Christmas Markets North Carolina 2025 Guide to Festive Events and Shopping

11) Hickory Holiday Market Expo

Step into the Hickory Holiday Market Expo and you’ll stumble into a packed lineup of activities for everyone. The event runs December 5-7, 2025 at the Hickory Metro Convention Center, which now stretches out with extra room for new displays and vendor booths.

Rows of holiday stalls pop up, each loaded with crafts, festive decorations, and those hard-to-find gifts from local sellers. It’s the kind of place where you might lose track of time just wandering from one booth to the next.

Families get into live entertainment and plenty of children’s activities during the day. If you’re hungry, vendors are ready with a spread of holiday treats—good luck picking just one.

Staying overnight? The Hilton Garden Inn Hickory sits close by, so you won’t have to trek far after a long day. The location’s easy to find, and parking’s not an issue.

Dates	Time	Location	Admission	Where to Stay	Expo Site
Dec 5-7, 2025	10 AM – 6 PM	Hickory Metro Convention Center	$10 Adults, $5 Kids	Hilton Garden Inn Hickory	Hickory Christmas Show

12) Concord Holiday Market

Looking for something a little special? The Concord Holiday Market brings together a mix of handmade crafts, seasonal decorations, and tempting food options.

Skilled artisans set up shop, offering gifts you just won’t find in big box stores. Sample classic holiday treats, and catch live music that gives the whole place a cheerful buzz.

This market sits right in Concord, North Carolina, and it’s a convenient stop for holiday shopping or just soaking up a festive day with your people. The open layout means you can wander at your own pace—no crowds pushing you along.

If you’re traveling in, you’ll find hotels close to the action on Booking.com. For the latest info or updates, check out the official market website.

Event Details

Dates	Location	Times	Price	Where to Stay	Event Website
November 25-26, 2025	Concord, NC 28025	10:00 AM – 5:00 PM	$7 + tax & fees	Booking.com	Christmas Extravaganza Holiday Market

13) Cary Christmas Market

What to Expect at the Cary Christmas Market 2025

The Cary Christmas Market 2025 feels like a true seasonal adventure. Every December, you’ll find open-air booths packed with handmade crafts, gifts, and holiday goodies from local makers.

Artisans show off products you probably won’t spot anywhere else. It’s a solid place to hunt for thoughtful presents, especially if you’re shopping for someone tricky.

Food stands serve up both sweet and savory bites. You’ll find classic Christmas foods and a few regional surprises.

Hot drinks are easy to find, so even if it’s chilly, you can warm up as you browse. Live music and holiday entertainment fill the air, setting a cheerful mood for families and friends.

Kids have plenty to do—festive performances, seasonal games, and, of course, a visit from Santa. He’s usually there for photos and Christmas wishes, so bring your camera if you want a keepsake.

Adults can soak in the lively scene and check out a wide range of shopping options. The event supports small businesses, so you get to shop local and maybe find something you didn’t know you needed.

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 6–7	North Cary Park, 1100 Norwell Blvd, Cary, NC	10 AM – 5 PM	Free entry; pay for items	Hotels near North Cary Park	Cary Christmas Market event page

14) Fayetteville Holiday Gift and Craft Fair

The Fayetteville Holiday Gift and Craft Fair sets up shop at the Crown Expo Center. The Junior League of Fayetteville puts it all together, and it’s honestly the biggest holiday market for gifts and crafts in eastern North Carolina.

Each year, more than 150 vendors roll in with handmade crafts, seasonal decorations, local food, jewelry, and all sorts of surprises. The fair draws a lively crowd—organizers expect around 22,000 people to show up.

Booths each have their own flavor, so you can track down practical gifts or quirky holiday décor. It’s a favorite for families who want a festive outing together.

But it’s not just shopping. You can try regional treats and hear music that gives the whole place a holiday vibe.

The atmosphere stays upbeat without feeling overwhelming, and it’s a solid way to support small businesses. Parking’s available at the venue, and nearby hotels make it easy if you don’t want to drive home after a long day.

Dates	Location	Times	Prices	Nearby Stay (Booking.com)	Website
Nov 6-9, 2025	Crown Expo Center, Fayetteville, NC	Thu 9am-8pm, Fri-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 12pm-5pm	$10 – $30	Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Fayetteville North	Holly Day Fair

15) Jacksonville Winter Market

Event Information

The Jacksonville Winter Market pops up every year at Jacksonville Commons. Local vendors fill the place with handmade goods and crafts, so you can hunt for unique gifts in a relaxed holiday setting.

Family-friendly activities keep things lively—kids can sled, ice skate, and even visit the petting zoo. Hay rides and pony rides roll out during the day, and Santa always drops by for photos and a little holiday magic.

You’ll feel the community vibe as you wander between booths. Small businesses and local artists bring out their best, making it easy to find something special for your holiday shopping.

The market’s open to everyone, and admission’s free, which is always nice.

