Always a festive and enchanting moment of the holiday season, Christmas markets and winter fairs are popping up all over the Bay Area at this time of the year, transforming main streets or city squares into winter wonderlands filled with local arts and crafts, twinkling lights, the aroma of spiced cider and gingerbread cookies, and the joyful sounds of Christmas carols.
This December, celebrate the joy of the season by visiting one of the local holiday markets around the Bay.
EAST BAY
Holiday French Market in Berkeley
Bring the whole family to enjoy food, craftsmanship and holiday gifts at the family-friendly Holiday French Market organized by the Alliance Française in Berkeley in partnership with the Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley. Get your holiday shopping done with a variety of local vendors offering everything from French pastries to handmade jewelry. Experience the vibrant Francophone community and enjoy a warm cup of hot chocolate at this free, open-to-all event.
📅 Sunday, December 7, 4-8pm.
📍 2004 Woolsey Street, Berkeley, CA 94703.
🎟️ Free admission. More info here
Francophone Winter Market
Join the Francophone Charter School in Oakland for some winter cheer with a French flair on Saturday, December 6th from 11 am – 3 pm. Grab a glass of vin chaud or a mug of chocolat chaud, shop for unique, locally made gifts, and enjoy food and crafts at this year’s Winter Market!
📅 Saturday, December 6th from 11 am – 3 pm
📍 Francophone Charter School, 2634 Pleasant St, Oakland.
🎟️ More info and RSVP here.
NORTH BAY
French Winter Market in Santa Rosa
Savor French delicacies, enjoy a selection of locally crafted goods, listen to live music performances by local artists while sipping mulled wine (or hot chocolate for the kiddos), and glide on the ice skating rink at the French winter market organized by the Alliance Française of Santa Rosa. A great way to immerse yourself and the whole family into the holiday spirit!
📅 Saturday, December 13, 11am-4pm.
📍 Old courthouse square, Santa Rosa.
🎟️ Free admission. More info here
Mill Valley Tree Lighting and WinterFest
Live music, dancers, an electric train, a visit from Santa Claus, lots of children’s activities and amazing food served by local restaurants. The event culminates with one of Mill Valley’s hallmark moments, the Holiday Tree lighting ceremony at 5:30.
📅 Sunday, December 7, 2-6pm,
📍 Downtown Mill Valley.
🎟️ More info here
SAN FRANCISCO
Winter Fair at the Lycée Français in San Francisco
Inspired by the festive charm of traditional French Marchés de Noël, the Lycée Winter Fair is a destination for all, organized on the Ashbury Campus of the Lycée in partnership with the Alliance Française of San Francisco. Visitors can enjoy a selection of delicious French gourmet food, live music by Rue 66, arts and crafts and a multitude of creative and one-of-a-kind ideas to make your shopping a breeze including a toys resale market.
📅 Sunday, Dec 7, 11am-4pm.
📍 755 Ashbury St.
🎟️ More info here.
Swedish Christmas Fair, San Francisco
The Swedish Women’s Educational Association’s Christmas fair is back in San Francisco. Experience a Lucia procession at both 10am and 12pm, enjoy a comforting sip of warm glögg, indulge in delightful gingerbread cookies, and shop for unique handmade Swedish gift items.Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children and seniors.
📅 Saturday, Dec. 6, 2024, 9am-3pm
📍 Saint Mary’s Cathedral, San Francisco.
🎟️ More info here
Winter Walk in Union Square, San Francisco
Winter Walk returns to Union Square from December 13 – 24, located on Stockton Street to O’Farrell to Post! This 10-day event will turn two blocks into a pedestrian plaza with live performances, a holiday marketplace, diverse food truck offerings, enticing bars, and Instagram-worthy holiday-themed décor. Enjoy live entertainment throughout this festive event!
📅 December 13 – 24
📍 Union Square
🎟️ This event is free to the public. More info here
Dickens Christmas Fair, San Francisco
Enter the winding lanes of Victorian London and immerse yourself in a world of music halls, theaters, pubs, dance parties, and charming shops overflowing with hand-made holiday treasures. Enticing aromas of roasted chestnuts and hearty foods fill the air. Discover holiday revelry in this lamp-lit city brimming with hundreds of lively and colorful characters from the imagination of Charles Dickens, the pages of history, and the sometimes saucy world of the Victorian stage. The Holiday Handcraft Marketplace is full of vendors with everything from collectible art to jewelry and textiles. Tickets to the fair are $45 general admission.
📅 Weekends Nov 22 – Dec 21, 2025
📍 Cow Palace, Daly City
🎟️ More info here
PENINSULA & SOUTH BAY
Winter Market at the French American School of Silicon Valley in Santa Clara
The Winter Market organized by the French American School of Silicon Valley in Santa Clara will showcase a broad selection of French creations and delicacies. The event promises a warm and inviting atmosphere suitable for everyone’s enjoyment. Indulge in a day of crêpes, hot chocolate, and children’s crafts for a delightful experience.
📅 Saturday, December 6, 10-4pm.
📍 22 Blake avenue, Santa Clara
🎟️ Free admission, more info here
German Holiday Market in Mountain View
The German International School of Silicon Valley presents its 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.
📅 Saturday, Dec. 13. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
📍 City Hall Plaza, 500 Castro St., Mountain View.
🎟️ Free admission. More info here
Pacifica Polar Palooza and Elf Market
The Pacifica Community Center presents an elaborate weekend of holiday festivities including a “Winter Elf Market.” The market takes place only on Friday and Saturday, but other events throughout the weekend include Santa’s workshop, caroling, a building lighting, a tree lighting, and photos with Santa.
📅 Dec. 5-6, 2025
📍 Pacifica Community Center, Pacifica.
🎟️ More info here
