Christmas Markets North Carolina 2025 Guide to Festive Events and Shopping

Table of Contents
- 1 Find the Best Accommodations
- 2 51) Forest City Winter Market
- 3 52) Henderson Holiday Bazaar
- 4 53) Louisburg Holiday Craft Market
- 5 54) Havelock Winter Festival
- 6 55) Raeford Holiday Market
- 7 56) Elizabethtown Holiday Market
- 8 57) Lincolnton Winter Bazaar
- 9 58) Shelby Holiday Market 2025
- 10 59) Spindale Winter Gift Market
- 11 60) Newton Handmade Holiday Market
Find the Best Accommodations
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51) Forest City Winter Market
Essential Information for Visitors
Main Street in Forest City glows with over a million lights each winter. Vendors line the historic street, selling handmade crafts, gifts, and snacks that feel just right for the season.
Local artisans bring their best work, so you’ll spot original ornaments and art for your home. This event runs from late November through early January.
The market opens up in the evenings, which is great for families, couples, or anyone looking for some post-work holiday cheer. Every week, Santa might show up for the kids, or you could hop on a horse-drawn carriage and ride beneath all those sparkling lights.
The tree lighting at POPS (Park on Park Square) is a big deal. Crowds gather as the huge Christmas tree lights up, officially kicking off the holiday season in Forest City.
Dates | Address | Hours | Admission | Nearby Stays | Official Website |
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Nov 23, 2025 – Jan 1, 2026 | Main Street, Forest City, NC | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Free | Try Holiday Inn Express Forest City on booking.com | Visit the Forest City Christmas page |
52) Henderson Holiday Bazaar
Important Information for Visitors
The Henderson County Curb Market in Hendersonville hosts a cozy holiday bazaar. Locals and visitors mingle as they browse holiday crafts, food, and handmade gifts.
You’ll find stalls with wreaths, seasonal plants, sweet baked goods, and all sorts of festive décor. Area vendors show off unique products that really capture the season’s spirit.
Packa’s Place is a highlight if you want fresh Christmas trees, wreaths, or garland. The market moves at a relaxed pace, so you can chat with sellers and enjoy the festive mood without any rush.
Here’s a quick look at dates and details, plus some nearby accommodations if you need them:
Dates | Times | Address | Entry Cost | Where to Stay Nearby (Booking.com) | Event Website |
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December 7–8, 2025 | 8 am – 1 pm (Thu & Sat) | 221 N. Church St., Hendersonville, NC | Free | Hotels in Hendersonville | Hendersonville Farmers Market Holiday Market |
Wednesday–Sunday | Varies | 4210 Brevard Rd, Horse Shoe, NC | Free | Hotels in Horse Shoe | Christmas Markets Henderson 2025 |
53) Louisburg Holiday Craft Market
The Louisburg Holiday Craft Market brings together all sorts of handmade crafts. Artists and makers fill the downtown parking lot with jewelry, ornaments, and creative holiday gifts.
As you wander, you’ll see unique crafts that really show off local talent. Food trucks like Frida’s Tacos and Smoken Souls NC BBQ park nearby, so you can grab a bite while you shop.
The Louisburg Lions Club also hands out snacks during the day. People come for the shopping, but they also come to meet friends and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
If you want to support local artists and pick up one-of-a-kind presents, this market is a solid place to start your holiday shopping.
Dates | Address | Times | Cost | Stay Nearby | Website |
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December 7, 2025 | 116 N Main St, Louisburg, NC | Noon to 5 PM | $55.00 to vend | Louisburg lodging | Louisburg Christmas Market |
54) Havelock Winter Festival
What to Expect at the Havelock Winter Festival
The Havelock Winter Festival brings a night of seasonal fun every winter. Local vendors offer handmade ornaments, crafts, and festive home décor.
Food stalls dish out holiday snacks, hot chocolate, and apple cider. Live music and performances keep things lively all evening.
Families bring their kids for face painting and holiday games. The streets and booths shine with Christmas lights, setting a cheerful scene.
If you drop by, you’ll find a welcoming space that works for groups and solo visitors alike. There are plenty of photo ops with festive backdrops and colorful displays.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning a trip:
Date | Location | Time | Entry Fee | Nearby Hotels | Event Website |
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Dec 10, 2025 | Havelock Tourist and Event Center, 201 Tourist Center Drive, Havelock, NC 28532 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Free | Best local accommodations | Christmas markets in Havelock |
55) Raeford Holiday Market
The Raeford Holiday Market pops up right in downtown. Vendors line the streets with handmade items, festive decorations, and all kinds of gifts.
If you’re hunting for something special, you’ll probably find it here. Food stalls serve seasonal treats like hot cocoa and fresh pastries, filling the air with delicious smells.
It’s easy to pause and warm up with a drink while you browse. Kids love the live music and holiday activities, and Santa sometimes makes an appearance to thrill families.
The market is for everyone—locals and visitors, young and old. It happens every December, and finding a hotel nearby on Booking.com is a breeze if you want to stay overnight.
