Holiday Markets and Craft Festivals
This time of year, holiday markets and craft festivals pop up across Tampa Bay, offering one-of-a-kind gifts, many of which are made by local artisans. Best of all, several of these markets are held outdoors, allowing shoppers to enjoy the beautiful winter weather in Florida while they shop. Below are just a few markets to check out this season.
Junior League Holiday Gift Market 2023
Date: Nov. 9-12
Location: Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 US Hwy 301, Tampa
Cost: Admission starts at $10; $10 parking; 5 and under free
Purchase tickets: https://www.jltampa.org/featured-events/holiday-gift-market/shoppers/
The Holiday Gift Market is The Junior League of Tampa’s largest fundraiser, drawing merchants from across the country to create a unique shopping experience. The 2023 market will feature more than 200 vendors. The event raises vital funds for the Junior League’s community projects.
6th Annual Holiday Vendor Market
Date: Nov. 12 and Dec. 3, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Location: The Rustic Door Décor & More, 788 W. Lumsden Rd., Brandon
Cost: Free admission
Join The Rustic Door & Décor and the Brandon Sunday Market for their 6th Annual Holiday Market with over 60 local vendor and food trucks. Admission is free and this is a pet friendly event. Santa will be on hand for free pictures. Please bring a toy to donate to Toys for Tots.
Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
Date: Nov. 17, 2023-Jan. 1, 2024
Location: Curtis Hixon Park, downtown Tampa
Cost: Free admission to shops
Curtis Hixon Park transforms into a Winter Wonderland with stunning views of the Hillsborough River during the months of November and December, including a fun selection of pop-up shops featuring local wares. Visit the Facebook listed above for an update on the shops attending this year.
Tampa Bay Holiday Market
Date: Nov. 18-19, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Location: The Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N., St. Petersburg
Cost: Free admission; free parking
Find an assortment of holiday gifts at this shopping event—everything from chocolates and handbags to jewelry and holiday décor. This event is sponsored by the Tampa Bay Times.
Art & Craft Festival
Dates: Nov. 18-19, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Location: Downtown Dunedin
Cost: Free to attend
Along Dunedin’s quaint Main Street, you will meet some of the country’s finest artists and crafters with products all handmade in America. With ceramic planters, functional pottery, hair accessories, handmade one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces and an expansive Green Market there is something for every taste and budget.
Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Festival
Date: Nov. 23-24, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (until 5 p.m. Sunday)
Location: Dodecanese Boulevard, Tarpon Springs
Cost: Free to attend
If you have loved ones in town for Thanksgiving, this is a great opportunity to introduce them to the Sponge Docks of Tarpon Springs. Craft vendors set up tents on charming brick-paved Court Street. Get a head start on your Christmas shopping, enjoy the sights and sounds of the sponge docks and help local merchants at the same time!
Pioneer Christmas & Vintage Market
Date: Dec. 2, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Location: 15602 Pioneer Museum Rd., Dade City
Cost: $10 adults; $5 students; children 5 and under, free.
Enjoy shopping from unique vendors, petting zoo, free family photos taken by Laura from Boiler House Photography, children’s activities, games, arts and crafts, live entertainment, a gnome hunt and more. The museum buildings will be decorated for Christmas, with docents, many in time period attire.
Holiday Stroll Largo
Date: Sat, Dec. 2, 6-10 p.m.
Location: Largo Central Park
Cost: $10 on-site parking
More information: playlargo.com
This outdoor market allows you to enjoy the beautiful December temperatures while stocking up on holiday gifts. Food and beverage vendors will be on site and the evening also features Largo’s tree lighting.
Tampa’s Holiday Market presented by Tampa Bay Moms Group
Date: Sun, Dec. 3, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Location: Waterworks Park, downtown Tampa
Cost: Free
Join Tampa Bay Moms Group and an amazing variety of small businesses, crafters and artisans at their largest annual shopping event: Tampa’s Holiday Gift Market. There will also be visits with Santa, holiday-themed entertainment, food and drinks, crafts and onsite childcare so you can shop without ruining the surprise!
Jingle Bell Bazaar
Date: Dec. 10, noon-6 p.m.
Location: Centennial Park, 1800 E. 8th St., Ybor City
Cost: Free
The largest annual holiday festival in Ybor City is back! Enjoy live music all day, holiday shopping with 100+ vendors, food trucks and Santa’s Village for the kiddos. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there as well. Bring a toy for Toys for Tots and enter a chance to win free prizes.
Christmas Meander Markets
Dates: Nov. 26 and Dec. 31
Location: Wild Rover Brewing Company, 13921 Lynmar Blvd.
Cost: Free
For one night in November and December, Wild Rover is turning their brewery, mill and barn into a Christmas Meander Market where you can shop for unique gift ideas from local vendors.
11th Annual Oxford Exchange Holiday Gift Market
Date: Thurs, Nov. 30, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Location: Oxford Exchange, 420 West Kennedy Blvd.
Cost: RSVP required, but event is free
This market, held in the beautiful Oxford Exchange, is inspired by eclectic and bustling European marketplaces. Discover more than 30 local artisans, find unique gifts and explore their holiday exhibits.
