Best Christmas Markets in San Diego (2026)
Swiss chalets, local makers and neighborhood fairs: 26 places to shop for gifts across San Diego County, with 2026 dates, admission and a map.
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A good Christmas market should leave you with more than a cup of hot chocolate. Maybe it's a handmade bowl, an ornament you'll keep for years, or just a much better evening than another lap of a shopping center. San Diego has plenty of ways to get there, but the right pick depends on whether you want to shop, soak up the decorations or give the kids a full holiday outing.
For gifts, start with San Diego Made and Makers Arcade. For a traditional German market, head to the Weihnachtsmarkt in El Cajon. New for 2026, Swiss Winter Village brings a chalet-style market to Liberty Station. Little Italy is our pick for a free downtown Christmas evening, while smaller fairs in Hillcrest, San Ysidro and Coronado put local makers front and center.
Most of these last a day or a weekend, and the busiest stretches are December 5–6 and December 12–13. Pick your date first, then an area, and leave time to browse instead of crossing the county between events.
San Diego Christmas Markets at a Glance
| Market | Area | 2026 dates | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carlsbad Holiday Market at the Woman's Club | Carlsbad | Nov 14 | Free |
| Mission Trails Holiday Marketplace | Mission Trails | Nov 14–15 | Free, register ahead |
| Tezukuri-ichi Holiday Market | Balboa Park | Nov 21 | Garden admission |
| Sidro Saturday Holiday Market | San Ysidro | Nov 21 | Free |
| Encinitas Holiday Street Fair | Encinitas | Nov 22 | Free |
| Swiss Winter Village | Liberty Station | Nov 27–Jan 3 | From $12.90, timed tickets |
| Bates Nut Farm Holiday Markets | Valley Center | Nov 27–28; Dec 11–12 | Free |
| San Diego Made Holiday Market | Liberty Station | Nov 28–29 | $5 online, $6 door |
| Oceanside Holiday Gift Markets | Oceanside | Dec 3, 10, 17 | Free |
| Holiday Wonderland at Petco Park | East Village | Select dates Dec 4–23 | $24–$34 |
| Balboa Park December Nights | Balboa Park | Dec 4–5 | Free |
| Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village | Little Italy | Dec 5 | Free |
| ArtReach Holiday Art Market | Hillcrest | Dec 5 | Free |
| Coronado Artisans Alley Craft Fair | Coronado | Dec 5 | Suggested donation |
| Starlight Parade & Festival Holiday Market | Chula Vista | Dec 5 | Free |
| Winter Wonderland Holiday Artisan Market | Escondido | Dec 5–6 | Free |
| San Marcos Holly Jolly Holiday Market | San Marcos | Dec 6 | Free |
| SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off Makers Market | North Park | Dec 6 | Free; chili tasting extra |
| La Jolla Village Christmas Market & Holiday Festival | La Jolla | Dec 6 | Free |
| Coastal Christmas Holiday Market | Del Mar | Select nights Dec 11–26 | From $22, plus fees |
| Christmas in the Park Craft Boutique | Poway | Dec 11–12 | Free |
| North Park Winter Fair | North Park | Dec 12 | Free |
| Holiday in the Village | La Mesa | Dec 12 | Free |
| Weihnachtsmarkt (German Christmas Market) | El Cajon | Dec 12–13 | $5 |
| Makers Arcade Holiday Fair | Embarcadero | Dec 12–13 | $5 online, $6 door |
| San Diego Bazaar | Logan Heights | Dec 19–20 | Free |
Christmas Villages and Holiday Attractions in San Diego
These are the European-style villages and bigger ticketed outings, where the shopping comes with food, rides and plenty of seasonal atmosphere. Three of the four need tickets, so book your session before you go. Swiss Winter Village has a Santa stop too; see where to see Santa in San Diego.
Swiss Winter Village
Liberty Station, San Diego, CA
The big new arrival this year: more than 60 wooden chalets on the South Lawn, mixing gifts and design with raclette, Swiss sweets and warm drinks. Its five-week season gives you far more flexibility than a one-weekend fair. On Thanksgiving weekend, pair it with San Diego Made across Liberty Station. Details: Mon–Fri 3–9 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Christmas Eve 11 a.m.–6 p.m. South Lawn, 2850 Roosevelt Rd. Adults $16.90; rides extra; cashless.
Holiday Wonderland at Petco Park
840 K St, San Diego, CA 92101
The ballpark's holiday event is a family outing first, with artisan shops tucked between the lights, carousel and train. It makes the most sense when the kids want the rides and the adults want to browse in between. Details: Book an entry session; it isn't open every day. Gallagher Square, 100 Park Blvd. Food, drinks and merchandise are extra.
Coastal Christmas Holiday Market
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014
A holiday market inside a ticketed lights event at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, with Santa photos and seasonal entertainment around it. Browse for gifts, walk the displays and stay for a treat. It's the North County pick for families who want more than stalls. Details: 4–9 p.m. on operating nights. Adults $27, plus fees; 3 and under free. Skating, the fun zone and parking cost extra.
