale
The Box is a lovingly-restored historic building in the heart of SOMA. It’s usually booked for corporate events, but this year the owners are throwing the doors open to the public for an arts and crafts fair.
On Friday night, the organizers are holding a “meet the artists” event where you can mingle with makers. Tickets are $15 and there will be a cash bar.
Dec. 10-12, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., free admission.
1069 Howard St.,
San Francisco, CA
Harvey Milk Center for the Arts Holiday Craft Fair
Local artists will be offering handmade holiday gifts for sale and craft activities for the kids. Hot cider will be on standby for thirsty shoppers.
Dec 8-11, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., free admission.
50 Scott St.
San Francisco, CA
East Bay
Girl Gang Craft Holiday Market
California’s biggest women’s craft market is back this year with an all-female vendor line-up. Find apparel, beauty, handcrafted goods and art, all while supporting Californian creators. Live and in-person this year, this is the place to find gifts to impress the fashion-forward people in your life. First 200 through the door will receive a free goody bag.
Dec. 11, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m., free admission.
Oakland Scottish Rite Center
1547 Lakeside Dr.
Oakland, CA
Holidays at Shadelands Craft Faire
Join the Walnut Creek Historical Society at Shadelands Ranch Museum for a holiday craft fair. With over 30 local vendors, there’s a good chance you will find something you love for the people you love. Take a chance on the raffle while you’re shopping and you might win something for yourself too.
Nov. 27 to Dec. 12, daily 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free admission and parking.
Shadelands Ranch Museum
2660 Ygnacio Valley Rd.
Walnut Creek, CA
The Menagerie Holiday Oddities Market
Is there someone on your gift list who gravitates toward the spooky, the gothic and the downright… odd? The Menagerie Holiday Oddities Market has got you covered. Full of weird and wonderful, this is where you will find bug-inspired jewelry or a bizarre medical antique. Parents with toddlers and young kids, note there are people in costumes wandering around they may find scary.
Dec. 4, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., free admission between 12 and 5 p.m., $5 for early bird entry 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
1435 Webster St.
Alameda, CA
Head West Marketplace
This holiday makers, mavericks and merchants meets at different locations each weekend so check the website carefully then get ready to be a part of the festivities!
Dec. 11, 12, 18 & 19
South Bay
German Holiday Market
There’s no need to travel to Europe this year, because the traditional German market is coming here! Head to Mountain View for Würste (sausages), Bier (beer), Bretzln (pretzels), Stollen (cake with candied fruit and dusted with powdered sugar) and more, while shopping for your friends and family.
Dec. 11, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tickets cost $2, proceeds go to the German School of Silicon Valley.
456 W Evelyn Ave.
Mountain View, CA
Holiday Maker’s Market on the Row
Santana Row is hosting a holiday maker’s market with 60 vendors selling handmade crafts, art, jewelry, beauty products and apparel.
Live music will get you in the festive spirit and if you need more motivation, spend $100 to receive a glass of wine from Vintage Wine Bar.
Dec. 11, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., free admission.
377 Santana Row
San Jose, CA
North Bay
Heath Ceramics Make Good Market
Support local craft makers at Heath Ceramic’s Make Good Market, showcasing jewelry, glassware, apparel, furniture and of course, ceramics. Hang around for live demos in letterpress printing, vase throwing, and floral arranging.
Dec. 4 and 5, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., free admission but a donation to S-F Marin Food Bank is encouraged.
400 Gate 5 Rd.
Sausalito, CA
Online: heathceramics.com
Healdsburg Farmers’ Market Holiday Craft Market
The popular Healdsburg Farmers’ Market opens up a third aisle during Saturdays in December for crafts, so shoppers can pick up their groceries and a unique gift at the same time.
Every week, 20-30 artisans will be selling, and you’ll find different vendors every week.
Dec. 4, 11 and 18, 8.30 a.m. - 12 p.m, free admission.
North St. and Vine St.
Healdsburg, CA
Online: healdsburgfarmersmarket.org
— Sarah McDonald
featured photo by FAD Market
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