Christmas Markets Northern California 2025: Top Festive Display Events and Locations
Table of Contents
- 1 Find the Best Accommodations
- 2 41) San Carlos Holiday Artisan Market
- 3 42) Petaluma Holiday Market
- 4 43) Watsonville Christmas Market
- 5 44) Santa Rosa Holiday Market
- 6 45) Placerville Christmas Market
- 7 46) Vacaville Holiday Craft Festival
- 8 47) Mount Shasta Christmas Market
- 9 48) Carmichael Holiday Handmade Market
- 10 49) Chico Holiday Market
- 11 50) Martinez Winter Market
Find the Best Accommodations
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41) San Carlos Holiday Artisan Market
Every holiday season, downtown San Carlos hosts the Holiday Artisan Market. Local vendors line Laurel Street, turning it into a lively space for handmade crafts and gifts.
Families and visitors stroll the closed-off street, checking out booths with jewelry, art, holiday decorations, and snacks.
People love the market’s small-town feel and the focus on local artists. The market sits between San Carlos Avenue and Cherry Street, so you’ll find shopping and food nearby.
If you’re on the hunt for unique gifts or want to support Bay Area artists, this is a good bet.
The area is safe and walkable, with plenty of festive decorations and evening hours. Early December is usually when it happens, and everyone from families to locals shows up.
There’s no admission fee, so you can just wander in.
Here’s what you need to know:
| Dates | Times | Location | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early December (exact date TBA) | Late afternoon to evening | Laurel St, San Carlos, CA 94070 | Free | San Carlos hotels on Booking.com | More information |
42) Petaluma Holiday Market
Petaluma hosts its Holiday Market every December in the heart of downtown. In 2024, it was set for December 14 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Depending on the weather, the event stretches across both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Local makers come out to sell crafts, decorations, and seasonal goods. The market is family-friendly and sits close to Petaluma’s historic downtown shops and restaurants.
That makes it easy to grab a meal or explore the city while you’re there.
Most years, you don’t have to pay admission. Parking is available nearby.
Petaluma’s holiday events often feature decorated Christmas trees, live music, and fundraising activities.
If you’re staying overnight, hotels are just a short walk or drive from downtown. The market draws locals and visitors from all over Northern California.
For all the latest details, check the Petaluma Downtown Association Holiday Market page.
| Dates | Times | Location Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website Address |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 14, 2024 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Petaluma, CA, Downtown | Free | Best Western Petaluma Inn (booking.com) | https://petalumadowntown.com/holiday-market |
43) Watsonville Christmas Market
Every December, Watsonville’s downtown comes alive with the Christmas Market at City Plaza. Locals and visitors wander between booths, checking out crafts, food, and holiday gifts from area vendors. The market usually runs from December 1 to December 23, so there’s plenty of time to swing by.
You’ll spot twinkling holiday lights and hear live music echoing through the plaza. Vendors set up in the evenings, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, making it a cozy after-dark outing.
Parking’s not too hard to find—public lots and city street spaces are nearby. If you want to stay overnight, downtown Watsonville has a few hotel options. Booking.com is a decent place to start searching for something close.
For the latest schedule or changes, check the official event website or browse local listings like Christmas Markets in Northern California.
| Dates | Times | Location | Cost | Where to Stay | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 1-23 | 5:00-9:00 PM | City Plaza, Watsonville, CA 95076 | Free | Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn (Booking.com) | https://christmasmarketusa.com/christmas-markets-in-northern-california-2024-2/15/ |
44) Santa Rosa Holiday Market
Santa Rosa hosts a Holiday Market that really captures the North Bay’s festive energy. The city’s the biggest in Sonoma County, so it draws a good crowd, and you’ll feel the local holiday spirit as soon as you arrive.
Stalls fill up with crafts, art, and seasonal gifts. Kids find activities and simple food, while music drifts through the air. It’s a casual event, so you can wander around and just take it all in.
The market usually pops up in early to mid-December. The Santa Rosa Moose Lodge hosts it this year, and it’s pretty central, so parking and downtown shops are within easy reach.
You’ll get a real sense of local traditions as you explore. Here’s a quick guide for planning:
| Dates | Times | Location Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website Address |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 7, 2024 | 10am – 4pm | Santa Rosa Moose Lodge, | Free | Hotels near Santa Rosa | Santa Rosa Holiday Markets |
| 3559 Airway Dr, Santa Rosa, CA |
45) Placerville Christmas Market
Placerville brings out the holiday charm every December with its annual Christmas market. Locals and folks from neighboring towns gather downtown for crafts, food stands, and festive decorations.
Main Street becomes a hub for handmade gifts and treats. Local artists set up shop, and you’ll see plenty of seasonal lights and hear music as you stroll.
This market lets you experience small-town holiday traditions in a friendly, walkable setting. Most events are family-friendly and easy to get to.
