Top 10 Christmas Markets in California for a Festive 2025 Experience

If you wander through California during the holidays, you’ll stumble upon all sorts of holiday markets tucked into towns and cities. Each one brings its own charm, mixing local crafts and international festive décor for a holiday shopping experience that feels both familiar and new.

People love these California Christmas markets for their cultural blend and easygoing atmosphere. You’ll see the holiday spirit everywhere—from the twinkling lights to the laughter at every stand. Maybe you’re after festive decorations, tasty food, or just that cozy, immersive feeling. Whatever your reason, these markets have a way of making the season brighter.

1) Union Square Festive Market

Head to the Union Square Holiday Market in San Francisco’s downtown. The place buzzes with energy, and you’ll see locals and visitors mixing as they check out nearly two hundred stalls. Regional artists and small businesses run these booths, showing off handmade jewelry, winter scarves, pottery, and all kinds of edible treats.

The smell of roasted nuts and hot drinks drifts through the air, making the whole place feel extra festive. At night, the lights come on, and sometimes there’s even artificial snow—kids love it, honestly. You can wander between vendors and catch glimpses of the city’s decorations all around you.

Here’s a quick look at the details:

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Nearby Booking.com Option	Website
Nov 25 – Dec 24	Union Square, San Francisco	10am – 8pm daily	Free Entry	Hotel Nikko San Francisco	Union Square Holiday Market

2) Great Dickens Holiday Market

Walk into the Great Dickens Christmas Fair and suddenly you’re in Victorian London—or at least, it feels that way. This event fills Cow Palace in Daly City, covering more than four acres with a Victorian Christmas vibe.

You’ll stroll along brick paths under old-fashioned lamps, listening to carolers and meeting performers in Dickensian clothing. Vendors sell hand-crafted gifts and ornaments, plus traditional holiday foods.

Music halls, actors, and scenes inspired by Charles Dickens’ London set the mood. You might spot old-time pubs serving warm drinks or big groups dancing. Kids crowd around puppet shows. This has been a Bay Area tradition since 1970, and everyone’s welcome.

The air smells like roasted chestnuts, and you can shop or just hang out and soak it all in. Costumes are totally optional, but you’ll see plenty. If you want a holiday market that feels like a step back in time, this one’s worth a visit.

Dates	November 22 – December 21, 2025 (weekends only)
Times	10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Address	Cow Palace Arena & Event Center, 2600 Geneva Ave, Daly City, CA 94014
Ticket Cost	$30 – $45 (adults), $14 (children 5-12), children under 5 are free
Where to Stay Nearby	Search Daly City hotels
Website	Great Dickens Christmas Fair

You can check out more details about the Great Dickens Christmas Fair.

3) San Francisco Holiday Market

San Francisco hosts a handful of Christmas markets, each with its own twist. In Union Square, the Winter Walk lights up Stockton Street with food stalls, little shops, and a ton of sparkle.

This one’s free, and it’s great for anyone who loves seasonal snacks or last-minute gifts. For something different, the Great Dickens Christmas Fair at Cow Palace recreates Victorian London with actors in costume and booths full of crafts. You’ll need a ticket for this one—adults start at $45, and kids (5-12) can get in for $25.

The United Irish Cultural Center in Parkside puts on a smaller market, where you’ll find local artisans selling jewelry and baked treats. Times shift a bit, so double-check before you go.

If you head down to Mountain View, the German Holiday Market brings European traditions to California. Expect German-style food, ornaments, and gifts.

Here’s a quick breakdown for planning:

Dates	Location Address	Time	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
Dec. 15–24, 2025	Stockton Street, SF	Varies by event	Free	View hotels	Christmas Markets In The San Francisco Bay Area
Weekends, Nov. 18–Dec. 17	Cow Palace, SF	10 AM – 6 PM	$25 (ages 5–12), $45 (13+)	Nearby stays	Great Dickens Christmas Fair
TBA	2700 45th Ave, SF	Varies	Varies	Local hotels	TOP 10 BEST Christmas Markets in San Francisco, CA – Yelp
TBA	City Hall Plaza, MV	Varies	Varies	Hotels nearby	Christmas Markets In The San Francisco Bay Area

4) Santa Barbara’s European-Style Holiday Marketplace

Santa Barbara’s European-Style Holiday Marketplace pops up along 701 State Street every winter. This market borrows from German Christkindlmarkt traditions—think authentic food, classic decor, and a bunch of unique goods.

