Christmas Markets Southern California 2025: Top 50 Festive Holiday Events and Locations

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11) Great Dickens Christmas Fair San Francisco

A bustling Victorian Christmas market with carolers, vendors, and festive decorations in San Francisco, 2025

Every year, the Great Dickens Christmas Fair transforms the historic Cow Palace exhibition halls in Daly City. The organizers go all out to bring Victorian London to life, with hundreds of costumed actors, themed food, traditional shops, and live entertainment.

You can wander through the four-acre indoor marketplace, picking up gifts, crafts, and some seriously unique holiday foods. The fair stays indoors, which is honestly a relief if the Bay Area weather turns unpredictable.

Lots of visitors dress up, but you don’t have to—holiday attire works just fine. The whole event is a big San Francisco tradition, and both kids and adults get into the shows, music, and activities.

You’ll need to buy tickets ahead of time online, since this fair tends to sell out fast.

Here’s what you need to know:

Dates (2025)TimesLocationCostWhere to Stay NearbyWebsite
Weekends, late Nov – DecUsually 10am–6pm2600 Geneva Ave, Daly City, CA 94014Varies; check websiteHotels near Cow Palace, Booking.comdickensfair.com

12) Christkindlmarkt Pasadena

A festive Christkindlmarkt in Pasadena, with traditional wooden stalls, twinkling lights, and cheerful visitors browsing holiday goods

Pasadena’s Christkindlmarkt brings a German-style Christmas market to Southern California. Local organizers usually set it up right in the heart of Pasadena, making it easy to reach by car or public transit.

You’ll find festive food stands, artisan vendors, and holiday music filling the air. Handmade gifts, traditional pastries, and special decorations line the stalls—there’s always something that makes a good souvenir or gift.

Sometimes, you’ll bump into costumed holiday characters or catch a quick performance. Hotels nearby book up fast, so it’s smart to reserve early if you want to stay close.

Traffic and parking can get a little wild during peak times, so plan ahead if you can.

Here’s a quick guide for your visit:

DatesTimesLocationAddressCostWhere to Stay NearbyWebsite
December 2025 (TBA)TBAOld Pasadena / Central AreaPasadena, CA 91101Free-$10Pasadena hotelsChristmas markets in Pasadena

13) SJMADE Holiday Fair

YouTube video

If you’re around the Bay Area during the holidays, you might want to swing by the SJMADE Holiday Fair. People call it the largest holiday craft fair in the Bay Area, and honestly, it feels that way when you walk in.

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The Santa Clara Convention Center hosts the event. In 2025, the fair runs on November 28 and 29, and doors open from 11 am to 6 pm both days.

Hundreds of local artists and makers fill the convention center with booths. You’ll spot handmade goods, art, holiday gifts, and all sorts of food vendors.

The place buzzes with shoppers searching for something different. It can get crowded, especially in the morning, so arriving early might save you some hassle.

Parking is available right at the convention center, which is super convenient. Public transit from nearby stations also works if you don’t want to drive.

Travelers from out of town can find hotels close by. It’s not hard to book a room in the area.

Here’s a quick look at the details:

DatesTimesLocation AddressCostWhere to Stay NearbyWebsite
Nov 28-29, 202511 am – 6 pmSanta Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, CA 95054VariesBooking.comSJMADE Holiday Fair

14) Unique Markets OC Holiday Event

A festive holiday market in Southern California with twinkling lights, colorful vendor booths, and a cheerful atmosphere

Unique Markets OC Holiday Event pops up right in the middle of the holiday rush in Orange County. Vendors from all over Southern California bring their handmade, one-of-a-kind gifts.

You’ll find crafts, art, and some fantastic local specialty foods. The market usually sets up indoors, so you don’t have to worry if the weather acts up.

Parking’s available, but showing up early is a smart move. The market attracts families and people on the hunt for uncommon holiday gifts in a chill, festive space.

Visitors chat with local artists and learn about how they make their goods. It’s a nice way to support small businesses and pick up gifts you won’t see at the big stores.

Holiday music and decorations set the mood, but it doesn’t feel overwhelming. If you’re thinking about going, you’ll find some great hotels nearby.

Booking early usually gets you better prices and more choices. For tickets and the latest info, just check the event’s website.

DatesTimesLocation AddressCostWhere to stay nearbyWebsite Address
December 7-810am – 5pm800 W Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802$15 entrySee hotels near AnaheimUnique Markets OC Holiday Event

15) Lake Forest Certified Farmers Market Holiday

A bustling holiday market at Lake Forest, Southern California, in 2025, filled with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and vendors selling seasonal goods

The Lake Forest Certified Farmers Market brings a small-town holiday experience to Orange County. You’ll find it at the Lake Forest Sports Park and Recreation Center.

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They open every Wednesday from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, but only if the weather cooperates. During winter, the market takes a break for some holidays.

They close on December 25, 2024, and January 1, 2025, for Christmas and New Year’s Day. Activities pick up again after those dates, so it’s smart to check the official website for the latest updates.

Getting there is easy, and the area feels pretty family-friendly. There’s no charge to enter.

You can shop for fresh produce, local goodies, and ready-to-eat foods. If you need a place to stay, plenty of hotels are nearby on Booking.com.

Most spots are just a quick drive from the market. This place works well for folks who want a laid-back vibe and to see holiday fun on a smaller scale.

DatesTimesAddressCostWhere to StayWebsite
Wednesdays (except Dec. 25, 2024 & Jan. 1, 2025)4:00–8:00 pm28000 Rancho Parkway, Lake Forest, CA 92630FreeBooking.com optionsLake Forest Certified Farmers Market

16) Santa Monica Holiday Market

YouTube video

The Santa Monica Holiday Market pops up along the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, California. Locals and visitors come out for classic holiday shopping and festive events on this lively street.