Parking’s available, but sometimes it’s easier to walk in from side streets since it gets crowded. Hotels and inns near downtown fill up quickly during market weekends, so booking ahead makes sense if you’re coming from out of town.
You might want to check out other Gold Country attractions while you’re in the area.
| Dates | Times | Location Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website Address |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 2025 | Varies | Main St, Placerville, CA | Free Entry | Best Western Placerville Inn | Placerville Christmas Markets 2025 |
46) Vacaville Holiday Craft Festival
The Vacaville Holiday Craft Festival happens at the Ulatis Cultural Center every November. In 2025, it’s set for the 16th and 17th, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM both days.
Vendors showcase handmade gifts, crafts, and decorations. The event welcomes all ages and attracts locals plus visitors from nearby towns.
Parking’s easy at the center, and food vendors usually offer snacks and drinks. The vibe stays festive but laid-back.
If you want to grab unique gifts before December, this festival’s a solid bet. You’ll find ornaments, treats, winter clothes, and home decor from local makers.
| Dates | Times | Location Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby (Booking.com) | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 16-17, 2025 | 9 AM – 3 PM | 1000 Ulatis Dr, Vacaville, CA | Free | Hotels near Ulatis Cultural Center | Event Information |
47) Mount Shasta Christmas Market
Mount Shasta’s Christmas Market pops up every December right in the heart of Northern California. Locals and travelers come out for shopping, lights, and a lineup of booths from area vendors.
You’ll find handmade gifts and sample local treats. Sometimes, horse and carriage rides roll through, offering a fun look at the holiday decorations.
Family-friendly activities, live music, and even a holiday parade show up on certain dates. Parking is usually close by, and signs point you in the right direction. Just remember, it gets cold—sometimes snowy—so dress warm and plan ahead for winter weather.
Here’s the essentials:
| Dates | Times | Location Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website Address |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 2025 (TBA) | TBA | Mount Shasta, CA 96067 | Free entry | Hotels near Mount Shasta | Winter Magic Event Details |
Keep an eye out for updates as December gets closer.
48) Carmichael Holiday Handmade Market
Carmichael’s Holiday Handmade Market is a longstanding favorite for craft lovers in the area. If you’re into unique gifts and decorations, local artisans fill this annual fair with plenty to browse.
St. John the Evangelist Catholic School hosts the event. In 2025, it’s happening December 5th through 7th.
Over 150 crafters and artists show off handcrafted goods, holiday pieces, and collectibles. You’ll also find food stands with seasonal snacks.
Admission’s free, and you don’t need to buy tickets in advance. Around 500 people usually show up, making it lively but not overwhelming.
If you need a place to stay, Carmichael has hotels and rentals nearby. Booking.com can help you find something close.
For updates or more info, check the official Facebook page.
| Dates | Times | Location Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website Address |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 5-7, 2025 | 9am–2pm (Sat) | 5701 Locust Ave, Carmichael, CA 95608 | Free | Hotels in Carmichael on Booking.com | Facebook Event |
49) Chico Holiday Market
Chico’s downtown transforms every year for the Holiday Market. This year, it’s set for Sunday, November 23, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Local vendors fill booths with handmade crafts, gifts, and treats. Carolers and festive street activities keep the mood bright.
The market gives off a friendly, small-town vibe. Streets fill with shoppers, and Santa often shows up for photos.
Organizers close the streets to cars, so it’s easy and safe to walk around. Downtown Chico is simple to reach by car, and public parking lots are nearby.
If you’re staying overnight, hotels within walking distance book up fast for events like this—definitely book ahead if you can.
Here’s a summary of the details:
| Dates | Times | Location Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 23, 2025 | 4:00–8:00 pm | Downtown Chico, CA 95928 | Free | Book hotels in Chico | More details |
50) Martinez Winter Market
If you swing by Martinez for its winter market, you’ll notice that small-town vibe right away. Local vendors line Main Street in downtown Martinez. Holiday stalls pop up with handmade crafts, tasty snacks, and winter treats.
The open-air setup makes it easy to stroll around and browse. Some vendors bring in fresh local produce, while others show off unique gifts. You’ll find both holiday goodies and everyday items, so there’s always something a little different.
Families and solo shoppers come here for a laid-back holiday shopping trip. Honestly, it’s a nice break from the bigger, busier markets.
Try to visit in the late morning or early afternoon—those hours feel just right. Getting here from other Bay Area cities isn’t hard at all. You can usually find parking downtown, but public transit works too if you don’t want to drive.
Just a short walk away, you’ll spot some casual restaurants and coffee shops. If you decide to stay overnight, you’ve got a handful of budget hotels and inns nearby. Bigger hotels sit over in Walnut Creek, which isn’t far.
Here’s a quick table with the key details for the Martinez Winter Market:
| Dates | Times | Location Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 14, 2025 | 9 AM – 1 PM | 700 Main St, Martinez, CA | Free Entry | Holiday Inn Express Walnut Creek | Open Air Market in Martinez |
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, please reach out on our Contact Us page so that we may update this post.
