As convenient as it can be to do your holiday shopping at home on your computer, there’s something to be said for the festive feeling of strolling through a holiday market, hot chocolate in hand. We’re happy to report that Seattle has no shortage of Christmas markets and holiday craft fairs coming up over the next couple of months. We rounded up some of our favorites, but will be continuously adding more so be sure to take a page out of Santa’s book and check this list twice!
Here are some of the best Seattle markets to shop at this holiday season (in chronological order):
1. Julefest: A Nordic Christmas market
When: November 18 and 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: The National Nordic Museum (2655 NW Market Street, Seattle, WA)
Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for youth, and free for members and ages under 12
Get into the Christmas spirit the Nordic way at Julefest! This Nordic Christmas market takes place at the National Nordic Museum in Ballard the weekend before Thanksgiving. You’ll be able to buy holiday gifts from local artists in addition to enjoying live entertainment, festive treats, and museum access. Note: You have to register online in advance.
2. Seattle Christmas Market
When: November 24 through December 24
Where: Seattle Center
Cost: $14-$36
New to the city this year is the Seattle Christmas Market! Inspired by traditional European Christmas markets, this will have hot beverages, food, festive activities, shopping, and more. Kids age 6 and under can get in for free. Tickets are on sale now.
3. GeekCraft Expo Seattle Holiday Market
When: November 24-26
Where: Hangar 30 in Magnuson Park
This curated craft market is the place to be if you need to find a gift for a self-professed geek or nerd in your life. Hangar 30 will be full of geeky goods handmade by local artists and crafters. Get more info and tickets online.
4. Magic in the Market
When: Saturday, November 25, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Where: Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is always a great place to shop for unique gifts but you won’t want to miss out on the one-day event that is Magic in the Market. While you explore all the small businesses in the market, you’ll be able to enjoy live performances, free photos with Santa, kids activities, and a lighting ceremony. This year there is also a new 21+ event happening called the Holiday Sip & Savor Tour!
5. Urban Craft Uprising Preview Night
When: Friday, December 1
Where: Seattle Center Exhibition Hall
Cost: $12-$35
Note: This event is for ages 21+ only.
Want to beat the crowds and get your first pick of locally-made holiday gifts? Urban Craft Uprising is hosting a ticketed preview of their annual Winter Show (more about that further down the list!). There will be raffle prizes and food vendors in addition to all the independent crafters, artists, and designers. Get tickets now for this exclusive shopping experience before it sells out.
6. Urban Craft Uprising Winter Show
When: December 1-3
Where: Seattle Center Exhibition Hall
Cost: Free!
This free market is the largest indie craft event not just in Seattle but in the Pacific Northwest! You’ll find a huge variety of carefully curated handmade goods. This market is indoors and opens at 10:00 a.m. Saturday and Sunday with free admission; the Friday night preview event is ticketed (see above). Read more about Urban Craft Uprising.
7. Winter Solstice Holiday Night Market
When: December 1 & 2
Where: Hangar 30 in Magnuson Park
Cost: $15+
This ticketed holiday night market is for ages 21 and up only. Your ticket includes drinks in addition to the opportunity to browse the booths of 100 local vendors. There will also be food trucks and photo ops with bad Santa.
8. Giving Marketplace
When: December 1 & 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center
Cost: Free!
Shop for gifts that give back at this free weekend marketplace. Proceeds go towards causes including “immigrants and refugees, women and girls, global health, education, the environment, and much more.” There will also be live music, craft workshops, and more. See the schedule here.
9. Small Works Holiday Art Market
When: Saturday, December 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Where: Gage Academy (Capitol Hill campus)
Cost: $10 for ages 18 and up
You can shop for original artwork at this holiday art market. Almost every piece will be priced below $250. While you’re there, your ticket also grants you access to the all-day Drawing Jam festival that will have live music, free art supplies, artist demos, and more. See details on the Gage Academy website.
10. Phinney Winter Festival & Crafts Fair
When: December 2-3
Where: Phinney Center
Cost: $6 (free for ages 12 and under)
This neighborhood craft fair in Phinney will have over 120 local makers. There will also be food, beverages, a wreath sale, and more. Donations of non-perishable food items for the local food bank are very welcome.
11. Black Santa Photos & Holiday Market
When: Sunday, December 3
Where: 1501 5th Ave
Cost: Free!
Local small business Noir Lux Candle Bar is bringing this free holiday market to downtown Seattle on December 3. From noon to 4:00 p.m. there will be a curated marketplace, gift giveaways, and free photos with Black Santa. See info here.
12. South Lake Union Winter Market
When: December 7 & 8
Where: Van Vorst Plaza (410 Terry Ave N)
Cost: Free!
An extension of the Urban Craft Uprising market, this winter market in SLU is a free event that is entirely outdoors from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There will be different sellers each day so you can go on both days and find something new each time.
13. Pioneer Square Holiday Market
When: December 8 & 9
Where: Occidental Square
Cost: Free!
There will be over 40 vendors at the free Pioneer Square Holiday Market on December 8 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. and December 9 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. In addition to gifts, you can purchase food and drink while enjoying carolers and other live entertainment. Best of all: there will be a free ice skating rink on-site!
14. Seattle Restored Winter Market
When: Saturday, December 9
Where: 5th Avenue & Pike Street
Cost: Free!
The Seattle Restored Winter Market will have over 24 vendors gathered downtown from noon to 6:00 p.m.
15. Holiday Night Market in West Seattle
When: Saturday, December 9
Where: The Junction in West Seattle
Cost: Free!
If you’re looking for a holiday market in West Seattle, you won’t want to miss out on this year’s night market that is part of the annual Hometown Holidays festival. On December 9 the GLOWS (Glorious Lights of West Seattle) Festival features a holiday night market that is open between 4:00 and 8:00 p.m. In addition to holiday shopping there will be a beer and wine garden, live music, a tree lighting, and more.
16. United Indians Native Art Market
When: December 15-17
Where: Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center in Discovery Park
Cost: Free!
Support your local Native American artists and find a unique gift by shopping at this market that will be at Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center this December. You’ll find handmade clothing, jewelry, woodworking, drums, art and more.