Weihnachtsmarkt at the German American Societies
1017 S Mollison Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020
The most traditional German Christmas market in the county. More than two dozen vendor booths share the club's biergarten with German food, mulled wine, music and kids' activities. Come for a plate of spätzle and the community feel as much as the shopping. Details: Check the event page for hours. Youth and military free. 1017 S Mollison Ave, El Cajon.
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Best Maker and Craft Fairs in San Diego
These put the shopping first: local artists, crafters and small brands, usually for a single day or weekend. They're listed in date order, starting in mid-November. If you're short on time, San Diego Made and Makers Arcade have the biggest selection. For permanent shops to pair with a fair, see our San Diego holiday shopping guide.
Carlsbad Holiday Market at the Woman's Club
3320 Monroe St, Carlsbad, CA 92008
A small, traditional craft fair that's worth it if you want to get started early. Expect pottery, jewelry, woodworking, ornaments, candles and gift foods. Sales go toward the club's historic clubhouse renovation. Details: 9 a.m.–2 p.m. 3320 Monroe St, Carlsbad. Done by 2 p.m., so make it a morning stop.
Mission Trails Holiday Marketplace
1 Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego, CA 92119
One of the best reasons to shop before Thanksgiving. The Visitor Center fills with ceramics, woodworking, jewelry, paper goods and edible gifts, and the trail setting beats a mall by a mile. A portion of sales supports the park foundation. Details: 9 a.m.–3 p.m. both days. Register ahead, and use the event's satellite parking and shuttle; the lot fills fast.
Tezukuri-ichi Holiday Market
2215 Pan American E Rd, San Diego, CA 92101
The Japanese Friendship Garden's holiday market turns a small shopping trip into a proper afternoon. Local artists fill the Inamori Pavilion with jewelry, ceramics and textiles, and there's a furoshiki demo if you like the idea of wrapping gifts in reusable fabric. Leave time for the garden itself. Details: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; furoshiki wrapping 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Garden admission $16 adults, 6 and under free.
Sidro Saturday Holiday Market
114 W Hall Ave, San Ysidro, CA 92173
A South Bay market built around area artists and small businesses, with books, ceramics and creative gifts at El Salon Theatre. A letter-writing station and a DIY photo-frame table give the day a personal touch. Details: 11 a.m.–4 p.m. 114 W Hall Ave, San Ysidro. Free coffee and churros while they last.
Encinitas Holiday Street Fair
S Coast Hwy 101 & W D St, Encinitas, CA 92024
The big, open-ended browse. Arts, handmade crafts, antiques and imports stretch along Coast Highway 101, so the range is wider than a curated maker fair. Go in the morning, give it a few hours and finish with lunch downtown. Details: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. S Coast Highway 101 at D St.
San Diego Made Holiday Market
2455 Cushing Rd, San Diego, CA 92106
Start here if the goal is to come home with presents. More than 175 local makers bring handmade goods, art, clothing, vintage and packaged treats to NTC Park, enough to cover very different people on your list. Food trucks and music make it easy to stay a few hours. Details: Sat 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.–4 p.m. NTC Park, 2705 Cushing Rd. Kids under 10 free; it's on grass, so wear comfortable shoes.
ArtReach Holiday Art Market
1065 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
The one to pick when you want the kids making something while you browse. Youth and adult artists sell artwork and handmade gifts around the Hillcrest studio, with free art activities alongside. Buying here supports an arts education nonprofit. Details: 10 a.m.–3 p.m. 1065 University Ave.
Coronado Artisans Alley Craft Fair
600 6th St, Coronado, CA 92118
A straightforward school craft fair: handmade gifts, food vendors and student music performances, raising money for Coronado's band and choir programs. Go in the morning and make it the start of a day on the island. Details: 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Enter on H Avenue; the donation includes a raffle ticket.
San Marcos Holly Jolly Holiday Market
250 North City Dr, San Marcos, CA 92078
A full North County shopping day without the drive downtown. Local artisans and specialty vendors fill North City, with food, music and family activities around them, so everyone in the group finds their own stalls. Details: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 251 North City Dr. Not the same as the city's Merry Market at the Civic Center the day before.
Makers Arcade Holiday Fair
1000 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
The place to find a gift that feels chosen: jewelry, something for the home, a print. More than 150 makers fill Broadway Pier, much of it under the Port Pavilion roof. On Sunday, finish shopping by 5 and stay for the Parade of Lights viewing on the bay. Details: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. both days; Sunday parade viewing 5–7:45 p.m. 1000 N Harbor Dr. Kids under 10 free.
San Diego Bazaar
2995 Commercial St, San Diego, CA 92113
The answer for whoever's still left on your list the weekend before Christmas, when most of the bigger fairs are over. More than 75 makers rotate through The Soap Factory over two days, with coffee, cocktails and DJs. Browse, take a break, then make a second pass. Details: 11 a.m.–4 p.m. both days. 2995 Commercial St. Ask about gift wrapping before you leave.
