Whether you’re somebody who likes to skip from Halloween straight to Christmas or you choose to enjoy the Thanksgiving festivities in between — these Denver area holiday markets suit a range of styles. The Denver Christkindlemarket is arguably one of the most popular in the area, with an assortment of German bites and plenty of beer to go around. Wrap up your holiday shopping at these local markets and enjoy good food, drinks, and cherish the holiday spirit with your loved ones.
Denver Christkindlmarket
Where? 101 West 14th Avenue
This annual Denver market is hosted at Civic Center Park, effectively turning the park into a miniature version of a German village. For the 2023 season, the opening date is November 17th and the authentic German-style market is set to run through December 23rd. Attendees can enjoy an array of craft and food vendors, as well as entertainers that are sure to delight. No ticket purchase is necessary, as admittance is always free. This family-friendly event is open to guests of all ages. Children will especially look forward to the pastry vendors offering tasty sweets. If you play your cards right, they may even be able to meet Christkind or Saint Nikolaus on certain dates!
The Denver Christkindlmarket hosts a series of events and live music performances, such as all-day happy hours, parade of lights, family day, and acts such as Polka Folka and 70s Night with Boogie Machine. Check the event calendar ahead of time to make sure you don’t miss any of your favorites. The Parade of Lights is staged at Civic Center Park before the floats take off down the streets of Denver. Grab a warm glass of spicy mulled wine and a gingerbread biscuit before dancing the night away!
PRO Tip: This event is accessible and dog-friendly. No family member needs to miss out on the festivities. There will be a Canine Christmas event on November 29th for those who want to celebrate the holiday with other Denver-area dog owners.
Cherry Creek Holiday Market
Where? 105 Fillmore Street
2023 will mark the fourth season of the Cherry Creek Holiday Market. This one-stop shopping extravaganza features local artisans, as well as designers and creators of all types. In total, there are over 50 rotating vendors that will take turns setting up at the market. Don’t fret if you haven’t started on your Christmas shopping list yet — you’ll be able to find gifts for everyone at Cherry Creek. The event runs between November 16th and December 24th, with hours fluctuating throughout the week. The market is set up in the Fillmore Plaza, which will be blocked off to traffic to keep pedestrians safe.
A few vendors that will be participating in the 2023 market include Sustain and Able Coffee, Charlie’s Bouquet Bar, Back In The Day Threads, and Kell Designs. Each year, there is a concert series put on by several live performance groups. The schedule has not yet been announced for 2023 but music enthusiasts can check the website to ensure they don’t miss their favorite local acts. Grab a beverage of your choice, some specialty treats such as crepes, brittle, or homemade cookies, and explore the market while taking in the festive ambiance.
PRO Tip: Make sure to stop by the Mistletoe Lounge while you’re visiting the holiday market. Inside the lounge, you’ll find twinkling lights, festive decor, holiday-themed alcoholic beverages, and non-alcoholic options.
Firefly Handmade
Where? Old South Gaylord Street
Firefly Handmade is one of the most festive holiday markets in Denver, featuring over 80 curated vendors lining the 1000 Block of South Gaylord Street. The market runs on the weekend of December 9th and 10th. Live music acts will create an inviting ambiance as you meander around the street, chatting with new faces and collecting handcrafted gifts for the special people in your life. Admission is free and pups are welcome to tag along.
A few of the artisans in the 2023 lineup include Atomic Child, Canine Cardigans, The Shape of Wood, Desert Moon Jewelry Company, and plenty more. The Saturday market is open from 11AM to 4PM and Sunday opens an hour early at 10AM. Based on the attendance in previous years, the market could draw upwards of 50,000 people throughout the weekend. For the most relaxed shopping experience, head over during the opening hour or settle in with a drink while you take a break during the busiest hours. There will be plenty of food and drink options available for those looking to enjoy lunch or an early dinner.
PRO Tip: Aside from their Denver holiday market, Firefly Handmade also hosts a Boulder location on November 11th and 12th. If you want to get a head start on Christmas shopping, take the short drive to the Pearl Street Mall.
Holiday Makers Market
Where? 2644 West 32nd Avenue
On Saturday, December 9th — the annual Holiday Makers Market will be back at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Admission is free, but interested parties are encouraged to RSVP so the museum knows how many people will be in attendance. The event begins at noon and runs until the evening. Guests can expect holiday-themed cocktails, festive music, and a range of fun activities. There will also be gift wrapping and of course — plenty of shopping to fulfill any last-minute Christmas gift needs. The local market will be selling local goods, which allows you to support your community and find thoughtful, one-of-a-kind presents for your loved ones.
The event is held in the holiday theater, which will be adorned with seasonal decorations. With over 20 local artists, there are plenty of booths to explore and creators to chat with. Those who have never taken the time to peruse the exhibits at Denver’s Museum of Contemporary Art may find that the holidays are the perfect time to do so. Current exhibitions include “Cowboy” which explores the myth and the reality of American cowboy culture, with perspectives ranging from Asian American artists, Native artists, and more.
PRO Tip: Happy hour at the Museum of Contemporary Art runs on select weekdays. Head to the rooftop for craft cocktails, local brews, and even tasty bites to help energize you to get your shopping on.