Here are the key details for the 2025 Raeford Holiday Market:
Dates | Address | Times | Admission | Hotels Nearby | Website |
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Dec 7 – Dec 8 | 240 N. Main Street, Raeford, NC | 10 AM – 6 PM | Free | Raeford Hotels | Christmas Markets North Carolina 2025 |
56) Elizabethtown Holiday Market
Downtown Elizabethtown, North Carolina, hosts a holiday market that feels small-town in the best way. Local sellers bring holiday-themed items, crafts, and snacks to their booths.
The relaxed setting lets you wander between stalls offering gifts, handmade goods, and festive decorations. You might catch carolers or see performers in seasonal costumes.
Santa usually shows up to mingle with families and pose for photos. Admission is free, so you can soak up the holiday atmosphere without worrying about your wallet.
Local treats like hot chocolate and baked sweets are available all day. If you’re staying overnight, motels and inns are close by—just check Booking.com for options.
Here are the essentials for the Elizabethtown Holiday Market:
Date | Address | Time | Price | Where to Stay | Website |
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Dec 8, 2025 | Downtown Elizabethtown, NC 28337 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Free | Holiday Inn Express, Days Inn (Booking.com) | Christmas Market Info |
57) Lincolnton Winter Bazaar
What to Know About the Lincolnton Winter Bazaar
The Lincolnton Winter Bazaar lets you explore handmade gifts and crafts from local artists. This holiday event focuses on simple, creative finds you just won’t get at big stores.
You’ll hear music from local performers as you browse the stalls. The whole event feels festive and relaxed.
Families will find activities for all ages. Kids can join games and hands-on projects, while adults hunt for seasonal food and unique decorations.
The Winter Bazaar takes place outdoors, so bring a coat if it’s chilly. Entry is free.
Date | Time | Location | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
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December 2, 2025 | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM | First Federal Park, 201 N Poplar St, Lincolnton, NC | Free admission | Comfort Inn Lincolnton (Booking.com) | Christmas Markets North Carolina 2025 |
58) Shelby Holiday Market 2025
The Shelby Holiday Market in Shelby, North Carolina, brings together a traditional local gathering with handmade goods from area artisans. It’s a good spot for holiday shopping if you’re after unique, handcrafted items.
You’ll spot jewelry, ornaments, and festive home decor. The atmosphere buzzes with live music and local entertainment, making it easy to get into the spirit as you browse.
Food stalls serve up seasonal snacks and hot drinks. Try a pastry or grab a cup of warm cider while you wander.
Kids can enjoy activities made for families, and meeting Santa Claus is a highlight for many. The market feels safe, welcoming, and friendly for all ages.
Dates | Address | Times | Prices | Nearby Hotels | Event Website |
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Dec 1 – Dec 3, 2025 | Main St, Shelby, NC | 10 AM – 8 PM | Free entry | Shelby Hotels on Booking.com | Shelby Christmas Market Info |
59) Spindale Winter Gift Market
Step into the Spindale Winter Gift Market and you’ll find a lively atmosphere with a unique mix of products. The event opens in December at 755 E Main St in Spindale, North Carolina.
Getting there is simple, and parking is usually easy. You can browse booths with vintage goods, homemade crafts, and seasonal decorations.
It’s a favorite for gift shopping if you want something that stands out. Handmade items and creative DIY décor fill the tables, so you’ll find plenty of personal, thoughtful options.
Food stands offer regional snacks and classic holiday treats. Local businesses run the booths, so your purchases support the community directly.
Families walk the aisles together, soaking up the festive surroundings. The event is friendly for all ages, and there’s no cost to get in.
Details for your visit:
Date | Time | Address | Cost | Where to stay nearby | Website |
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December 2025 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | 755 E Main St, Spindale, NC | Free | Hotels in Spindale | Learn about Spindale Holiday Fair |
60) Newton Handmade Holiday Market
If you’re hunting for holiday markets in North Carolina, Newton pops up with two lively craft events. Both draw crowds with their friendly vibe and big selection of handmade goods from local creators.
The Christmas Craft Show 2025 takes over the Pin Station Bowling Center. Local artists and crafters fill the space with hand-painted ornaments, jewelry, and creative decorations.
It’s easy to find something new for your holiday stash or a gift for someone you care about. The Carolina Makers Market is a bustling outdoor event in downtown Newton, where vendors pack the courthouse square with crafts, treats, and artisan products.
Live music plays as you browse, and you can sample food from regional chefs. Both markets welcome everyone, and entry won’t cost you a thing.
Supporting small businesses here feels good, and you get to experience a local holiday tradition. For a place to stay, check out Comfort Inn in Newton on Booking.com.
Event Name | Date | Address | Time | Price | Nearby Hotel | Website |
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Christmas Craft Show 2025 | Dec 14, 2025 | 525 W A St, Newton, NC 28658 | 10 AM – 5 PM | Free | Comfort Inn Newton (Booking.com) | Christmas Markets North Carolina |
Carolina Makers Market 2025 | Sep 14, 2025 | Downtown Newton, Newton, NC | 9 AM – 3 PM | Free | Comfort Inn Newton (Booking.com) | Carolina Makers Market |
Christmas Market Closures
Due to econonic conditions and tariffs, some Christmas Markets may cancel their events due to lack of vendors. If you are aware of a closed market,or find errors on a listing or an image, please reach out on our Contact Us page so that we may update this post.