The latest update for The Best Limited-Time-Only Holiday Markets in New Jersey is written by Lindsay Podolak.
As the holiday season takes hold, it’s time to think about buying the perfect presents for everyone on your list. But, instead of heading to the usual big box stores, why not get into the holiday spirit and head to some of the most festive holiday markets in New Jersey? These limited-time-only markets won’t be around for long, so you’ll have to act fast.
For those who have never been to a holiday market, it’s important to note that these are not your typical events; instead, think of them as an outing in itself, an afternoon where you can have fun, do some shopping and eat some food all in one place. Here’s to making holiday shopping fun again!
Quick Click Guide: Select an NJ Region below to find the best Holiday Markets near you.
| North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey |
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North Jersey
Outdoor Holiday Market at Pilsener Haus
Where: Pilsener Haus & Biergarten, 1422 Grand Street, Hoboken
When: December 5, 12, 19 from Noon to 6:00 pm
Details: This December, Pilsener Haus will host local vendors, artists, and creators in a COVID-compliant outdoor setting. You’ll find the best in local fashion, accessories, jewelry, bath products, pet gifts, home goods, fine art, and more.
Why I like it: After shopping you can grab a beer or some grub from the biergarten.
More Info: Visit the website.
Shop the Block
Where: Bloomfield Avenue (starting near Bloomfield and Maple Place), Montclair
When: December 5, 12, 19 from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Details: This outdoor holiday market shopping experience lets you shop til you drop in a safe, spread out environment. Local stores on Bloomfield Ave will have tables set up outside, in addition to craft, jewelry, and food vendors; such as Lunher Candles, Threaded Planet, and Cake Jars.
Why I like it: RSVP on the event’s Facebook page for a chance to win weekly prizes.
More Info: Visit the Facebook page.
Central Jersey
Celebrate in Summit
Where: Downtown Summit
When: December 19 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Details: Get in the spirit of the holiday as you shop the stores of downtown Summit. On December 19, you’ll find live music, horse and carriage rides, and activities for the whole family. There’s even a live ice-carving demonstration at The Promenade!
Why I like it: You can purchase a special Summit VISA Gift Card, good at 125 stores in Summit.
More Info: Visit the website.
Holiday Pop Up Shop
Where: Gallery 603, 603 Chestnut Street, Union
When: December 5, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, then 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Details: Come support local black-owned businesses and vendors as they set up shop in Gallery 603’s Holiday Pop Up. Apparel and accessories, as well as beauty products, are among the many items for sale at this holiday market.
Why I like it: Refreshments are available while you shop.
More Info: Visit the website.
Winter Village at The Red Mill
Where: The Red Mill Museum Village, 56 Main Street, Clinton
When: November 27-29 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Details: This three-day event happens in heated outdoor tents on the grounds of the historic Red Mill Museum Village. Over 40 local artisans will sell goods alongside carolers, activities, and food trucks at this German-style holiday market. You’ll also find horse-drawn carriage rides and appearances by Father Christmas, Charles Dickens, and even Scrooge.
Why I like it: The event happens alongside the Festival of Trees, a silent auction fundraiser worth checking out.
More Info: Visit the Facebook page.
Jersey Shore
Atlantic City Holiday Bazaar
Where: Bourré Atlantic City, 201 South New York Avenue, Atlantic City
When: December 5 & 6 from Noon to 5:00 pm
Details: An offshoot of the old Asbury Park Bazaar, this new event in Atlantic City is one weekend only. Expect live music and local vendors selling art, jewelry, and food, as well as other crafts. Holiday cocktails and treats will also be available for purchase while you shop!
Why I like it: The huge outdoor space here has a fire pit, BBQ smoker, and party; not to mention a 40-foot long bar made out of a shipping container.
More Info: Visit the website.
Bradley Beach Holiday Pop-Up Market
Where: Riley Park, 615 Main Street, Bradley Beach
When: November 28 from Noon to 5:00 pm
Details: Bundle up for this outdoor shopping event featuring homemade crafts, fine art, baked goods, holiday gifts, jewelry, and more. You’ll also enjoy live jazz music by The Wright Trio as you check off everyone on your holiday shopping list.
Why I like it: All children who attend will receive a take-home craft bag.
More Info: Visit the website.
