Food & Drink

Shop for the Perfect Gift at These Local Holiday Markets

‘Tis the season to support local artists, crafters and businesses

By Anakaren Garcia & Daria Kroupoderova November 29, 2019

Christmas background with decorations and gift boxes on wooden board

It’s the most wonderful time of the year: gift shopping season. Sure, you could order all your presents online, but why sacrifice the thrill of the hunt? Holiday markets are the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind gifts made by local artists and businesses, while helping support our local community. Here are ten we recommend.

Holiday Market @ Westlake Park

11/29-12/22
Teaming up with the Seattle Downtown Association, Urban Craft Uprising brings four weekends of local gifts just in time for the holiday season. Shop in the heart of downtown from a rotation of local vendors including Salty and Sweet Designs, Grain Artisan Bakery, Light Razor Design and Modern Science Project. 12 p.m. Free admission. Downtown. urbancraftuprising.com/holiday-market-westlake-park-info/

Ballard Elks Holiday Craft Market

12/7
Hosting more than 30 local artists and craftspeople, this holiday market gives you a chance to peruse for gifts in a more intimate setting. Shop jewelry, baked goods, vegan soaps, gifts for your pooch and more. While admission is free, attendees may donate toys or non-perishable food items for the lodge’s Christmas Baskets for the Needy program. 12 p.m.–5 p.m. Free admission. Ballard. Facebook “Ballard Elks Holiday Craft Market”

Urban Craft Uprising 15th Annual Winter Show

12/7-12/8
Seattle’s largest indie craft show hosts its winter show the first weekend in December, and it’s a perfect stop for those looking for hand-crafted holiday gifts. Peruse and buy clothing, art, accessories, toys, housewares and more. Arrive early for a chance to receive a swag bag of goodies, and check out demos and book signings in the midst of your vendor-browsing. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free admission. Seattle Center Exhibition Hall. urbancraftuprising.com

39th Annual Winter Festival & Crafts Fair

12/7-12/8
Vendors such as Cascadia Jewelry, KnotBadBritt, Inspire Me Mandalas, Careful It Bites and Formed Earth Studio are just some of the 120 local artists and makers you’ll see at this year’s fest. When you’re ready for a shopping break, grab a bite from local food trucks including Dante’s Inferno Dogs and Mr. Gyros. Attendees who are 21 and over may also grab a beverage from the outdoors Mimosas and More Garden. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Prices vary. Phinney Center. phinneycenter.org/calendar/winter-festival-19/

South Lake Union Winter Market

12/11-12/12
If you miss the Urban Craft Uprising 15th Annual Winter Show mentioned above, you get another chance to shop some of the vendors from the main event at this South Lake Union market. Plus, a slew of new vendors will also be making an appearance including Pie Love, Mad Sass Soap Co. and Fiddle Head. This is an outdoor event so make sure to bundle up. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Free admission. South Lake Union. urbancraftuprising.com/slu-winter-market-info/

West Seattle Winter Night Market

12/13
This grassroots event is back for its fifth year with more than 20 local vendors. Find the perfect gift for your loved ones (or yourself) from Sage to Sea Designs, Flowers so Urban, Hidden Bohemian, Ugly Yellow House and others. When you’re ready for a break, enjoy treats from Dolcetta Artisan Sweets, Acres Baking Co. and Salt Blade Meats. 5 p.m.–9 p.m. Free admission. North Admiral. Facebook “West Seattle Winter Night Market”

Last-Minute Gift Market

12/19
If you’re one to wait until the very last minute to buy your gifts, this holiday market is for you. Check out local vendors such as Cat Snapp Studio, Koezee, Vertical Gardens Northwest and Grain Artisan Bakery for the perfect last-minute gift. Plus, if you’re 21 and over, the venue, Scuttlebutt Taproom & Brewery, will have $2-pint specials for you to enjoy while shopping. 5 p.m.–10 p.m. Free admission. Everett. Facebook “Last Minute Gift Market”

Winter Solstice Night Market

12/20-12/21
Enjoy the winter night sky and more than 150 artisan booths and food trucks at this annual night market. Toast to the start of longer days with hearty pints from local breweries at the winter beer festival. Eat, drink and shop all in the same place. Times and prices vary. Magnuson Park, Hangar 30; seattlepopupmarkets.com

Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery – International Holiday Bazaar & Night Market

12/21
This local holiday market takes it up a notch with carolers and mulled wine and classic holiday treats. But let’s not forget what you really came for—gift shopping. Peruse local and international vendor booths where you’ll find a variety of gift options. This is a 21 and over event. 12 p.m.–7 p.m. Free admission. Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, Woodinville, WA. ste-michelle.com/visit-us/events-calendar/international-holiday-bazaar-night-market

BadWill Market – Holiday XL Edition

12/22
Established in Capitol Hill, this two-level pop-up market is your best shot for some very last-minute holiday shopping. Check out local vendors such as Deja Vintage, Also & Also, Fat Girl Goes Green and more, as you hunt for the perfect gift. When you’re ready for a break, grab a drink or bite at the venue, or have a little self-care moment and get a manicure at the pop-up nail studio. This is a 21 and over event. 2 p.m.–8 p.m. Free admission. The Rhino Room. Facebook “BadWill Market”

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