Ready or not, the holidays are here! And to prepare you for the season of gift-giving, Seattle’s Child has rounded up some of the most unique holiday markets in the Puget Sound area. Whether you are on the hunt for handmade, artisan crafts and locally-sourced specialty foods, or are simply looking for some family-friendly, festive fun, these five, local markets have got it all.
Native Art Market. At a variety of price points, find gifts made by native artists including jewelry, woodworking, clothing, drums, art prints, and more. This showcase featuring indigenous artists also offers salmon and tacos for purchase while you shop, and free entertainment on stage at lunch hour by Native American performing artists.
Fri. through Sun. on the weekends of Nov. 22 and Dec. 20, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. FREE. Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center, Seattle.
Julefest. The Nordic Museum is transformed into a winter wonderful during this festive, annual event. Drink spiced wine while perusing gifts from the 40 plus artisan and craft vendors, or sample aebleskiver while sipping Flying Mug Coffee espresso or spirits from the Valhalla Beer Garden. The kids can grab photos with Santa or make crafts based on tomte (Christmas gnomes) in his workshop.
Sat. & Sun. Nov. 23 & 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $8. National Nordic Museum, Ballard.
GeekCraft Holiday Market. A quirky, fun holiday market where unique, handmade gifts are sold. A great place to shop for those in your life who enjoy a "geeky" lifestyle. Kids (and adults) can participate in make-and-take crafts and activities. Superheroes, gaming, and cosplay are some of the many themes. Costumes encouraged!
Nov. 29 through Dec. 1. Fri. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., $15 preview event. Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sun. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. FREE with pre-registration ($2 at the door for ages 13 and older). Magnuson Park Hangar 30, Seattle.
European Christmas Market. Taste traditional French and German holiday drinks and delicacies while you shop for handmade art, crafts, and products from local artisans. Also enjoy live European Christmas Carols, and the youngest of visitors will receive presents from Santa himself! This one-day-event is presented by Goethe Pop Up Seattle and Alliance Française de Seattle.
Sat., Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. FREE. Chapel at Good Shepherd Center, Seattle.
Westlake Holiday Craft Market. Only downtown will you find an array of gift options created by Urban Craft Uprising artisans, at a market hosted by the artist themselves. This particular market boasts convenience as well as old-school charm amidst the holiday hustle and bustle. It is also open all season long.
Weekends (Fri. through Sun.) Nov. 23. – Dec. 22. from noon to 7 p.m. Westlake Park, Downtown Seattle.