Long Branch Holiday Bazaar
Where: Pier Village Festival Plaza, 1 Chelsea Avenue, Long Branch
When: November 27, 28, 29, then Thursdays – Sundays (December 3-20) from Noon to 5:00 pm
Details: The Long Branch Holiday Bazaar replaces the Asbury Park Bazaar. Activities range from vintage photo booths to festive foods, in addition to handcrafted and creative holiday gifts. This open-air holiday market also offers live music on certain days. See the full schedule of events — including craft sessions — online.
Why I like it: Their tree lighting ceremony takes place on Black Friday at 4:00 pm.
More Info: Visit the website.
Wildwoods Holiday Shopping Village
Where: Byrne Plaza and Downtown Wildwood, 3400 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood
When: November 28 from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm
Details: This outdoor shopping experience is held for one day only, so don’t miss out! Over 70 local vendors will be on hand with handcrafted gifts, food, jewelry, baked goods, and other perfect holiday gifts. Musical and dance performances will entertain you while you shop, but don’t miss the Gingerbread House Contest.
Why I like it: They also collect new, unwrapped toys for the Lunch With Lynch Foundation to benefit local children.
More Info: Visit the Facebook page.
South Jersey
Candlelight Shopping
Where: Downtown Haddonfield
When: November 27 – December 18 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Details: For select dates throughout the holiday season, downtown Haddonfield turns into a twinkling wonderland. Stores will have special holiday offers and festivities, and the streets feature festive lights and live music. One extra night of candlelight shopping will also be available for last-minute shoppers on December 22.
Why I like it: They offer town-wide free parking through December 25!
More Info: Visit the website.
Canceled For 2020
Duffield’s Christmas Festival
Where: Duffield’s Farm & Market, 280 Chapel Heights Road, Sewell
When: N/A
Details: This annual event at Duffield’s Farm & Market has a wide variety of crafts for sale; as well as fresh produce, free range eggs, and Christmas trees. You’ll get into the festive holiday spirit with cookie decorating, hayrides, hot cocoa, and a visit from Santa Claus himself!
Why I like it: Duffield’s has been a family-run operation for over 60 years now.
More Info: Visit the website.
Christkindlmarkt Old Time Holiday Craft Market
Where: Tuckerton Seaport, 120 Main Street, Tuckerton
When: N/A
Details: Celebrate the season at Tuckerton Seaport’s annual holiday market. Start (or finish!) your holiday shopping among dozens of craft, gift, and gourmet vendors in a nice, heated tent; or take a horse-drawn carriage ride. Live entertainment plus food trucks will be on hand, so why not make a day of it? Admission is $5 per person and if you bring a new, unwrapped toy donation you can ride the Trackless Train for free!
Why I like it: Late hours on Friday mean you can enjoy the twinkling holiday lights as you shop!
More Info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
Hoboken City Hall Holiday Craft Fair
Where: 94 Washington Street, Hoboken
When: N/A
Details: Not only can you purchase everything you need to finish your holiday shopping list at this craft fair; but you can also add a family portrait to your list too! This fair features everything from jewelry and baby sweaters, to holiday ornaments, candles, balsamic vinegars, and artisanal olive oils. Crafters set up on all three floors of City Hall, which has elevators and is wheelchair accessible.
Why I like it: Mrs. Claus will be on hand both days, doing face-painting for the kiddos!
More Info: Click here.
Lake Mohawk Weihnachtsmarkt
Where: Lake Mohawk Country Club, 21 Boardwalk, Lake Mohawk & Sparta Train Station, 30 Station Road, Sparta
When: N/A
Details: The German Christmas Market offers live music, vendors, and food. Live performances feature local groups while kids enjoy meeting Santa, hearing Christmas stories, and meeting Mountainside Stables Petting Zoo animals.
Why I like it: Santa collects toy donations for Operation Toy Train, so be sure to bring something.
More Info: Visit the website.
The Marketspace at Westfield
Where: 235 E. Broad Street, Westfield
When: N/A
Details: Each weekend at this holiday market features a revolving selection of local, handmade wares; so no two days will have the same vendors! You’ll find all the best in jewelry, skin care, candles, dog treats, and more.
Why I like it: They offer free photos with Santa on December 8 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm; then again on December 21 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.
More Info: Visit the Facebook page.
Hero (Top) Photo: © anyaberkut / Adobe Stock
Other Photos (in Order):
Lake Mohawk German Christmas Market / Facebook
Arts Council of Princeton‎ / Facebook
Asbury Park Bazaar / Facebook
Duffield’s Farm / Website
