The Best Seattle-Area Holiday Markets

Get ready to shop, 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 going to a holiday 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. 

Seattle Christmas Market

Dates: Open daily, Nov. 21–Dec. 24 (closed Nov. 28).
Location: Seattle Center on the South Fountain Lawn and in Fisher Pavilion, 305 Harrison St., Seattle
Cost: Online tickets start at $19.99 for adults; $11.99 for youth ages 7–17; children ages 6 and younger enter free (day-of tickets will cost slightly more than those purchased in advance).  

This market is back for another year in Seattle, and is modeled after popular Christmas markets held in Germany. The market combines colorful décor, authentic gifts, enticing food and drinks, and family entertainment. It aims to create a festive atmosphere for celebrating holiday spirit, and does it ever deliver! Shop from more than 80 vendors, take a ride on the Christmas carousel, embark on a market-wide scavenger hunt and don’t forget to visit St. Nikolaus! 

Julefest: A Nordic Holiday Celebration

Dates: Saturday–Sunday, Nov. 22–23
Location: National Nordic Museum in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood
Cost: Adults $10; youth ages 12–18, $5; kids younger than 12 are free. Select the day you’d like to attend and purchase tickets online.

This year the National Nordic Museum will host its 47th annual Julefest: A Nordic Holiday Celebration. This event transforms the museum grounds into a traditional outdoor Nordic market, similar to those widely attended throughout northern Europe. Check the Nordic Museum’s website for the schedule of live performances throughout the weekend and a full list of vendors. 

Edmonds Holiday Market

Dates: Saturdays, Nov. 23, and Dec. 7, 14 and 21
Location: Along Fifth Avenue North in downtown Edmonds 
Cost: Free

Held in downtown Edmonds, this outdoor market is a great place to find festive gifts and farm-fresh ingredients for your perfect holiday meal. Make sure to take a ride on the free Edmonds Holiday Trolley in December, and say hello to Emily the Elf!

Underground Holiday Market

Dates: Saturday, Nov. 23
Location: Shoreline City Hall covered parking garage, 17500 Midvale Ave. N., Shoreline
Cost: Free

This community market brings more than 60 artists and makers together in a unique outdoor covered holiday market. Live entertainment, food trucks and vendors make this market enjoyable for the whole family. Check the website for a full vendor list and details. Complimentary parking and a shuttle to the market are offered across the street at Brotherton Cadillac NW.

Holly Jolly Holiday Market

Dates: Friday–Saturday, Nov. 29–30
Location: Thomas Family Farm, 9010 Marsh Rd., Snohomish
Cost: Free

Offering over 90 vendors, food trucks and more, this market makes for a great place to do some holiday shopping while supporting your local community. A certain jolly man in a red suit will make an appearance on Saturday. 

GeekCraft Expo

Dates: Friday–Sunday, Nov. 29–Dec. 1
Location: Magnuson Park, Hangar 30, Seattle
Cost: Friday entry, $15.75–$20 (advance/door); Saturday or Sunday entry $5.25 for adults; ages 12 and younger enter free.

Looking for something fun to do on Thanksgiving weekend? Head to this fun, quirky market for art and goods from “nerds who make things.” Founded in 2016, GeekCraft Expo has grown into a curated, geek-themed handmade market. You can purchase tickets at the door, but this event usually sells out, so purchase online in advance if you want to make sure you get in!

Kirkland Urban Frostival and Winter Market

Dates: Saturdays, Nov. 30, and Dec. 7, 14 and 21
Location: Kirkland Urban, 425 Urban Plz., Kirkland
Cost: Free

Kirkland Urban’s plaza will transform into a winter wonderland brimming with holiday cheer, enchanting performers, ice sculptures and festive fun for the entire family. Don’t forget to snap a photo with Santa! While you’re in Kirkland, be sure to check out Winterfest at Marina Park, and drop off your letter to Santa in the special mailbox located at the corner of Kirkland Avenue and Lake Street until Dec. 20.

Holidaze at Tacoma Armory

Dates: Saturday, Nov. 30 and Dec. 21 
Location: Tacoma Armory, 1001 S. Yakima Ave., Tacoma 
Cost: Free 

Black Night Market offers a chance to shop from more than 80 BIPOC-owned businesses and artists. There will be live performances, and a chance to take a photo with Black Santa (on Dec. 21)! Food trucks will be on-site, and in addition to shopping for everyone on your list, you’ll find family activities, art installations and more.  