The market runs November 23 to December 29, Thursday through Sunday, 4 PM to 10 PM. Entry is free, but vendors set their own prices.

You’ll see stalls packed with handmade ornaments and crafts. Local artisans bring out their best, mixing holiday items with gifts that actually feel special. The air is thick with the scent of spiced mulled wine and bratwurst, and there’s always gingerbread somewhere.

Lights, music, and unique treats keep things lively for both locals and travelers. Hotels and guesthouses sit nearby, so staying overnight is easy. You might want to check out The Kimpton Canary Hotel or The Wayfarer Downtown Santa Barbara on booking.com.

You can grab the latest details and event calendar on their official website.

Date Range	Address	Times	Prices	Nearby Stays	Website
Nov 23 – Dec 29, 2025	701 State Street	Thu–Sun, 4–10 PM	Free Entry, Vendor Pricing	The Kimpton Canary, The Wayfarer (booking.com)	Santa Barbara Holiday Events

5) Angel City Brewery Festive Holiday Market

At Angel City Brewery in Los Angeles, you’ll find a winter market that mixes local flair with a chill, urban vibe. Vendors set up with original gifts—jewelry, art, crafts, and all sorts of handmade foods.

The brewery keeps the drinks flowing, so you can sip craft beer as you browse. Food trucks park nearby, offering plenty of snacks or meals. There’s almost always live music, so you might catch a band or solo artist belting out holiday tunes.

Everyone’s welcome, and the crowd never feels overwhelming. You can take your time and really see what local makers have dreamed up this season.

Event Dates	Hours	Address	Cost	Nearby Hotels	Website
Dec 10 – Dec 12	1 PM–8 PM	216 Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012	Free Entry	Hotels in Los Angeles	Full event info

6) Solvang Holiday Celebration

Every winter, Solvang in California turns into a Danish-themed wonderland for the annual Julefest. Festive lights cover the town’s buildings, trees, and walkways, and the whole place feels like a storybook.

The event usually runs from late November to early January. Most of the action happens at Solvang Park, right at Mission Drive and First Street.

Locals and visitors look forward to the Christmas tree lighting, which kicks off in early December. The festivities start in the evening, and you don’t need a ticket—it’s free to watch.

If you want a good spot for the ceremony, try to arrive a bit early. Community leaders and local performers help set the holiday mood.

Another favorite is the Maker’s Market. Local artists and food vendors set up under the night sky, selling holiday crafts, gifts, and plenty of treats.

You’ll stumble across unique gifts and some tasty bites here. Live seasonal music fills the air throughout the festival.

Nearby restaurants offer special menus and holiday shopping options. Adults can sample wine and beer tastings too.

The whole celebration really shows off Solvang’s Danish-inspired holiday traditions. Here’s a quick look at the details:

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Official Website
Late Nov – Jan	Mission Dr & First St, Solvang	Varies	Free to attend	The Landsby, Vinland Hotel	Solvang Julefest 2025
Tree Lighting	Solvang Park	5–6:30 PM	Free to attend	Svendsgaard’s Lodge, Hotel Corque
Maker’s Market	Solvang Park	5–7 PM	Free to attend	Hadsten Solvang, Hamlet Inn

7) Los Angeles Christmas Market

Every December, Christmas markets pop up all over Los Angeles. You get to pick from a bunch of events—each one loaded with local talent, tasty seasonal food, and festive decorations.

The Renegade Craft Fair brings together independent makers selling handmade gifts and crafts. Los Angeles State Historic Park hosts the market, giving you plenty of space to wander and browse.

Admission costs nothing. Over in Burbank Village, downtown lights up with shops and snacks for a cozy holiday vibe.

