Christmas Markets Northern California 2025: Top Festive Display Events and Locations

11) Oakland Zoo Wild Lights Holiday Market

Each winter, the Oakland Zoo puts on a pretty magical holiday event. The Wild Lights Holiday Market fills the zoo with glowing animal lanterns and hundreds of illuminated animal sculptures.

You’ll walk well-lit paths and see families and visitors of all ages taking it all in.

The market area offers gifts, snacks, and seasonal treats. Local artists and vendors bring unique finds, so you might spot something you didn’t expect.

Zoo lights and the market create a lively, welcoming vibe. Since it’s all at night, remember to bring a jacket or something warm.

The Oakland Zoo Wild Lights usually runs from early December to early January. Check the zoo’s website for the latest ticket info and event details.

Planning ahead helps you dodge the biggest crowds and enjoy the lights at your own pace.

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Dec 7, 2025 – Jan 6, 2026 (closed Dec 24-25)	5:30pm – 9:00pm	9777 Golf Links Rd, Oakland, CA 94605	Varies by ticket	See nearby hotels	Oakland Zoo Wild Lights

12) Sacramento State Holiday Market

The Sacramento State Holiday Market brings together local makers selling holiday gifts and decorations. You’ll spot lots of handmade crafts, art, and tasty treats.

It’s a favorite for folks looking for unique gifts and a way to support small businesses.

Crowds can get moderate, especially on weekends. Vendors serve up seasonal foods and warm drinks.

Some booths have activities for kids, making it a fun family stop.

Parking is available on campus, but those spots go fast. Arriving early usually makes things easier.

The market is accessible for guests with mobility needs.

Food options range from quick snacks to warm meals. You’ll find seating if you want to take a breather and enjoy the scene.

Many people come for the calm, friendly energy—sometimes it’s just what you need in the middle of the holiday rush.

Here’s a quick table with the basics to help you plan your trip.

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 2025*	10 AM–5 PM*	Sacramento State University, 6000 J St, Sacramento, CA 95819	Free–$5*	Hyatt Place Sacramento – U.C. Davis Medical Center	https://www.visitsacramento.com/holiday/

*Double-check the official event site for the latest dates, times, and ticket info—these details sometimes shift.

13) Berkeley Holiday Artisan Fair

Check out the Berkeley Holiday Artisan Fair in early December. Organizers set up the event at 1919 Fourth St in Berkeley.

Local artisan vendors fill the fair with all sorts of handmade crafts, art, jewelry, and holiday gifts. Many of them come from Berkeley or the surrounding Bay Area.

The fair feels family-friendly and welcomes everyone, no matter your age. If you want a gift that stands out, you’ll probably find something here.

Sometimes you’ll spot food stalls and warm drinks, though it varies. Since the market takes place outside, you should dress for the weather.

Public transit gets you close, and parking sits nearby if you drive. You’ll find plenty of shops and cafes in the area, so you can wander before or after the fair.

Most years, you don’t have to pay to get in. If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, hotels nearby can be booked on Booking.com.

You can always find more info and updates on the official event website.

Dates	Times	Location	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
December 7, 2024	10am–4pm	1919 Fourth St, Berkeley, CA	Free	Find nearby hotels at Booking.com	eventbrite.com

14) Palo Alto Holiday Gift Market

You’ll find the Palo Alto Holiday Gift Market right in downtown Palo Alto. Local artists, craftspeople, and small businesses come together for this event.

It usually pops up in early December. Here, you can browse handmade gifts and try some seasonal foods.

The market makes it easy to support local vendors. Walking through the decorated stalls, you’ll see unique crafts and plenty of holiday treats.

Palo Alto’s market isn’t huge, but it feels organized and warm. Crowds usually stay manageable, so families or anyone wanting a quieter holiday outing might enjoy it.

Getting there by public transport or car is pretty straightforward. One highlight is the German Holiday Market, which brings in European touches like mulled wine and festive decorations.

This second market draws folks interested in international holiday vibes.

Here’s a table to help you plan:

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 2025	TBA	Downtown Palo Alto, CA 94301	Free	Nobu Hotel Palo Alto	Palo Alto Christmas Market

15) Santa Cruz Holiday Market at the Beach Boardwalk

The Santa Cruz Holiday Market at the Beach Boardwalk lets you enjoy holiday shopping with ocean views. Organizers set up the market at one of California’s most iconic beachfront amusement parks.

Every December, the Boardwalk transforms into a festive spot. Outdoor market stalls line the area, selling handmade crafts and gifts.

Regional artisans bring their best work, so it’s easy to find unique items for the holidays. The Boardwalk glows with lights, decor, and family activities during the event.

You can shop for gifts while gazing at the Pacific Ocean. Food vendors sell seasonal snacks and classic Boardwalk treats.

Some rides and arcade games open up as part of the market fun. Santa even shows up for photos on select dates.

