Photo Courtesy: Silverton Christmas Market
Merry Marketplaces
Shop, sip and celebrate your way through some of the Northwest’s most festive holiday markets
Written by McKenzie Klecker
It’s the most wonderful time of the year at the Silverton Christmas Market, where more than two million dazzling lights set the Oregon Garden Resort aglow. Inspired by traditional German Christmas markets, the open-air venue features rows of wooden booths that draw from the architecture of European marketplaces dating to the Middle Ages. Select stalls feature handmade goods imported from Germany, while local vendors offer handcrafted gifts, candles, ornaments and other holiday finds to tuck beneath (or place on!) the tree. Between stalls, the family-friendly Biergarten offers ways to warm up with cocoa or hot apple cider and Glühwein, a mulled red wine infused with aromatic spices and citrus. This season, explore six holiday markets across Oregon, Washington and Idaho, from sprawling old-world-inspired venues to small-town bazaars and indie art markets, each with its own spin on finding the perfect holiday gift.
Christmastown
Leavenworth, Washington
Holiday spirit takes over this Bavarian-inspired town November 27 through December 24. In the Festhalle, shop for presents between writing letters to Santa, making crafts and admiring the gingerbread house competition. The indoor setting offers families a warm stop amid the town aglow with twinkling lights. See leavenworth.org/christmastown.
Crafty Wonderland
Portland, Oregon
Portland’s creative community takes center stage December 11 through 13 at the Oregon Convention Center, where more than 200 artists and makers showcase jewelry, prints, home décor, accessories and more. The gathering offers an alternative to traditional market fare and a chance to find gifts with a local touch. See craftywonderland.com.
Rupert Christmas Festival
Rupert, Idaho
Known as Christmas City, USA, Rupert festivities begin the day after Thanksgiving and continue over the next two weekends. Explore the Historic Rupert City Square for sweet and savory treats, personalized gifts, holiday décor and toys, all beneath the glow of the town’s holiday lights. See visitsouthidaho.com.
Seattle Christmas Market
Seattle, Washington
More than 80 wooden huts transform Seattle Center into an old-world holiday market November 20 through December 27. Shop handcrafted goods and wares before taking a spin on the Christmas Carousel or catching entertainment beneath the Christmas Pyramid. See seattlechristmasmarket.com.
Wintry Market
Boise, Idaho
A juried approach sets this market apart November 20 and 21 at Boise Centre. Now in its 15th year, the event brings together more than 150 regional artists and makers with an emphasis on thoughtfully designed, affordable goods, offering shoppers a chance to support small businesses while discovering the region’s creative talent. See wintrymarket.com.
Eagle Holiday Bazaar
Eagle, Idaho
For one weekend, the corridors and classrooms of Eagle High School transform into lively shopping aisles filled with handmade goods from local artisans. Held November 7 and 8, the bazaar continues a more than 40-year nonprofit tradition while giving shoppers a chance to find locally made gifts and support area organizations. See eagleholidaybazaar.com.
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