Mornings are brighter and it’s not just because we are out of daylight-saving time. It’s also the dawn of a winter holiday season shining with twinkling lights and other luminous adornment. Meditate on peace and show loved ones extra care by making a donation in their name, supporting a cause they believe in. Or take action with experiential gifts such as tickets to a show or for a favored activity to enjoy together.
Prefer more conventional gifting? You won’t have to go far from home to browse for just the right thing, all while enjoying the season’s festive decor and treats. Check out The Chronicle’s guide to holiday-focused markets and festivals, with an emphasis on shopping and seasonal merriment.
Napa Gifts ’n Tyme Holiday Faire is scheduled to take place at the Napa Valley Expo on Nov. 19.
Napa Gifts ‘n Tyme Holiday FaireNapa Gifts ’n Tyme Holiday Faire
The North Bay marketplace highlights 82 local artists offering original crafts, artworks, holiday gifts and food items. Enjoy live holiday music and entertainment as you stroll the hall and visit with the merchant/makers. The fair will also include food vendors.
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Nov. 17-18; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19. Free admission, reservations recommended. Chardonnay Hall, Napa Valley Expo, 575 Third St., Napa. 530-347-8040. https://napachamber.com
Yuletide revelers celebrate the season as they explore the vibrant Grand Concourse of the Great Dickens Christmas Fair and Victorian Holiday Party at the Cow Palace.
Rich Yee/Great Dickens Christmas FairSacramento Harvest Festival
The juried marketplace will showcase handmade creations for sale. There will be a kid zone, artistic demonstrations, live entertainment, food vendors and more.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Nov. 17-18; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19. $4-$9, reservations recommended; under 13 free. Advance registration encouraged. Cal Expo Pavilion, 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento. https://harvestfestival.com
Wonder and Delight: The Great Dickens Christmas Fair
Step back in time to Victorian London at the festive, annual holiday fete. Mingle with costumed performers entertaining amid the backdrop of music halls, pubs, a Christmas tree lot, an ice-skating rink and browse unique shops with seasonal wares and decor.
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Weekends from Nov. 18-Dec. 17. $18-$45, under 5 free. Cow Palace Exhibition Halls, 2600 Geneva Avenue, Daly City. https://dickensfair.com
Artistic souls of all ages may try their hand at making a Fairy House or painting ceramic ornaments at The Great Dickens Christmas Fair.
Rich Yee/Great Dickens Christmas FairWest Coast Craft Winter Holiday Markets
Artists and craftspeople will gather to sell fine artistic and functional wares, artisanal foods and more at a series of indoor and outdoor markets to be held on the Fort Mason Center campus.
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 18-19 (inside Festival Pavilion); 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday Dec. 2 and 16 (outside market). Free admission. Fort Mason Center, 2 Marina Blvd., S.F. www.westcoastcraft.com
Holiday Mercantile at Crane Cove
In partnership with Sunset Mercantile, the Park Market’s holiday-themed edition will feature shopping at the local makers marketplace, food and drink vendors, family-friendly activities, and live music and entertainment in the Dogpatch neighborhood’s new waterfront park.
11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19. Free admission. Crane Cove Park, 18th and Illinois Streets, S.F. https://sanfranciscoparksalliance.org
Fall Holiday Chocolate Salon
Discover and taste premium, gourmet chocolates and confections for the holidays. The yummy event will include more than 25 vendors and exhibitors. Find the perfect gift for your favorite chocoholic, while tasting your way around an event made for chocolate lovers.
11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 19. $11.50-$20, reservations recommended. San Francisco County Fair Bldg., 1199 9th Ave., Golden Gate Park S.F. www.fallchocolatesalon.com
People enjoy the chocolate salon at the San Francisco County Fair Building in San Francisco in 2022.
Nick Otto/Special to The ChronicleChristmas in San Francisco Crystal Fair
More than 50 vendors offer crystals, minerals, gemstones, jewelry and metaphysical healing tools. Find unusual and exotic gifts from around the country and the globe.
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26. $11-$14, reservations recommended; under 13 free. County Fair Bldg., Ninth Ave and Lincoln Way, S.F. www.crystalfair.com
Craneway Craft Fair
Get a head start on holiday shopping and meet the makers with more than 200 unique exhibitors/vendors. There will be live entertainment, a KPFA live broadcast booth and more. Support Small Business Saturday weekend with a purchase of jewelry, clothing, decor, toys, body products, food and other artisanal products.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 25-26. Free admission; donations to KPFA encouraged. Craneway Pavilion, 1414 Harbor Way South, Richmond. www.cranewaycraftfair.com
Christmas and Kwanzaa Holiday Gift Show
Get some holiday shopping in the bag as Black businesses and vendors offer gifts for family and friends. Organized by the African American Business Exchange, the event will also include holiday arts activities and live entertainment.
