It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Halls are being decked, wassailers are wassailing, and gifts are being bought. For those looking for gifts that are a little more creative or personal, Huntsville’s Christmas markets are a perfect place to pick out that special something.
From idyllic bazaars boasting festive music and visits with Santa to more grown-up gatherings designed with cocktail enthusiasts and sci-fi fans in mind, here are a few of the top Northern Alabama markets to visit this holiday season.
Piper & Leaf Holiday Market
When: Nov. 16: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Piper & Leaf Tea Company: 997 Highway 231, Lacey’s Spring, AL
What to Expect: Piper & Leaf’s 4th annual Huntsville holiday market brings together local makers, bakers, and farmers to share their talents with shoppers looking to snag something truly special to gift to their loved ones.
Holiday Market at MidCity
When: Nov. 17: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: The Camp at MidCity District: 5909 University Dr. NW, Huntsville, AL
What to Expect: The Holiday Market at MidCity is the ideal place to support Northern Alabama’s #shoplocal efforts. Offering more than 150 local vendors, live music, and appearances by Santa, this free event is designed with the whole family in mind.
Advent Market at Summit Crossing
When: Nov. 23: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Summit Crossing Community Church: 7200 Governors Dr. NW, Huntsville, AL
What to Expect: For the past 13 years, the Advent Market holiday event has inspired the spirit of giving during the most wonderful time of the year. This year’s market will feature more than 80 local vendors, with a portion of proceeds supporting the Neverthirst clean water efforts.
The Providence Holiday Market
When: Nov. 30: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Dec. 6: 5 - 9 p.m.
Where: The Providence Market: 7 Town Center Dr. NW, Huntsville, AL
What to Expect: Enjoy the cooler weather as you stroll through this open-air market featuring local vendors selling handmade goods, art, and more. There’s no better way to celebrate the season while supporting small business owners.
Christmas on the River
When: December 1-7
Where: Ditto Landing: 293 Ditto Landing Road, Huntsville, AL
What to Expect: At this annual holiday celebration, you can enjoy a Christmas card trail along the Tennessee River with jovial lights and music, tasty food trucks, movie nights, a holiday village with trains, fireworks, and more.
NEACA’s 2024 Christmas Craft Show
When: Dec. 6-7: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Dec. 8: Noon – 5 p.m.
Where: Von Braun Center South Hall 1: 700 Monroe Street, Huntsville, AL
What to Expect: Enjoy free admission and browse the event’s 210 booths full of unique and bespoke items. Only handcrafted items are featured at this event, so you’re sure to find one-of-a-kind items for everyone on your holiday shopping list.
Yule Ya’ll Christmas Market & Spirit Sampling
When: Dec. 7: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Where: Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment: 2211 Seminole Dr. SW, Huntsville, AL
What to Expect: This grown-up market includes maker art, holiday creations, food, and music — all with a spirited chaser. Enjoy a luxurious winter stroll throughout the grounds, take in freshly decked halls, and sip and savor as you await Krampus’ arrival.
Christkindlmarket Huntsville
When: Dec. 13: 5-8 p.m., Dec. 14-15: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Orion Amphitheater: 701 Amphitheater Dr. NW, Huntsville, AL
What to Expect: This unique shopping experience will feature over 60 artists showcasing their talents. Fun for the whole family, the 2024 Christkindlmarket is the ideal place to find the perfect gift while enjoying holiday music from local performers, along with tasty food and drinks.
Nerdy Noel 2024
When: Dec. 15 (Time TBD)
Where: Stovehouse: 3414 Governors Dr. SW, Huntsville, AL
What to Expect: The only holiday market in Huntsville designed just for nerds brings together cosplayers, regional vendors, and artists selling a variety of goods, all with themes from sci-fi, fantasy, anime, gaming, pop culture, and more.
Winter Solstice Market
When: Dec. 21: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment: 2211 Seminole Dr. SW, Huntsville, AL
What to Expect: This last-minute shopping extravaganza is the perfect place to bring your out-of-town family members to show them the best local artists and makers that North Alabama has to offer. Explore the grounds and step inside to shop the fantastic studio artists in the building.