Evenings here buzz with energy, and you can just walk right in—no ticket required. At the 626 Night Market, you’ll find shopping and a huge lineup of food stands.

This spot is perfect if you want a late night out because it stays open until midnight. Ticket prices change depending on the day or what you want to do.

Winter Wonderland at The Grove stands out for its massive Christmas tree and bright displays. If you’re into snapping photos or just soaking in holiday sights, you’ll want to swing by.

It’s free to enter, but parking nearby usually isn’t. Here’s a quick comparison of the main markets:

Market Name	Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Renegade Craft Fair	Dec 2-3	L.A. State Historic Park	11 a.m. – 5 p.m.	Free	Chinatown hotels	Renegade Craft Fair
Burbank Village	Dec 8-10	Downtown Burbank	4 p.m. – 10 p.m.	Free	Burbank hotels	Burbank Village Market
626 Night Market	Dec 15-17	Santa Anita Park	4 p.m. – 12 a.m.	Varies	Arcadia hotels	626 Night Market
Winter Wonderland at The Grove	Nov 20 – Dec 24	189 The Grove Dr.	Various times	Free	Grove hotels	Winter Wonderland

You’ll find gifts, food, and a cheerful crowd at each spot.

8) Sacramento Holiday Craft Market

The Sacramento Holiday Craft Market packs its booths with handcrafted items. Local makers bring their own jewelry, ornaments, and home decorations.

If you’re searching for one-of-a-kind gifts for friends or family, this is the spot. The market sets up every year at the Scottish Rite Center.

It runs for several days and welcomes visitors with music, food, and plenty of shopping. You’ll probably notice the same festive spirit you’d get at Sacramento Christkindlmarkt, but the focus here stays on local crafts.

Drop by any day during the event, try some local snacks, and meet the artists behind the booths. If you need a place to stay, Courtyard by Marriott Sacramento Midtown is just a short drive away.

Here’s what you need to know:

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Nearby Hotel	Website
November 29 – December 1, 2025	Scottish Rite Center, 6151 H Street, Sacramento, CA	Times vary by day	$10 online, $10 at the door	Courtyard by Marriott Sacramento Midtown (booking.com)	Sacramento Holiday Craft Market

9) Riverside Holiday Lights & Market

Winter Wonderland in Riverside offers a classic holiday outing right in Southern California. You can stroll through Riverside Town Square, where twinkling lights and decorated trees set the scene.

Local vendors fill their stalls with handmade crafts, holiday decorations, and fresh snacks. You’ll definitely spot unique gifts for everyone on your list.

Live music drifts through the market, and carolers sing favorite Christmas songs. The entertainment gives the whole place a cheerful vibe as you wander.

Kids and adults can try ice skating or play in the snow area. Santa Claus is around for photos and quick visits.

Families find plenty to do here, and the event runs every day from late November through early January. You don’t have to pay to get in.

Dates	Times	Address	Price	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov 25, 2025 – Jan 5, 2026	4 PM–10 PM	Riverside Town Square	Free	Booking.com Riverside Hotels	Winter Wonderland Details

10) Temecula Holiday Market

At the Temecula Holiday Market, you’ll find a lively outdoor event in downtown Temecula every December. Stalls line the streets with handcrafted gifts, festive snacks, and holiday decorations.

Live music and local entertainment keep the energy high from morning until night. As the sun goes down, bright lights transform the area.

Local wineries set up tasting booths, so you can sample regional favorites while you shop or just enjoy the entertainment. Families and groups of friends gather at outdoor tables to try holiday treats and warm food.

Kids can join crafts and games, and adults often shop for last-minute gifts or relax with a cup of hot chocolate. Whether you come for the food, the shopping, or just to soak up the festive vibe, Temecula Holiday Market feels welcoming and easy to explore.

Here’s a quick rundown for your visit:

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Dec 1-31	Old Town Temecula, Temecula, CA 92590	10 AM – 8 PM	Free entry	Hotels in Temecula	More about Temecula Holiday Market

You can drop by any day in December.