San Diego Holiday Festivals and Neighborhood Markets
If you only pick a few, Little Italy, December Nights and La Mesa are the standouts. Here the market is one part of a bigger day: a tree lighting, a parade, a chili cook-off or a family festival. They're mostly free and great for atmosphere. If you're working through a serious gift list, pair one with a maker fair rather than relying on it alone.
On December 5, Little Italy can carry the whole evening; on December 6, choose SoNo for food, La Jolla for a village festival or San Marcos for a full shopping day. After the shopping, keep the evening going with our San Diego Christmas bars and holiday pop-ups guide. December Nights and Little Italy are also picks in our San Diego Christmas lights guide.
Bates Nut Farm Holiday Markets
15954 Woods Valley Rd, Valley Center, CA 92082
The country-outing pick, with room for gift browsing, food and a little wandering around the farm. Go on Thanksgiving weekend for the Santa's Coming Craft Fair if handmade shopping is the priority. Come back in December for Christmas in Valley Center, where the market sits inside a bigger community celebration. Details: Craft fair 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Christmas in Valley Center Fri 4–8 p.m., Sat 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Free parking; some activities extra.
Oceanside Holiday Gift Markets
401 Pier View Wy, Oceanside, CA 92054
The Thursday Sunset Market's holiday editions, where dinner comes from the stalls while you shop. Gift vendors mix with prepared food, sweets and live music across several downtown blocks. The first night has traditionally doubled as the city's tree-lighting evening. Details: 5–9 p.m. each Thursday. Pier View Way at N Coast Hwy.
Balboa Park December Nights
San Diego, CA
The city's big free holiday festival, with shopping alongside food, performances and lights across the park. Go for the celebration and wander rather than arriving with a strict list. Saturday's noon start is the easier way to browse before the evening crowds. Details: Fri 4–10 p.m.; Sat noon–10 p.m. Parking isn't free, so plan your transport before you leave.
Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village
523 W Date St, San Diego, CA 92101
The best free Christmas evening downtown. The village runs along India Street with artisan gifts and stocking stuffers, and the neighborhood's restaurants are steps away. Arrive early to shop, watch the tree lighting, then go to dinner. Details: 4–8 p.m.; tree lighting 6:30 p.m. India St at W Date St. Book dinner ahead.
Starlight Parade & Festival Holiday Market
373 Park Way, Chula Vista, CA 91910
The South Bay's Christmas evening. Shop the holiday market and grab Santa photos in Memorial Park, then stay for the tree lighting and the parade. Details: From 3 p.m.; tree lighting 5:30 p.m.; parade 6 p.m. 373 Park Way, Chula Vista.
Winter Wonderland Holiday Artisan Market
340 N Escondido Blvd, Escondido, CA 92025
Part of Escondido's free family festival at the California Center for the Arts. Local artists and makers sell between the snow play, performances and holiday activities, so it works as a quick drop-in or a full afternoon with the kids. Details: 1–5 p.m. both days. 340 N Escondido Blvd.
SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off Makers Market
32nd St & Thorn St, San Diego, CA 92104
The pick when one of you wants to shop and the other wants lunch to be the main event. A makers market of handmade goods and art runs through the neighborhood chili festival, with music and plenty of North Park character. Details: 11 a.m.–5 p.m. 32nd St at Thorn St. Chili tasting passes are sold separately.
La Jolla Village Christmas Market & Holiday Festival
615 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037
New for 2026: La Jolla adds a Christmas market to its holiday festival, bringing local makers, artists and gift vendors to the Rec Center. Browse the stalls, then spend the rest of the afternoon at the festival. Details: 1–5 p.m. Rec Center basketball courts, 615 Prospect St. The parade starts elsewhere, at Kline St and Girard Ave.
Christmas in the Park Craft Boutique
14134 Midland Rd, Poway, CA 92064
A traditional small-town Christmas evening at Old Poway Park, with a craft boutique tucked in among the music, treats and park activities. It's the inland alternative to the coastal events. Details: 3:30–8:30 p.m. both nights. Santa visits and rides cost extra; the train arrival and tree lighting are Friday only.
North Park Winter Fair
3812 29th St, San Diego, CA 92104
The compact option: an artisan marketplace, seasonal food and drinks, and a Santa photo station in the Mini Park. Shop for an hour, then stay for lunch in the neighborhood. Details: Noon–4 p.m. 3812 29th St.
Holiday in the Village
7914 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942
A free street fair with serious shopping. More than 100 vendors bring art, home goods, jewelry and clothing to La Mesa Village, and the permanent shops add to the browsing. Kids 10 and under can pick out their own presents at stalls offering items for $5 or less. Details: Noon–9 p.m. La Mesa Blvd at Palm Ave. Look for the participating kids' vendors on the event map.
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