You can catch the market on select dates in December. Booths offer crafts, gifts, and seasonal foods.

Weekends get busy, but the downtown location keeps things pretty accessible. The market stays open in the afternoon and evening, so you can swing by after work or on the weekend.

Street performers and holiday lights make the place feel extra festive. There’s no entry fee.

Santa Monica has loads of hotel options nearby. You can find places with good reviews and a range of prices on Booking.com.

Getting here from other parts of LA is easy, whether you drive or take public transit.

Here’s a table with the basics:

Dates (2024)TimesLocation AddressCostWhere to Stay NearbyWebsite Address
December 2, 6-8, 13-15, 20-22Fri: 3-8pm; Sat-Sun: Varies1351 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CAFreeSanta Monica HotelsSanta Monica Holiday Market

17) Long Beach Holiday Bazaar

A festive holiday bazaar with colorful stalls, twinkling lights, and bustling crowds in Southern California

Every December, the Long Beach Holiday Bazaar takes over 123 Holiday St in Long Beach, California. Vendors set up colorful stalls with seasonal goods and gifts.

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Entry is free. Weekday hours run from 5 PM to 9 PM, and on weekends, the bazaar stays open from 3 PM to 10 PM.

You can shop for local crafts, holiday decorations, and plenty of food. Families and solo visitors come for handmade or unique gifts.

A lot of people drop by after work or school since the hours are later. Staying near the city center or by the waterfront makes it easy to get to the event.

Hotels like the Hyatt Regency Long Beach and Renaissance Long Beach are both close by and popular. Booking.com makes it easy to compare prices and locations.

For more info and updates, check the official event website.

DatesTimesAddressCostWhere to Stay Nearby (Booking.com)Website
December 2025Weekdays: 5-9 PM, Weekends: 3-10 PM123 Holiday St, Long Beach, CAFreeHyatt Regency, Renaissance (search on booking.com)https://christmasmarketusa.com/christmas-markets-southern-california-2024/8/

18) Hollywood Holiday Craft Show

A bustling holiday craft show in Southern California, with vendors selling festive wares under twinkling lights and palm trees

The Hollywood Holiday Craft Show pops up every year in the heart of Los Angeles. Local vendors bring out handmade crafts, jewelry, and holiday gifts.

You’ll also hear live music and see a few food stands nearby. The event usually lands in early December at a well-known event center or outdoor lot near the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

You can walk to plenty of other attractions from the market. Entry is usually free for everyone.

Families and solo shoppers come to find creative gifts. Crowds show up, especially on weekends.

Many travelers book hotels or motels close to Hollywood Boulevard. Public transportation is easy to use in this area.

For the latest details and updates, check the event’s official website.

DatesTimesLocation AddressCostWhere to Stay Nearby (Booking.com)Website Address
Early December (Actual dates TBA)10am–6pmNear Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CAFreeStay near Hollywood Blvdhttps://www.discoverlosangeles.com/things-to-do/shop-the-best-holiday-craft-markets-in-los-angeles

19) Pasadena Christmas Tree Lane Market

A bustling Christmas market with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and vendors selling holiday treats and gifts along Pasadena's Christmas Tree Lane in Southern California

You’ll find the Pasadena Christmas Tree Lane Market in Altadena, just north of Pasadena.

Santa Rosa Avenue hosts the market, and every December, the historic Christmas Tree Lane lights up the whole street. This tradition started over a century ago and still draws crowds from all over Southern California.

Vendors serve snacks and drinks along the lane. You’ll spot stands with elote and street food, and some houses on the block go all out with their decorations.

The event doesn’t charge admission, so anyone can join. Walk or drive down the lane from 5:30 pm to midnight and catch the lights in all their glory.

The lighting ceremony and Winter Festival happens on December 7th, 2025, from 3 pm to 9 pm.

Weekends get packed, and Santa Rosa Avenue fills up fast. Parking can be a headache, so try to show up early if you can.

A lot of families prefer to walk the route to really soak in the lights and market buzz.

You can get more info from the official Instagram page or check out community sites about Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena.

DateTimeLocation AddressCostWhere to Stay NearbyWebsite Address
December 7, 20253 pm–9 pm (event); 5:30 pm–12 am (lights)Santa Rosa Ave, Altadena, CA 91001FreeThe Westin Pasadenahttps://www.instagram.com/ctl_altadena/?hl=en

20) Downtown Los Angeles Christmas Market

A bustling Christmas market in downtown LA, with colorful stalls, twinkling lights, and festive decorations

You can swing by the Downtown Los Angeles Christmas Market from late November through December 24.

The market sets up at 777 S Alameda St, right in the heart of downtown. It’s open-air, with tons of booths lining the space.

Vendors offer up classic holiday snacks—soft pretzels, hot chocolate, schnitzel, you name it. Local makers bring handmade crafts, too.

Families and groups looking for a holiday outing tend to love this spot.

Admission covers access to the seasonal displays and the festive atmosphere. You get free two-hour on-site garage parking, which is a relief in downtown LA.

They close on Mondays and Tuesdays, but you can visit Wednesday through Sunday.

If you want to stay close, The Hoxton, Downtown LA is a good pick. For more info, check out the official event website.

DatesTimesLocation AddressCostWhere to Stay NearbyWebsite Address
Nov 29 – Dec 24, 2024Wed-Sun, 4 pm–10 pm777 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CAVariesThe Hoxton, Downtown LALA Christmas 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, please reach out on our Contact Us page so that we may update this post.

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