Coastal Holiday Markets

The season has arrived to shop ‘til you drop in search of the perfect holiday gift. To avoid schlepping through the same old commercial retail stores and ordering online, transport yourself to a themed winter wonderland with glistening lights and seasonal festivities to find unique handcrafted items from local artisans.

The following coastal towns offer Christmas villages and holiday markets where you can browse homemade crafts, indulge in cultural foods, and enjoy family-friendly attractions. 

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NORTHEAST/MID-ATLANTIC

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The Holiday Market at Snowport

Boston, MA, Now – December 31

This second annual event presents a tree market, vendors, a custom cocktail bar from Tuscan Kitchen and shopping in Boston Seaport businesses. Runs Monday – Thursday: 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Friday – Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. 

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Union Square Holiday Market

New York City, NY, Now – December 24

As NYC is known as the holiday capital this time of year, you can find many markets throughout the urban port. Union Square’s annual event hosts 150+ vendors, a local retail gift guide and interactive map, and the city’s largest green market. Runs weekdays 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Saturdays 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Sundays 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Closes at 4:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve.  

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Annapolis Holiday Market

Annapolis, MD, Now – December 10

Historic Downtown Annapolis features more than 80 artisans, specialty food vendors and late-night Midnight Madness shopping events on Thursdays along the waterfront. Catch a spectacular view of the Eastport Yacht Club’s Lights Parade on December 9 at 6:00 p.m.

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German Christmas Village & Market

Baltimore, MD, Now – December 24

Feast on schnitzel, sip on holiday cocktails from the Winter Wunder Bar or take a ride on the colorful Ferris wheel overlooking the Inner Harbor. Runs Sundays – Thursdays 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The last week of the market will be open the entire week.

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‍Weekend Wonderland in Bethany

Bethany Beach, DE, December 9 & 16

This event hosts town trolley rides, Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt and holiday specials from local businesses. Select locations offer in-store giveaways and attractions such as photos with Santa. Check website for store hours.

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SOUTH

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Holiday & Craft Vendor Show

Virginia Beach, VA, December 16

Shop home décor, jewelry and a variety of gifts at this beachside holiday market hosted by The Wydham Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel. Enjoy baked goods and refreshments from the Hot Chocolate & Coffee Bar. Runs 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 

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Holy City Holiday Market

Charleston, SC, December 16

Neighboring businesses such as Holy City Brewing, Firefly Distillery and The Station Park Circle team up at this nineth annual event hosting 200+ local vendors along Old Park Circle. Enjoy food trucks, live music and holiday treats. Runs 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

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Savannah Christmas Market

Savannah, GA, Now – January 1‍

Plant Riverside District hosts vendors, live performances, brunch with Santa and family-friendly activities at this European-style holiday market. Join events such as Holiday Cookie Decorating at 2:00 p.m. every Saturday through December and the 31^st Annual Savannah Lighted Christmas Parade at 5:30 p.m. on December 9. 

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Holiday Market at St. Augustine Beach

St. Augustine, FL, December 9

Stroll along the pier to shop local vendors and view light displays throughout St. John’s County Ocean Pier Park. Runs 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. 

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Merry Beach Market & Holiday Festival

Madeira Beach, FL, December 9

Shoppers can enjoy more than 150 local vendors and the annual lighting of the Madeira Beach Christmas tree at R.O.C. Park/Madeira Beach Recreational Complex along the waterfront. The location boasts a beautiful view of the 57^th annual Madeira Beach Lighted Boat Parade beginning at 6:30 p.m. Event runs 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

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WEST COAST

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European Christmas Village

Seattle, WA, Now – December 24

Witness Seattle Center transform into a European-style village at this new holiday tradition. Explore more than 50 vendors, sip on mulled wine in the heated Alpine Lounge and take a spin on the Christmas Carousel at Fisher Pavilion Lawn. Runs December 4 – 7 from 4:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., December 8 – 23 from 11:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. and Christmas Eve from 11:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. 

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The Heavenly Village Sip & Shop

South Lake Tahoe, CA, December 16

This holiday market and festival hosts vendors and activities such as Holiday Paint & Sip and the Champagne & Chocolate Sleigh Ride Tasting Experience. Enjoy live music, local artisans, and ice sculptures, and kids can meet their favorite Disney characters. Check website for store hours.

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Cambria Christmas Market

Cambria, CA, Now – December 23

Artisan vendors, cozy fire pits, live music and two million twinkling lights align this Christmas market. Take a train ride, stop by the Sweets Booths for traditional Lebkuchenherz cookies and enjoy dinner buffets at Cambria Pines Lodge. Runs 5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. 

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Pop-Up Holiday Market 

Newport Beach, CA, December 13

Head to Marina Park for the opening night event kick off and get a prime viewing location for the 115^th annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. Shop 35 local crafters and food vendors and enjoy live music along Newport Harbor. Runs 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. 

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Sawdust Art Festival Winter Fantasy

Laguna Beach, CA, Now – December 17

This third annual art festival boasts three live music stages, handcrafted gifts from 160+ artists and a gorgeous holiday light exhibition throughout an enchanting winter wonderland setting. Runs 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.