Giving Marketplace

Dates: Friday–Saturday, Dec. 6–7 
Location: Gates Foundation Discovery Center, 440 Fifth Ave. N., Seattle
Cost: Free 

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 and special events, including live music and crafting opportunities.  

Winter Festival & Crafts Fair

Dates: Saturday–Sunday, Dec. 7–8
Location: Phinney Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle
Cost: Teens and adults $6 ($4 for members); ages 12 and younger free; food bank donations are requested but not required.

Enjoy a holiday market with more than 140 handpicked makers in two historic buildings. You’ll find home goods, jewelry and accessories, art, pottery, apparel and more! You can also grab some snacks and a warm drink, and even buy a wreath or enter a raffle for a chance to win a beautiful handmade quilt. New in 2024: A selection of fine art pieces will be showcased in a special exhibit on the second floor of the Brick Building at the Phinney Center.

Arts at the Armory

Dates: Saturday–Sunday, Dec. 7–8
Location: Tacoma Armory, 1001 S. Yakima Ave., Tacoma
Cost: Free

Artists will be sharing their work at this unique, interactive market. You’ll have an opportunity to learn about the artistic process and purchase one-of-a-kind creations from jewelry to art to clothing and so much more. Don’t miss this chance to see the work of over 100 local artists under one roof! 

Urban Craft Uprising

Dates: Friday–Sunday, Dec. 6–8
Location: Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, Seattle
Cost: $15 for preview night on Friday, Dec. 6; free entry Saturday and Sunday.

Founded in 2005, Urban Craft Uprising (UCU) 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 UCU’s Preview Night on Friday to get a first look at everything. (Pro tip: Buy tickets online for Friday ASAP, as tickets sell out). New in 2024: In addition to the concessions sold inside, you’ll find food trucks in the Founders’ Court, just outside the exhibition hall. 

Pierce County Holiday Market

Dates: Saturday, Dec. 7
Location: Meridian Habitat Park, 14422 Meridian E., Puyallup 
Cost: Free

Find unique holiday gifts and enjoy holiday music, complimentary holiday photos, live entertainment and more. On-site food trucks include Hot Shot Pizza, Southern Charm Espresso, and Sweetly Made Donuts.  

Occidental Square Holiday Bazaar

Dates: Friday–Saturday, Dec. 13–14
Location: Occidental Square in downtown Seattle 
Cost: Free 

Featuring over 30 local makers, you’ll find art, crafts, sustainable gifts and more at this outdoor market. When your shopping bags are full, be sure to check out the seasonal outdoor ice-skating rink located right next to the market. Bonus — the ice-skating is free! 

Black Artists Market

Dates: Saturday, Dec. 14
Location: The Opera Center, 363 Mercer St., Seattle 
Cost: Free

This market features an array of unique treasures from Black artists, artisans and Black-owned small businesses. Shop and discover exquisite handmade gifts, one-of-a-kind decorations and treats, all while supporting local artistry. This market is developed in partnership with Intentionalist, Arte Noir and Wa Na Wari. 

United Indians Native Art Market

Dates: Friday–Sunday, Dec. 21–22
Location: Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center in Discovery Park, 5011 Bernie Whitebear Wy., Seattle
Cost: Free, donations accepted. 

You’ll find beautiful work by Indigenous artists at this impressive market. Many different styles and tribes are represented, and vendors offer clothing, jewelry, woodworking pieces, drums, art prints and much more.

Holiday market shopping tips: Head out with a plan. Make a list of all of the people you want to get a gift for, and a few general ideas for what they might like. Does your uncle love nature, or does your co-worker collect coffee mugs? Jot that down before heading out! Make a budget. It is far too easy to spend way too much money at a holiday market. Everything is beautiful, inspirational and displayed to sell. Remember that list you made? Try and stick to it. Or give yourself a set amount to spend and don’t exceed it. Give yourself plenty of time. Half the fun of a holiday market is wandering the aisles and looking at all of the treasures. If you try and squeeze in a trip between your kid’s soccer game and errands, it will likely end up feeling stressful and rushed. Plan ahead and give yourself the time you need to enjoy the experience at a leisurely pace. Think outside of the gift-giving box. Have someone on your list who is hard to shop for? Keep your eyes peeled for creative ideas! One year I bought my partner a cheese-making kit and a wallet made from salmon skin rather than traditional leather. Both gifts were unexpected and a total hit.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in 2022 and updated most recently by ParentMap’s associate editor, Kari Hanson, for the 2024 holiday season.