Mistletoe Market at Dairy Block
Where? 1800 Wazee Street
Denver’s newest holiday market is being hosted by the city’s Dairy Block. This exciting addition will be held across four weekends beginning on November 25th and 26th. The final weekend wraps up on December 16th and 17th, which is just in time to kick off Christmas the following week. Market hours run from 12PM to 5PM. Don’t let the cold weather keep you at home, as the heated alleyway will be cozy and inviting regardless of the weather! Admission is totally free and attendees are encouraged to invite friends and family to spread the word about the newest holiday market in town.
Each weekend, a new set of 12 vendors will be invited to Dairy Block. This keeps the selection fresh and even encourages repeat visits! Expect live carolers and music performances to keep the crowd pumping, as well as themed cocktails and photo opportunities that are perfect for Instagram. Customized gift wrapping is available, which is just in the nick of time for those who find themselves staring down at a crumpled mess each year when they break out the wrapping paper and bows.
PRO Tip: Denver’s Dairy Block is also home to some of the best bars and restaurants in the city. Once the market wraps up at 5PM, consider grabbing dinner at the Denver Milk Market food hall or try a few creative concoctions at the Run For The Roses cocktail bar and lounge.
Georgetown Christmas Market
Where? Strousse Park / 6th and Rose Street
If you’re down for a scenic drive from Denver, head over to Georgetown — about an hour away from the capital city. The 2023 holiday season marks the 63rd annual market celebration, kicking off on December 2nd. Get some holiday shopping done, snack on roasted chestnuts, and even take a ride on a horse-drawn carriage through the streets of the immaculately decorated town.
This European-style market draws visitors from across the state and for many, is a highly anticipated Christmas tradition. This market has been named one of the best in the country, so it should be on your list of things to do this December. Saint Nicholas will be in attendance, in traditional dress, and Victorian carolers will be singing and dancing.
PRO Tip: Strousse Park is the center of the celebration, though visitors are encouraged to explore around Georgetown as well. There will be themed activities, decorated shops, and photo opportunities around town.
Holiday BAZAAR
Where? Multiple locations
Denver’s popular Holiday BAZAAR is set to take place across three neighborhoods — Lakewood, RiNo, and Belleview Station. The exciting event runs from November to December, over a period of 13 days. Across all locations, there will be live DJs, craft vendors, holiday sips, and plenty of eats. Entry is always free and there will be an outdoor skating rink at the Lakewood location. RiNo gets an indoor food hall, which is the perfect space to eat and drink away from the chilly weather. Belleview Station has a market bar and beer garden.
Enjoy street food and food trucks, as well as pop-up bars that are ready to serve you a freshly crafted holiday beverage. For the Belleview Station location, you can snag a shop-and-sip ticket for $30 that includes early VIP entrance and 2.5 hours of bottomless mimosas. There is also a drink token package that provides up to $15 in savings! All dates will feature over 80 vendors, which gives you plenty of browsing to do while you search for the perfect gifts for the special people in your life. A few of the makers in the lineup include AtomicChild, Bespoke Provisions, and Brennan Candle Company.
PRO Tip: Those who wish to imbibe in the drink tokens or the shop and sip — ride-sharing is highly encouraged. Bringing a designated driver along with your group helps to ensure everyone has a fun time and gets home safely.
Horseshoe Market
Where? Highlands Masonic Temple & Breckenridge Brewery
This giant festival market takes place across two weekends, beginning on November 25th-26th. Hosted at the Highlands Masonic Temple in Denver — attendees will find 100+ local vendors selling art, apparel, jewelry, and home goods. Whether you’re Christmas shopping or window shopping, you’re sure to enjoy seeing all of the artisan goods and enjoying the holiday ambiance. The December 2nd-3rd weekend is to be held in Littleton at the Breckenridge Brewery. This will be a more intimate market, though it’s still hosting a respectable 60+ vendors.
Regardless of which market you opt to go to (or both!) you’re likely to cross off several gifts from your holiday shopping list. As the dates get closer, music lineups will be released along with announcements and giveaways. Pups are always welcome to accompany their owners, though they’re asked to remain leashed for everyone’s safety.
PRO Tip: The Horseshoe Craft & Flea Market also hosts dates throughout the year, such as their spring market at Regis University, the summer market at Breckenridge Brewery, and a fall market back at Regis.
Holiday Pottery Sale
Where? 6901 Wadsworth Boulevard
While less of a market featuring a wide assortment of vendors, this 47th annual pottery sale is the perfect place to stop in and grab a gift or two. The event runs from November 30th through December 17th, with hours of 10AM to 8PM Mondays through Saturdays and 1PM to 5PM on Sundays. The Arvada Center has its own pottery studio, where instructors and students craft handmade goods throughout the year. Interested buyers will find an extensive selection of pottery, from functional goods such as plates, bowls, and mugs — to a more sculptural selection that’s perfect for adding a touch of art to your home.
All purchases go to supporting both the artists and the Center itself. Opening day, November 30th, features a reception that’s open to the public. Come check out the displays and go home with your new favorite piece. Other holiday festivities include Hazel Miller’s Christmas with Soul.
PRO Tip: You can peruse some of the pottery pieces on the Arvada Center’s website. Keep in mind, all pieces are sold on a first come first serve basis, so shop up opening day to get the best selection!