Here’s some visitor info:

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Dec 15–23, 2025	TBA	400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060	Free*	View hotels near Beach Boardwalk	Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Holiday Lights and Market

*Some rides and activities might cost extra.

16) Fremont Holiday Makers Market

The Fremont Holiday Makers Market pops up in the heart of Fremont. Small businesses and local artisans showcase handmade gifts, jewelry, and seasonal foods.

This market usually happens in early December. Organizers set up booths outdoors, and families are welcome.

You’ll find food stalls and craft stations for all ages. Parking sits nearby, but if you think it’ll be crowded, public transit might be the way to go.

Want a calmer experience? Try visiting during the morning hours. You can wander the booths at your own pace.

There’s no entrance fee for most visitors. Most vendors take credit cards, but having some cash can come in handy for smaller purchases.

Hotels and other places to stay are close by, including options on booking.com. For updates, check the official Fremont Christmas Market page.

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
Early December	10am – 4pm	Fremont, CA, Downtown area	Free	Hotels via booking.com	https://christmasmarketusa.com/christmas-markets-in-northern-california-2024-2/8/

17) Redding Christmas Village Market

You’ll find the Redding Christmas Village Market in Redding, a Northern California city that loves its community events. The market usually shows up in November or December.

Vendors offer seasonal food, gifts, and local crafts. Families like to stroll through the decorated stalls.

Kids can join activities, and some evenings feature live music. Admission often costs just a few dollars.

If you’re traveling through Northern California, this market is an easy stop. Redding sits right off I-5, so getting there by car is simple.

You can park near the venue or use city lots. Hotels and motels cluster nearby, and staying downtown gives you easy access.

Want more holiday fun? The full Redding holiday calendar lists other activities in the area.

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
November-December 2025 (exact dates TBA)	Evening, usually 4pm-9pm	Redding, CA, main event venue (check event website)	$5 entry (subject to change)	Hotels in Redding	Redding Holiday Events

18) Monterey Holiday Market at Custom House Plaza

Drop by the Monterey Holiday Market at Custom House Plaza for local crafts, food, and live performances. Decorated stalls and holiday music fill this family-friendly outdoor space.

The plaza’s historic setting really adds to the atmosphere. The market usually takes place in December.

Vendors sell gifts, seasonal treats, and handmade items. There are activities for kids and families, too.

Custom House Plaza sits close to Old Fisherman’s Wharf, so it’s an easy walk if you’re staying nearby. The market layout is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

Lots of travelers pick hotels near the waterfront for convenience. You’ll find everything from budget inns to boutique hotels.

Parking can be tight near the plaza, so you might want to walk or use public transit. For updates and event details, check the Monterey County holiday events calendar or See Monterey.

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December	Afternoon-Evening	Custom House Plaza, Monterey, CA	Usually Free	Hotels near Custom House Plaza	https://www.seemonterey.com/events/christmas/

19) Napa Valley Christmas Market

Experience the Napa Valley Christmas Market in downtown Napa. The event usually sets up at First Street Napa, surrounded by local shops and tasting rooms.

Napa’s holiday market lets you shop for handcrafted gifts and artisanal foods. Live music adds a festive, laid-back vibe to your visit.

You’ll find the market near the Oxbow Public Market, a favorite spot for locals and travelers. Street parking and public lots are available, but weekends fill up fast.

You can explore both the market and other downtown attractions in one go. Local hotels and vacation rentals offer places to stay within walking distance.

Many visitors spend a night or two in Napa to soak up the full holiday experience. Here’s a quick guide to help you plan:

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
December 6-8, 2025	11am – 6pm	1300 First St, Napa, CA 94559	Free Entry	Hotels near First Street Napa	Holiday Market at First Street Napa

20) Sonoma Plaza Holiday Market

You’ll spot the Sonoma Plaza Holiday Market right in the heart of Sonoma. The market wraps around the historic eight-acre town plaza, making it super easy to explore on foot.

Local vendors fill their stalls with handmade goods, crafts, and all sorts of specialty foods. Pottery, jewelry, and quirky gifts pop up everywhere you look.

Holiday lights twinkle around the plaza and really set the festive mood after dark. Live music drifts through the air, and Santa usually stops by to say hello.

Families and visitors come back year after year. If you get hungry (and you probably will), plenty of restaurants and tasting rooms nearby serve up extra treats and drinks.

Several hotels and inns sit within walking distance of the plaza. Parking circles the center, but it can get a bit hectic on busy nights.

You can stroll through the shops or check out the holiday tree if you’re feeling the Christmas spirit.

Here’s a quick look at the basics:

Dates	Times	Location	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December (varies)	Afternoon-Evening	Sonoma Plaza, Sonoma, CA	Free	Booking.com Sonoma Hotels	Great Holiday Shopping in Wine Country