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Perhaps the best thing about holiday shopping is getting it done, but the process can be much more satisfying if you’re supporting Oakland and Bay businesses and entrepreneurs along the way. Look no further than this roundup featuring over 20 holiday markets from Friday, Dec. 5, to Saturday, Dec. 20. Whether you are looking for artwork for your walls, handmade items for your kitchen, niche jewelry, rare plants, ceramics or other handmade gifts, these markets will have everything you need to complete your holiday wish list.
And, it’s not all about shopping at The Town’s holiday markets. In addition to a range of gift ideas, among the two dozen markets listed below you’ll find free champagne, ornament decorating, caroling, dance performances, live music, photo ops with Santa, glassworking tutorials, and more. Many of the markets are also donating a portion of their proceeds to Oakland charities and non-profits.
Also, I’m looking for New Year’s Eve events. If you have an event I should consider, please email me at azucena@oaklandside.org. You can also use the self-submission form on our events page to add events to our calendar for free.
Oakland Bloom’s fifth annual holiday celebration is the biggest yet with a piñata, crafting, mahjong, sweet treats, and a holiday market featuring handcrafted gifts from Bay Area makers. Proceeds benefit Oakland Bloom’s work supporting working-class immigrants and diaspora chef-entrepreneurs.
Friday, Dec. 5, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Tickets are available on a sliding scale. Open Test Kitchen, 528 8th St, Oakland
Trans Bay Area has teamed up with the Big Door Gallery for its first ever holiday market. Vendors will be selling a range of goods, including jewelry, prints and clothing. There will also be hot food and drinks. Admission is donation based and no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Saturday, Dec. 6, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Big Door Gallery, 2716 MacArthur Blvd. (at Coolidge Avenue)
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Businesses along the College Avenue business corridor will be offering free treats like cookies, hot chocolate and glasses of champagne to brighten shoppers’ spirits as they look to check things off their list. There will also be pop-up vendors, kids activities, and a community craft fair. Canine friends can get a photo with Santa Paws, and the event includes food, coat, and pet food drives to support the community.
Saturday, Dec. 6, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., College Avenue, Rockridge District
Pottery, prints, textiles and more will be on sale at this holiday market benefitting Watermelon Connections families in Gaza. East Bay Families for Ceasefire is helping organize the event.
Saturday, Dec. 6, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m, Mohka House 2139 MacArthur Blvd. (at Fruitvale Avenue)
The Oakland Coffee Market market will feature coffee beans, coffee beverages, home brew gear, and merch from twelve Oakland based coffee companies. Credit: courtesy of Hannah-Love
Proyecto Diaz is hosting more than 20 vendors from the Bay selling a variety of gift options, and Michoacan Burgers will be on hand to fuel up for more shopping. There will also be live music, kids games, and a free raffle.
Saturday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Proyecto Diaz, 1416 20th St.
If all the arts and crafts browsing inspires you to create something yourself, this holiday market also offers the opportunity to make a holiday item, such as an ornament or garland, yourself. Or, take the easy way out and purchase something from the many ceramic, jewelry, print, textile and plant vendors. There will also be baked goods, savory small plates and warm beverages for sale.
Sunday, Dec. 7, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Campbell St. Studios, 1661 20th St.
More than 60 Oakland and Bay Area artists will pack two floors with their goods and crafts at this yearly event at the West Oakland non-profit art school. There will also be free hands-on kids activities, faculty demonstrations in nine art studios, and food and drink.
Saturday, Dec. 6, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 1260 7th St.
The Livingston Street Studios are getting in the festive spirit with its first ever holiday market, featuring studio members and artsy associates. Support Oakland artists, gift unique items to your friends, everyone wins.
Saturday, Dec. 6, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 7, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., 2040 Livingston St.
Santa Claus will drop down in the Laurel District, strolling the MacArthur Boulevard business corridor. The free event includes a chance to take photos of kids with Santa, music, carols, and crafts.
Sunday, Dec. 7, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., starts at 4118 MacArthur Blvd. (at 39th Avenue)
The Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce is hosting an afternoon holiday market featuring Black-owned businesses of the area. In addition to shopping, visitors can enjoy live music, raffles, kids activities, a holiday photo booth, and food and drink.
Sunday, Dec. 7, 12 p.m., to 5 p.m., Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts, 10 10th St. (at East Drive)
The Cole Street Collective has organized a holiday pop-up market including artisan, hand made items such as sauces, oil and vinegars, paintings, chocolate, wreaths and holiday bouquets. There will also be cookies and ornaments for kids to decorate. A portion of the proceeds from the event will go to the Alameda Food Bank and the Cole Street Beautification fund.
Sunday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Cole and Ygnacio Streets
Santa Claus and his merry minstrels will be visiting The Laurel on Sunday, Dec. 7 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Credit: courtesy of Laurel District Association
23rd Annual Montclair Village Holiday Stroll
This neighborhood stroll has been going strong for over two decades. More than 40 different businesses will be selling items. If you want photos with Santa Claus, you can have them professionally taken by photographer Lean Marie Studio. One of the best parts of this event is seeing The Tap Dancing Christmas Trees, who have been delighting the holiday crowds for over three decades. There will also be live music from the Edna Brewer Jazz Band and others.
