If you’re looking to knock out your holiday gift list, but want to dole out presents that are more unique and local-centric, keep driving right past the malls and close the Amazon app on your phone — there are a plethora of holiday markets happening all month just waiting for you. Not only that, these outings are like a little festive adventure. Instead of just being jostled and disappointed at Target, you’ll discover new artists and artisans, maybe hear a new favorite band, or even get some face time with Santa (or Krampus or Grandma). What’s not to love?
Dec. 6-22: Merry Market
Orlando’s Merry Market will take over Lake Eola Park with local vendors, “snow” flurries, café and food pop-ups, the city of Orlando’s grand Christmas tree and more. 5:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; Lake Eola Park, 512 E. Washington St., downtownorlando.com
Dec. 6-22: Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival
The Lake Nona Town Center transforms into a winter wonderland with a calendar full of celebrations in “Peppermint Square.” There will be a recurring holiday market, craft festival, holiday bazaars and more. Various times and dates, Lake Nona Town Center, 6955 Tavistock Lakes Blvd., ohwhatfunlakenona.com
Saturday, Dec. 7: Holiday Night Market
This open-air market will be bustling with local vendors selling holiday goods, gifts, treats and beverages. There will also be live entertainment, a Christmas parade, “snow flurries,” story time, Santa meet-and-greets and more. 4 p.m., Winter Garden Downtown Pavilion, 300 W. Plant St., Winter Garden, cwgdn.com
Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 7-8: Holiday Antique and Craft Market
Find the perfect vintage gift, ranging from antique items, artisan creations, holiday crafts and more, at this pet-friendly market. 9 a.m., Renningers Farmers & Flea Market, 20651 U.S. Highway 441, Mount Dora, renningers.net.
Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 7-8: Orlando Holiday Market at Dezerland
This festive showcase of 150 local artisans and crafters features handmade jewelry, artwork, home decor, unique gifts and holiday entertainment. Santa may even make an appearance. 9 a.m., Dezerland Park, 5250 International Drive, dezerlandpark.com.
Sunday, Dec. 8: Grandma Party Bazaar
Check out eclectic art, music, gifts and more at Stardust’s annual Grandma Party market. There will be custom jewelry, ceramics, home goods and clothing, along with food, live music and (strong) drinks. 10 a.m., Stardust Video & Coffee, 1842 E. Winter Park Road, instagram.com/grandma_party.
Sunday, Dec. 8: Krampusfest
Enjoy live music from Bad Santa & The Angry Elves at this frighteningly fun festival while you browse creepily tasty culinary bites, locally crafted beer and artisan items from area vendors. There will also be full bars, a Krampuslauf parade and a Krampus costume contest that never fails to impress (or terrify). 2 p.m., The Plaza Live, 425 N. Bumby Ave., instagram.com/themilkdistrict.
Sunday, Dec. 8: Light Up SoDo
The SoDo Main Street District’s annual event is the perfect family- and pet-friendly way to pregame the holidays. There will be activities, an appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus, vendors, delicious treats, musicians, children’s activities, face-painting and more. 2 p.m., Kimco’s SoDo Shopping Center, 35 W. Crystal Lake St., sododistrict.org.
Sunday, Dec. 8: Pop Swap Holiday Market
Shop this holiday market in Audubon Park to check out 30 local vendors featuring artisan and vintage wares. You can also enjoy delectable dining and drinks while browsing. 11 a.m., Park Ave CDs, 2916 Corrine Drive, instagram.com/parkavecds.
Sunday, Dec. 8: Redlight Redlight Holiday Market
Right alongside the Pop Swap from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Orlando’s favorite “beer parlour” slings brunch fare by Jes Tantalo and other food vendors, accompanied by local artisans selling their wares. 11 a.m., Redlight Redlight, 2810 Corrine Drive, instagram.com/redlightredlight.
Saturday, Dec. 14: Winter Market at Harry P. Leu Gardens
The spirit of the season decks the halls of Leu Gardens with a holiday landscape full of festive illuminated greenery, Christmas decorations, festive gardens and more. The market features plants, home goods and gifts that will “make your spirits bright.” 10 a.m., Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., leugardens.org.
Saturday, Dec. 14: Orlando Outdoor Christmas Market
This outdoor market will help you feel the holiday cheer and chill (hopefully!) in the air while shopping for gifts for your loved ones from local and sustainable businesses. 9 a.m., Audubon Park Church, 3219 Chelsea St., audubonparkchurch.com.
Saturday, Dec. 14: Orlando Zine Fest
Not expressly holiday-themed, but a local tradition guaranteed to yield unique gifts. Orlando Zine Fest is an annual gathering of zinesters, artists, small press publishers, and writers to celebrate independent print. There will also be live printing from Space Station Orlando and a special food and drink menu. 8 p.m., Blackbird Comics & Coffeehouse, 500 E. Horatio Ave., Maitland, facebook.com/orlandozinefest.
Sunday, Dec. 15: CRJ Chanukkah Festival
Celebrate at this festive event featuring Hanukkah games, activities, traditions and entertainment for the whole family. Traditional dishes like latkes and sufganiyot will be available at the market as well. 10:30 a.m., Congregation of Reform Judaism, 928 Malone Drive, orlandojewishfed.org.
Sunday, Dec. 15: Holiday at the District
The Gateway District celebrates big at its Holiday at the District event, which will feature live music performances, surprise guests, food trucks, entertainment, arts and crafts, local vendors and more. Noon, CareMax Orlando, 5564 E. Grant St., gateway-district.org.
Sunday, Dec. 15: Sensory Night at Merry Market
This specially curated holiday event creates space for those with sensory concerns or loved ones who are sensitive to intense light and sound. Take advantage of the festive atmosphere without the abrasive sensory stimulation and instead enjoy calming vibes, water and snacks. 5:30 p.m., Lake Eola Park, 512 E. Washington St., downtownorlando.com.
Wednesday, Dec. 18: Arts After Dark Market
This market features local arts, crafts, artisans, vendors, food, drinks and live music, all themed for the holidays. 6 p.m., Hyatt House Orlando Airport, 5472 Gateway Village Circle, gateway-district.org.
Wednesday, Dec. 22: Holiday Milk Mart
Explore seven neighborhood stops and shop for artisan goods and artworks from local vendors around the Milk District, while enjoying live music, snacks and drinks. Maybe pick up a treat or two for yourself. Noon, The Nook on Robinson, 2432 E. Robinson St., milkmartorlando.com.
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This article appears in Dec 4-10, 2024.