Shop, sip, and stroll through Arizona’s holiday markets

Discover Arizona’s best holiday markets of the season, from cozy small-town fairs to traditional European-style Christmas villages.

It’s the holiday season, which means you’re probably pulling decorations out of storage, putting up lights, baking cookies for Santa, and making lists for all the special people in your life. If you’re anything like me, you love finding that perfect gift and watching a loved one’s face light up when they open it. Over the years, I’ve realized the best gifts are those one-of-a-kind finds from small boutiques and local shops—the ones no one else will come across. During this time of year, holiday markets and craft fairs are among the best places to discover those unique gifts. So as you make your lists and plan your shopping stops, add these 10 holiday markets and craft fairs in Arizona to your spots to check out.

November

Grateful Gathering 

When: Saturday, Nov. 22 to Sunday, Nov. 23.

Where: Scottsdale Civic Center, 3939 N Drinkwater Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Price: Free entry

Merchantile Market’s “Grateful Gathering” is a two-day outdoor event perfect for the whole family! You’ll find over 200 vendors to browse, a great mix of food trucks, hands-on “make and take” craft experiences, and plenty of raffles and giveaways throughout the weekend. There’s a Kids Play area to keep little ones entertained, plus beer and wine for the adults, meaning everyone in the family will spend the day smiling.

Glendale Glitters

When: Friday, Nov. 28 to Saturday, Nov. 29; 5-10 p.m. each night.

Where: Downtown Glendale

Price: Free entry

Head to downtown Glendale for the 32nd anniversary of Glendale Glitters. This two-day celebration transforms the streets into a festive wonderland with sparkling light displays, interactive features, and plenty of picture-perfect spots to snap the perfect holiday photo. Beyond the dazzling decor, there are local makers, artisans, and specialty vendors lining the streets with unique holiday gifts, handmade crafts, and seasonal treats. As you browse festive booths, you’ll enjoy the sounds of carolers, and you might even catch a glimpse of Santa! If you can’t make it for opening weekend, the magical lights will continue to shine through January 1.

Scottsdale Sparkle Christmas Market

When: Friday, Nov.28 to Sunday, Nov. 30; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

Where: Arizona Boardwalk

Price: Free entry

Avoid the crowds on Black Friday and head to the Arizona Boardwalk for the first Sparkle Christmas Market. With over 50 vendors, you’ll find the perfect gift for everyone, ranging from jewelry and candles to ceramics, handmade crafts, plants, and more. Along with local vendors, there will be booths for permanent jewelry, wellness products, cosmetics, and even free face painting for the kiddos. After you shop, stick around and enjoy all the other great activities the Arizona Boardwalk has to offer.

December 

Sedona Arts Center Holiday Market

When: Opening reception on Friday, Dec. 5, 4-6 p.m.; Market on Saturday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  and Sunday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Sedona Arts Center

Price: Free

The Sedona Arts Center is hosting its first Holiday Market, bringing together some of the area’s favorite local artists and makers. The theater exhibition hall will be filled with original artwork, creative holiday gifts, and plenty of festive inspiration. This is a great way to support local talent while finding something creative and special for everyone on your list.

Queen Creek Holiday Retreat

When: Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: The Big Tin Cotton Gin

Price: $3 entry fee; 12 and under are free

Spend a day in Queen Creek for the fourth annual Sweet Creek Treat Holiday Retreat. This two-day holiday market features more than 50 local shops and small businesses offering a wide range of creative, handmade, and thoughtful gifts. Your entry fee includes automatic entry into a raffle for an incredible giveaway basket filled with local goodies. Between the shopping, festive music, and Queen Creek’s small-town charm, it’s a cozy way to kick off the holiday season.

Phoestivus

When: Friday, Dec. 12; 4-10 p.m.

Where: 455 N 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Price: Suggested donation of $5 per person

Phoestivus is celebrating its 16th year as one of the best holiday markets in the Valley. For many, the holidays in Phoenix just wouldn’t be the same without it. This outdoor market brings together over 175 local artists and makers for festive vibes, live music, and lots of fun. You’ll find unique gifts, homemade crafts, sweet treats galore, and all kinds of holiday-themed experiences. In addition to supporting the local community, all proceeds benefit the Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market, making it a holiday tradition with a great cause.

Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair

When: Friday, Dec. 12 to Sunday, Dec. 14.

Where: Historic Fourth Avenue

Price: Free entry

Head south for Tucson’s 56th Annual Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair, one of Arizona’s longest-running holiday traditions. This beloved event turns Fourth Avenue into a festive desert wonderland, lined with Christmas lights, live music, and more than 350 artists and makers. It’s the perfect place to keep your holiday shopping local while finding unique, handmade gifts for everyone on your list. With food vendors, local brews, and family-friendly entertainment, it’s easy to see why this fair draws more than 350,000 visitors and continues to be recognized among the top events in the country.

Mesa Christmas Market

When: Friday, Dec. 12 to Sunday, Dec. 14; 5–9:30 p.m.

Where: 440 E. Main St., Mesa, AZ 85203

Price: Free entry

Put on your favorite holiday pajamas and head to Mesa for the Mesa Christmas Market. Since 2017, this market has been a staple of Mesa’s holiday season. Inspired by traditional European Christmas markets, it offers a timeless, festive atmosphere for local shopping and community gathering. You’ll find a wide variety of vendors with homemade gifts, local goodies, and unique food items. As you browse, enjoy live music, delicious eats, and don’t miss the Santa Express for a train ride to meet Santa himself.

Slope Holiday Market and Parade

When: Saturday, Dec. 13; Starting at 2 p.m.

Where: Hatcher Road from Central to Seventh Avenue

Price: Free entry, $10 per raffle ticket

Did someone say Santa? Head to Sunnyslope for the annual Slope Holiday Market and Parade. Along with a chance to meet Santa, you’ll find a lively mix of food trucks, a beer garden, ice skating, live music, and plenty of local arts and crafts to shop for the holidays. The event kicks off at 2 p.m., with the light parade starting around 6 p.m. Like any great party, there’s no strict end time. Entry is free, but you can support the community by purchasing a $10 raffle ticket for a chance to win prizes like Southwest flight vouchers, Hilton resort stays, and other goodies from local businesses. It’s a festive, all-day celebration you won’t want to miss.

Prescott Holiday Village 

When: Friday, Dec. 14 (4-11 p.m.) and Saturday, Dec.15 (11 a.m.-4 p.m.)

Where: W. Goodwin Street, Prescott, AZ 86303

Price: Free entry

For one weekend, Prescott transforms into a charming European-style Christkindlmarket and Holiday Village. It’s the perfect little escape from the desert into an international, storybook winter scene. Wander through rows of wooden booths filled with handmade gifts. Enjoy live music, authentic German food and beer, and festive traditions like the fairy-like Christkind angel dressed in white and gold. For the kiddos, there’s also a nostalgic carousel, mini Ferris wheel, and snowman disco dome, making it the perfect family outing.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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