Thursday, Dec. 11, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., free, 6235 La Salle Ave.
Holiday Market at the Fruitvale Transit Village
This open market will allow visitors to check out 28 vendors selling unique gifts. You’ll also find free train rides, warm ponche, and fresh tamales. While you’re there, stroll around Fruitvale to find even more shops and restaurants.
Friday, Dec. 12, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., free, 3301 E12th St.
Twas the Night Before Fairy Winterland
This special night at Children’s Fairyland for grownups 21 and older will feature vendors, seasonal adult beverages, and live music. Also, visitors will have the chance to roam around the enchanted kids’ park.
Friday, Dec. 12, 6 p.m., $25 to $40, Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave. (at Grand Avenue)
Restore Oakland’s 4th annual holiday market
Twenty small businesses and cooperatives are all gathering at Restore Oakland in Fruitvale to offer their unique gifts. Items include handcrafted wood cutting boards, bags made from vintage rugs, CBD products, hot sauces, pickles, and jams. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from Understory Worker Cooperative.
Friday, Dec. 12, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., $10 donation, 3340 International Blvd. (at 34th Avenue)
Tonantzin Winter Mercadito at Casa Hechizos
The multi-generational family businesses run by siblings Naomi Rodriguez and Adrian Henry that opened in October in Laurel will host Indigenous artist Yaoxochitl and her winter mercadito dedicated to Tonatzin (the Aztec mother goddess). The market will feature all mother-owned businesses.
Saturday, Dec. 13, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., free, 3832 MacArthur Blvd. (at Patterson Avenue)
The Tap Dancing Christmas Trees, who have been delighting the holiday crowds for over three decades will make an appearance at the Montclair Holiday Stroll. Credit: courtesy of Peter Marcus
Edna Brewer Holiday Craft Fair
The Glenview neighborhood middle school will open its doors to over 50 vendors selling handmade crafts such as ceramics, jewelry, candles, leather goods, original art, and more. There will also be activities for the kids and live music by OUSD students.
Saturday, Dec. 13, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., free, 3748 13th Ave. (enter on Excelsior)
Queer Magic Dance Party Sag Season & Holigay Market
Even if you don’t find gifts for your loved ones at this holiday market, there will be plenty of entertainment to make it worth the visit, and you just might meet a new special someone. The event includes a queer meet-up, two DJs, a queer magic show, and a market with a variety of vendors. Tickets are available on a sliding scale in advance, and for $20 (cash only) at the door. A portion of ticket sales go to Trans Advocacy & Care Team (TACT).
Saturday, Dec. 13, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.,Tickets sliding scale in advance, $20 at the door, Temescal Brewing, 4115 Telegraph Ave. (at 41st Street)
5th Annual Hella Plants Holiday Market
This Oakland pop-up plant event launched in the summer of 2021 and has since expanded with events in San Francisco and Long Beach. At the holiday market you’ll find an array of rare plants, a curated mix of vendors offering handmade gifts, live music and food. You can also join one of the DIY workshops.
Saturday, Dec. 13, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., $7.18 general admission, $39.19 for VIP, free for kids under 13, 255 2nd St. (at Harrison Street)
Makers Faire on Jordan Road
This hyper-local market was put together by residents in Dimond, Laurel, Allendale, and other homes nearby. At the market, you’ll be able to find handmade gifts by talented makers from these neighborhoods.
Sunday, Dec. 14, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., free, Jordan Road (between Rettig and Norton Avenues)
Nido’s holiday market is all about The Town’s makers, showcasing more than 30 eclectic vendors from Oakland. The goods include arts and crafts, vintage items and vinyl records, food (including chocoflanes), candles, quilts and more.
Sunday, Dec. 14, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., free, Nido’s Backyard, 104 Oak St. (at Embarcadero)
Oakland Nopales and Beast Oakland are two Oakland-owned brands that have been vendors at the Montclair Holiday Stroll. Credit: courtesy of Peter Marcus
Oakland Coffee Holiday Market
The historic Rotunda Building in downtown Oakland will host this holiday fair all about coffee. A dozen Oakland-based coffee companies like Proyecto Diaz and The Caffe by Mr. Espresso will be on-site selling coffee beans, coffee beverages, home brew gear, and merch.
Sunday, Dec.14, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., $5 (plus fees), 300 Frank Ogawa Plaza, enter via Kahn’s Alley entrance at Broadway and 15th Street
The co-working space located at the old H.G. Prince Cannery is hosting a holiday market that will include not only vendors but also complimentary food and drinks, a DJ spinning tunes, a gingerbread house decorating, and ugly Christmas sweater contests.
Tuesday, Dec. 16, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., free, RSVP to enter into a raffle, ArtHaus Works, 2744 E 11th St. (at Lisbon Avenue)
The Wardrobe Project Flea Holiday Market
If you are still looking for last-minute holiday gifts, The Wardrobe Project, a vintage and modern consignment shop on College Avenue, is hosting this outdoor market where you’ll be able to find Y2K fashion, vintage clothing, home decor, jewelry, and more. Also, there will be live music and other vendors doing tattoos on the spot, and tooth gems.
Saturday, Dec. 20, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free, Rockridge BART parking lot, 5660 College Ave.
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