As the holiday season unfolds, California transforms into a magical shopping destination with an array of enchanting markets. From the coastal charm of Cambria to a winter wonderland at Lake Tahoe, each holiday market in California is sure to get you into the festive spirit.
Click here to discover holiday events happening in Southern California.
Dec. 2 and Dec. 3: Unique Markets
Los Angeles
Skip the mall and shop small this winter by visiting a holiday pop-up market in Los Angeles hosted by Unique Markets. Back for its 15th year, this curated marketplace showcases independent designers, artists and emerging brands. Discover unique, handcrafted gifts that go beyond the ordinary, making your holiday gifts a celebration of individuality and style. This pop-up will be open on Dec. 2 and Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at California Market Center. Tickets are $15; free for kids ages 14 and under. For more information, visit uniquemarkets.com.
Dec. 2 and Dec. 3: Sacramento Turn Verein Christkindlmarkt
Sacramento
Embrace the charm of a traditional German Christmas market at the Sacramento Turn Verein Christkindlmarkt. Stroll through the wooden stalls adorned with twinkling lights, discover handcrafted treasures from over 28 booths and savor authentic German holiday treats like mulled wine and dried plums. This market brings a touch of Old World magic to the heart of California’s capital from Dec. 2 to Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. $5 entry fee; free for kids ages 15 and under. For more information, visit sacramentoturnverein.com.
Nov. 24 to Dec. 23: Cambria Christmas Market
Cambria
Experience the magic of Cambria Christmas Market, an enchanting holiday village nestled in the coastal town of Cambria. Illuminate your holiday spirit with over 2 million lights, browse through artisanal gifts and savor the flavors of the season with festive treats and warm sips. The holiday market in California offers a joyful atmosphere for a memorable shopping experience, open from Nov. 24 to Dec. 23, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 to $35. For more information, visit cambriachristmasmarket.com.
Dec. 16: The Heavenly Village Holiday Sip & Shop
Lake Tahoe
Discover the joy of the season against the stunning backdrop of Lake Tahoe at The Heavenly Village Holiday Sip & Shop. This holiday market in California will take place on Dec. 16 at 1 p.m. at Village Breezeway. The shop is an exciting opportunity to get your seasonal shopping done while enjoying festive music, decorations and glasses of wine from your favorite vineyards. For more information, visit visitlaketahoe.com.
Nov. 17 to Dec. 17, Weekends: Sawdust Winter Fantasy
Laguna Beach
Back for its 33rd year, Sawdust Winter Fantasy in Laguna Beach is an art-centric festival that features over 160 artists showcasing unique and handmade items. From fine art to jewelry, the Sawdust Winter Fantasy is the perfect place to find distinctive gifts while supporting local artists. In addition to finding the perfect gift, this holiday market in California is a winter wonderland, with thousands of lights, decorations and other festive experiences. Sawdust Winter Fantasy is open rain or shine every weekend from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. until Dec. 17. For more information, visit sawdustartfestival.org.
Nov. 18 to Dec. 17, Weekends: The Great Dickens Christmas Fair
San Francisco
Step back in time to Victorian London at The Great Dickens Christmas Fair, taking place at Historic Cow Palace. This immersive experience in San Francisco brings Charles Dickens’ world to life with lively characters, performances and a market filled with period-inspired goods. Enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of a bygone era and find timeless treasures at this iconic holiday fair. The market will be open every weekend until Dec. 17, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. $45 for adults, ages 13 and up, and $25 for youth, ages 5 to 12. For more information, visit dickensfair.com.