10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 25-26. $15, under 12 free; reservations recommended. Oakland Marriott Convention Center, 101 Broadway, Oakland. 510-866-2214. https://theaabe.com
Feathered Outlaw Black Hat Saturday
Shop for crystals, candles, jewelry, ritual supplies, clothing and other oddities from over 30 locally-owned businesses. Enjoy reiki sessions, tarot readings and more onsite. The Fireside Lounge will have drinks and live DJ sets happening next door.
11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25. Free admission. Al Fresco Dining Park, 1435 Webster St., Alameda. 510-239-4593.www.featheredoutlaw.com
Winchester Mystery House: Menagerie Holiday Oddities Market
The weekly event is set to include vendors selling odd and unique collectibles, strange stocking stuffers, live entertainment and yuletide treats. Attendees may take a candlelight tour through the mystery house for an additional cost.
Noon-9 p.m. Saturdays from Nov. 25-Dec. 30. $5, under 5 free; reservations recommended. Winchester Mystery House, 525 South Winchester Blvd., San Jose. 408-247-2000. www.themenagerieodditiesmarket.com
Gamble House and Gardens will host a Winter Festival and Marketplace Dec. 1-3.
de Young and Legion of Honor Museum Store Sunday and Holiday Trunk Show
Get a head start on holiday shopping as the museum stores offer special items and local artisan trunk shows at both locations.
9:30 a.m.-5:15 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26. Free admission. de Young Museum, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, Golden Gate Park, S.F. Legion of Honor Museum, 100 34th Ave., S.F. 415-750-3600. www.famsf.org
Christmas at Kohl Holiday Boutique
Over 50 local vendors will be in attendance for a marketplace hosted at the historic Kohl property. The venue will be all decked out with abundant holiday lights and decor, refreshments, live holiday music and docent-led tours.
5-9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29. $15. Kohl Mansion, 2750 Adeline Dr., Burlingame. 650-343-3631. www.mercyhsb.com
Berkeley Holiday Gift Fair
Support Berkeley businesses with artisan wares from more than 25 vendors and enjoy complimentary, eco-friendly gift wrapping courtesy of the Berkeley Rotary Club.
3-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30. Free admission. Hotel Shattuck Plaza, 2086 Allston Way, Berkeley. 510-549-7000. www.berkeleychamber.com
Gamble House and Gardens will host a Winter Festival and Marketplace Dec. 1-3.
Gamble Garden Winter Festival Marketplace
Shop for handcrafted items from local artisans at a charming, European-style holiday marketplace held under twinkling lights at the historic home and garden campus.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 1-2. $5, under 13 free, reservations recommended. Gamble Garden, 1431 Waverley St., Palo Alto. 650-329-1356. www.gamblegarden.org
Dance Palace Artisan Craft Fair and Holiday Market
The popular North Bay holiday local artisan market is set to include artistic gifts and local food vendors offering organic eggnog, baked goods and more.
4-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2-3. Free admission. Dance Palace Community Center, 503 B St., Pt. Reyes Station. 415-663-1075. https://dancepalace.org
Pacifica Winter Elf Market
Shop for handmade wares from local artisans and celebrate the holiday season with caroling, festive decorations and visits to Santa at his workshop with craft activities and cookie decorating.
6-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. Free admission. Pacifica Community Center, 540 Crespi Dr., Pacifica. 650-738-7300. www.cityofpacifica.org
Mercatino di Natale | Italian Christmas Market
Find holiday gifts for your loved ones, including artisanal Italian foods, jewelry, Italian fashion, art and handcrafted items.
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 2-3. Free admission. Museo Italo Americano, Bldg. C, Ft. Mason Center, 2 Marina Blvd. S.F. 415-673-2200. https://museoitaloamericano.org
Swedish Christmas Fair
Shop for Swedish traditional and modern handmade crafts, books, clothes, jewelry and decor as the whole family enjoys food and drinks including gingerbread and spiced wine, kids cultural activities, a Santa visit and a live, candlelit musical procession celebrating Santa Lucia’s day and marking the start of winter holiday season.
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. $5-$10. St. Mary Cathedral, 1111 Gough St., S.F. https://sanfrancisco.swea.org
San Francisco Baltic Christmas Fair
Local artisan vendors will offer wares, including Baltic-style breads and cakes, traditional straw ornaments, jewelry, clothing, books, holiday decorations and more. Visit with Santa and hear Christmas carols from the S.F. Estonian Community Choir. Raffles and crafting activities will be held throughout the day.
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. Free admission. Latvian Hall, 425 Hoffman Ave., S.F. www.sfestonians.org
Muir Beach Holiday Arts Fair
Shop for unique, handmade fine art, crafts and holiday treats from local artists and organizations, including the Muir Beach Quilters, to fill stockings and put under the tree. There will be live music, as well as food and beverages available.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. Free admission. Muir Beach Community Center, 19 Seacape, Muir Beach. 415-595-7411. www.muirbeachartsfair.com
Hometown Holidays 2023
Enjoy carnival rides, Santa visits and live entertainment. Get your holiday shopping in check with loads of seasonal, craft and food vendors. Wrap up the day with a jolly downtown parade at 4:30 p.m.