Date	Address	Time	Entry Cost	Nearby Hotels (Booking.com)	Official Event Website
December 2, 2025	100 Recreation Lane, Jacksonville	10:00 AM – 6:00 PM	Free	Candlewood Suites Jacksonville, Baymont by Wyndham Jacksonville	Learn more at Jacksonville Winter Market

16) Greenville Holiday Fest 2025

If you’re in Greenville, North Carolina, during December, you should check out the Greenville Holiday Fest. It’s at the Greenville Convention Center, which is pretty easy to get to for locals and visitors alike.

The fest fills the venue with lights, local vendors, and plenty of holiday music in the background. You can wander the booths, hunt for gifts, and snack on festive treats from all over.

One of the highlights is the Festival of Trees. Dozens of decorated trees line the walkways, making for a colorful winter stroll indoors.

The Greenville Gives & Tree Lighting Celebration happens here too. People from all over gather for the tree lighting and a local giving event.

Families with kids will find crafts and visits with Santa. Activities run throughout the fest, so you’re not likely to get bored.

This event is open to all ages, and you don’t have to pay to get in. That’s a relief for anyone bringing a group.

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Stay Nearby	Website
Dec 5-7, 2025	Greenville Convention Center, NC	10 AM – 7 PM	Free Admission	Hilton Greenville	Greenville Holiday Fest

17) Boone Holiday Season Festivities

Boone’s Christmas events are scattered through downtown and nearby mountain towns. Holiday decorations and shopping take over the area for the season.

King Street glows with festive lights, and you can feel the excitement in the air. The annual parade on December 7, 2025, brings floats, music, and of course, Santa at the end.

Crowds line the street to watch and kick off the holidays together. That evening, the tree lighting ceremony draws everyone downtown—seeing the tree light up is honestly magical every year.

The Christmas market stretches along King Street from November 18 to December 23. Local shops and stalls sell crafts, ornaments, and treats you probably won’t find elsewhere.

Most of the gifts come from people who live right here, so shopping feels personal. Want more mountain holiday vibes? Beech Mountain, Blowing Rock, and Banner Elk have their own events, Christmas trains, tree farms, and snowy trails.

Local inns and hotels, like the Horton Hotel, are close to all the action. If you need more options, Booking.com has you covered.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the main events:

Event	Date	Address	Times	Price	Nearby Lodging	Website
Parade	December 7, 2025	Downtown Boone	2:00 PM	Free	The Horton Hotel	Christmas event info
Tree Lighting	December 7, 2025	Downtown Boone	5:30 PM	Free	Courtyard by Marriott	Explore events
Christmas Market	Nov 18 – Dec 23, 2025	King St, Boone	10:00 AM – 6:00 PM	Varies	Hampton Inn & Suites	Holiday details

18) Burlington Holiday Makers Fair

The Burlington Holiday Makers Fair brings together local artists and crafters with all sorts of handmade goods. You’ll find jewelry, pottery, festive decorations, and specialty foods that make gift shopping a little more fun.

It’s a relaxed, friendly place where you can actually enjoy browsing. Live music sets the holiday mood, and food vendors keep you fueled up with snacks and meals.

Families can spend the whole day here without worrying about ticket prices—admission is free, so you can take your time. The fair is close to local hotels, and for overnight stays, Booking.com lists plenty of rooms nearby.

For details and updates, check the official website.

Date	Address	Time	Price	Nearby Hotels	Website
Nov 19, 2025	Burlington, NC	10 AM – 5 PM	Free admission	Booking.com hotels near Burlington, NC	Burlington Christmas Craft Fair Info

19) Gastonia Winter Gift Bazaar 2025

Head to the Gastonia Winter Gift Bazaar to browse handmade gifts and holiday foods. Local artists and small businesses fill downtown with unique crafts and snacks you won’t see just anywhere.

The market stays lively with live music and festive performances. Grab a warm drink or snack from one of the food vendors—shopping is always better with something tasty in hand.

It’s a relaxed, welcoming event for families and groups. Whether you’re hunting for a special gift or just want to take in the decorations, there’s plenty to see.

The market is outdoors, right in downtown Gastonia, so you’re close to restaurants and parking. Super convenient, honestly.

Date	Address	Time	Price	Where to Stay Nearby	Event Website
December 9	Downtown Gastonia	10 AM – 7 PM	Free	Fairfield Inn Gastonia	Gastonia Holiday Market Details
December 16	Downtown Gastonia	10 AM – 7 PM	Free	Hampton Inn Gastonia	More About Holiday Events

20) Lexington Christmas Marketplace

Important Information for Visitors

Lexington’s Christmas Marketplace lets you explore handmade gifts and festive snacks right in Uptown Lexington. The stalls overflow with ornaments, crafts, and treats made by local folks.

Carolers sing traditional music, and you can warm up with hot cocoa while you wander. The whole event feels welcoming—perfect for families and friends looking to share a little holiday spirit.

The evening tree lighting is a highlight. When the lights flip on, it really feels like the holidays have arrived.

Date	Location	Time	Entry Fee	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Link
November 24, 2025	Uptown Lexington, NC	1:00 – 6:00 PM	Free	Lexington hotels	Lexington, NC Christmas Markets 2025