6 Great Holiday Markets in California

There are many ways to get into the holiday spirit, whether it’s feasting, spending time with family, or reminding yourself what you’re thankful for. If you're looking to add some shopping to the mix, check out these holiday markets and fairs in California. Not only will you find something for everyone on your list, but you'll also pickup some extra holiday cheer.

La Cocina Holiday Market, San Francisco

La Cocina is one of the most important food nonprofits in the Bay Area. For over a decade, the organization has helped dozens of women, particularly immigrant women, become food entrepreneurs. Their holiday market continues to celebrate local artisans in both art and culinary fare. You can buy prepared foods, ready-to-eat or packaged, jewelry, textiles, and more. November 15.

Great Dickens Christmas Fair, Daly City

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair is more than just a holiday market. It’s a time machine to Victorian London. A general admission ticket gives you access to Christmas shops set in London, with characters and performances from Charles Dickens’ novels, along with food vendors, pubs, and music halls. November 23 to December 22 - weekends and the Friday after Thanksgiving only.

SJMADE Holiday Fair, Santa Clara

Billed as the largest craft fair in the Bay Area, the SJMADE Holiday Fair is bound to have just what you're looking for—and those special somethings you didn't know you needed. More than 350 artists, makers, curators, and food producers will line the halls. November 29-30.

Holiday Bazaar NightLife at California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco

This popular weekly event at the California Academy of Sciences allows visitors to sip cocktails while wandering the museum in an adults-only atmosphere. For one night in December, the museum doubles as a holiday market curated by SF Bazaar. Local makers showcase their art, handmade jewelry, ceramics, and more. All NightLife events are ages 21+. December 5.

Christkindlmarkt, Sacramento

For nearly two decades, Sacramento has hosted Christkindlmarkt, modeled after the traditional Christmas town markets of Germany and Austria. Sip on mulled wine while you shop from local vendors for ornaments, hand-carved nutcrackers, and traditional German figures made of decorated dried plums. There are also sausages and stollen, German fruit bread, for a truly German holiday experience. December 8.

Telegraph Avenue Holiday Street Fair, Berkeley

This long-running fair in Berkeley will really get you into the holiday spirit. It’s easy to spend an afternoon shopping, listening to holiday music, and snacking while making your way through the festively decorated market. The multi-weekend long street fair features artwork and handcrafted gifts from over 200 Northern California artists. December 14 & 15, 21-24.