This year’s lineup of local holiday-themed markets offer more than just gifts and goodies. Shoppers can expect to find a lot of variety among the presented vendors and activities, including an acrobatic performance, a German Christmas and a chance to visit the Japanese Friendship Garden.
These markets are spread out across the region, offering more ways to do holiday shopping without going to the mall and instead supporting local small vendors. Here are some of the options for holiday markets selling uncommon gifts, in chronological order, based on online listings and promotions.
Mission Trails Regional Park Holiday Market: The fourth edition of this nature-based seasonal market will showcase vendors selling handcrafted artwork. Expected at this year’s Mission Trails holiday market are: Studio 1212 with clay pottery, San Diego Woodturners, Red Thread Vintage, Lu France Interiors, Gift Horse Handmade and Amy Schindler Art. Also, a portion of sales at this market will be donated to the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 9. 1 Father Junipero Serra Trail San Diego. Free admission. mtrp.org/marketplace
San Diego Made Holiday Market: NTC Park, adjacent to Liberty Station, will host the 10th anniversary of the San Diego Made Holiday Market. This year’s disco-themed, two-day event will highlight over 130 local handmade vendors. There will also be live musical acts, children’s activities, food and drink vendors and interactive art. Organizers are encouraging the public to wear 1970s garments. General admission will cost $5 and a VIP package is available that includes a drink ticket and entrance to an oil painting workshop for $65. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 9 and 10. 2455 Cushing Road, San Diego. $5-$65. sdmademarkets.com/holidaymarket2024
Makers & Shakers Holiday Market: Locals can sip on some wine and get some holiday shopping completed at the Makers & Shakers Holiday Market at Rancho Guejito Vineyard. Over 70 vendors are scheduled to present at this outdoor event, along with food for sale, hay ride tours, live music and photos with Santa Claus. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 10. 17224 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido. Free admission. ranchoguejitovineyard.com/events/makers-and-shakers-holiday-market
Carlsbad Holiday Market: The nonprofit Women’s Club of Carlsbad will host a holiday market with a mix of vendors making handmade gifts, home decor products, jewelry and accessories. Some of the vendors listed to attend are Allie Tagua Jewelry, Carlsbad Cookie Company, Miki’s Pottery and Purposed-SD selling scented soy wax candles. The Carlsbad Holiday Market will also have food available for purchase. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 16. Free admission. 3320 Monroe St., Carlsbad. visitcarlsbad.com/events/carlsbad-holiday-market
Otay Ranch Town Center: Various holiday vendors, Santa Claus, giveaways, live entertainment and festive food are just some of the things to expect at the Otay Ranch Town Center’s 18th annual tree lighting and holiday farmers market. The event will culminate with the approximately 50-foot-tall tree-lighting ceremony with 17,000 lights, over 1,000 ornaments, a color-changing base with snowflakes and an LED star. There will also be community performances from local schools and dance groups, carolers and free hot chocolate, cookies and face painting. 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 19. 2015 Birch Road, Chula Vista. Free admission. otayranchtowncenter.com/en/events
San Diego Fine Woodworkers Association: Those looking for handcrafted wood fixtures and accessories can stop by the San Diego Fine Woodworkers Association annual holiday gift sale. Items such as toys, ornaments, jewelry, cutting boards and bowls will be on sale at this two-day event. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 22; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 23. 5360 Eastgate Mall Suite E, San Diego. sdfwa.org/hgs
Japanese Friendship Garden: Visit a Balboa Park museum and mark some holiday presents off your list at the Japanese Friendship Garden. This Balboa Park attraction is the home of a holiday market this fall, which will include local artists’ original work for sale. Some of the vendors the museum is promoting are Alexa’s Craft Emporium, Happy Yoyo Studio, Kodama Forest, Mona Botanical Jewelry and Reiko’s Soap Kitchen. Food vendors will also be in attendance. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 23. 2215 Pan American Road, San Diego. $14-$16. niwa.org/holiday-market
East Village Tree Lighting & Holiday Market: Quartyard will be the home of the East Village Tree Lighting & Holiday Market this year. Guests can expect vendors selling hand-crafted gifts, food, children’s activities, live music, photos with Santa Claus and a tree lighting presentation. 4 to 8 p.m. Nov. 30. 1301 Market St., San Diego. Free admission. eastvillagesandiego.com
Trilogy Holiday Bazaar: Shop, clothes swap and watch an acrobatic show at the Trilogy Holiday Bazaar. More than 20 local vendors will be selling handmade goods, beauty products and sustainable clothing. There will also be giveaways, an organic and vegan cafe and live music. Admission to the vendor, food and live entertainment areas is free. The Clothing swap portion will cost $10. The acrobatic show admission is $15 in advance and $20 for standard tickets. Noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 1. 7650 Girard Ave., San Diego. events.humanitix.com/holiday-bazaar
Erika’s Pop-Up Shops: Twice a month on Sundays, local vendors set up their pop-up shop (like a flea market) at the Mission Valley Mall between Novo Brazil and Nordstrom Rack and sell products. In December, Erika’s Pop-Up Shops is organizing two holiday markets with various vendors selling handcrafted items and themed gifts. On Dec. 1, there will be photo opportunities with the Grinch. On Dec. 15, the holiday market will be a Hello Kitty and Disney-themed event, with door prizes for the first adults at the gathering. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 1 and 15. 1640 Camino Del Rio North, San Diego. instagram.com/friendshippopupshop
Holiday Market at Petco Park: In December, for the fourth time, Gallagher Square at Petco Park is turning into a holiday market. The Holiday Market at Petco Park is slated to have artisan shops, holiday-themed food and beverages, lighting displays, a children’s Christmas train, a carousel, Santa Claus, live entertainment and a 40-foot-tall Christmas tree. Admission prices into the holiday market vary based on day and time slot. 4 to 10 p.m. Dec. 5-27. 840 K St., San Diego. $12-$15. mlb.com/padres/tickets/events/holiday-market
Weihnachtsmarkt: The German American Societies of San Diego is organizing its Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas market) for a two-day event. There will be vendors selling clothing, homemade products and holiday gifts. Plus, there will be adult and youth chorus performances, dance groups, live music, food and a beer garden. 2 to 7 p.m. Dec. 7. 2 to 6 p.m. Dec. 8. 1017 S Mollison Ave., El Cajon. germanclubsandiego.org