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. Free admission. Courthouse Square, downtown Redwood City. 650-455-5144. https://redwoodcitydowntown.com
Sunset District Holiday Mercantile
Eat, drink, shop, play and connect at the eighth annual Sunset District holiday event, featuring local makers, merchants, artists, food and drink vendors, family-friendly activities, live entertainment and more.
11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 2-3. Free admission. County Fair Bldg., Ninth Ave and Lincoln Way, S.F. 415-465-2475. https://sunsetmercantilesf.com
Girl Gang Craft Holiday Craft Fair Oakland
Shop from more than 100 femme-owned small businesses for the holiday season. First 200 people get a goodie bag. Event also includes food and drink vendors and live DJ sets.
11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. Free, reservations recommended. Oakland Scottish Rite Center, 1547 Lakeside Dr., Oakland. www.girlgangcraft.com
The Crucible’s annual Gifty craft show and open house will be held this year on Dec. 2 and 3.
The CrucibleGifty 2023: A Holiday Celebration of Local Creative Culture
The Crucible’s annual craft show and open house event is back. With holiday gifts made by local artists, craftspeople and Crucible faculty, including sculptural works, functional pottery, handmade soaps and more. Enjoy family-friendly art activities and demonstrations. Refreshments available for purchase.
Noon-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. Free admission. The Crucible, 1260 7th St., Oakland. 510-444-0919. www.thecrucible.org
Holidays Makers Market
AKASSA and Kapwa Gardens partner up to bring you a festive holiday craft market with an emphasis on local women and AAPI artisan vendors.
Noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. $3-$5, reservations recommended. Kapwa Gardens, 967 Mission St., S.F. 415-761-3664. www.kapwagardens.com
Richmond Art Center Holiday Art Festival
Each year the festival offers visitors a chance to shop for unique gifts from more than fifty local vendors, enjoy food and beverages, buy a raffle ticket, check out the ceramics studio sale and family-friendly art activities.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. Free admission. Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Ave., Richmond. 510-620-6772. https://richmondartcenter.org
The California Academy of Sciences offers a healthy dose of holiday cheer with its Santa Claude’s Workshop NightLife event scheduled for Dec. 7.
California Academy of SciencesNightLife: Santa Claude’s Workshop
You’re invited to shop at the academy’s evening holiday NightLife market curated by SF Bazaar and Sunset Mercantile. In addition to the vendor marketplace, there will be craft activities, live entertainment and DJ sets, screenings of the Academy’s newest Planetarium show titled “Spark: The Universe in Us,” refreshments for purchase and more.
6-10 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7. $20.75, reservations required; 21 and older. California Academy of Sciences, S.F. 415-379-8000. www.calacademy.org/nightlife
40th Annual Telegraph Avenue Holiday Street Fair
Holiday shoppers will be treated to good cheer, live music, food, drinks and one-of-a-kind handcrafts by Northern California artists. The fair offers the opportunity to buy original art and affordable gifts from more than 200 vendors.
11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 9-10, 16-17 and 23-24. Free admission. Telegraph Ave., between Dwight and Bancroft Way, Berkeley. 510-672-4590. www.telegraphfair.com
German Holiday Market
The German International School of Silicon Valley presents their annual winter holiday marketplace to be held in downtown Mountain View. Sample German seasonal treats as you shop for Christmas gifts and enjoy festive holiday decorations with European vibes.
11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. Free admission. City Hall Plaza, 500 Castro St., Mountain View. https://germanholidaymarket.org
Makers Mart
The annual holiday craft fair will offer a curated selection of more than 70 local vendors showcasing their unique handmade wares. In addition there will be craft cocktails, natural wines, food and coffee vendors, a sculpture installation and live DJ sets from Drew Walker.
11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. Free admission; $5 suggested donation. Scottish Rite Center, 6151 H St., Sacramento. www.sacmakersmart.com
Holiday Gifts at the Garden
Gardens of Golden Gate Park is hosting a botanical gift market for the holiday season. With local, sustainable gifts and park merchandise, craft activities, a photo booth, plant sale and on-site gift wrapping. Proceeds benefit the gardens.
Noon-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16; 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17. Free admission, reservations recommended. S.F. Botanical Garden, 1199 9th Ave., S.F. 415-661-1316. www.sfbg.org
Enjoy live DJ sets with Drew Walker as you shop the Sacramento Makers Mart’s annual holiday craft fair on Dec. 9.
Jacki Potorke/Makers MartUnited Irish Cultural Center Annual Holiday Boutique and Artisan Fair
Support local artists, chocolatiers, bakers, jewelry, candle and soap makers as you shop for holiday gifts. David Melamed and Friends will perform holiday music from 2-4 p.m.
Noon-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16. United Irish Cultural Center, 2700 45th Ave., S.F. 415-741-8803. https://irishcentersf.org
So-ho-ho Holiday Market
Get all your Christmas shopping done in one place. Shop and support over 150 small businesses at Sonoma County’s biggest holiday market.
11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16. $5, under 13 free. Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. www.thesocomarket.com
Reach Anne Schrager: aschrager@sfchronicle.com