Holiday season means gift-giving season, which means shopping season! How and where you buy gifts matters — both for the local economy and for your own fun and festivity. Fortunately there’s a full schedule of local craft markets and Christmas markets in Colorado Springs that make it easy to find unique gifts from local artists, makers, vendors and more. And you can enjoy the fun and social experience along the way. Here’s where to get started. Admission is free unless otherwise noted.
Christkindl Markets
EADO Christkindl Market
Nov. 22
Mash Mechanix
Find the perfect holiday gifts from local artists and vendors in East Downtown. Bring a toy donation for Toys for Tots and get a drink discount as a thank-you for spreading the cheer. It’s a festive, family-friendly day filled with holiday shopping, good beer, and local community spirit.
Old Colorado City Christkindlmarket
Dec. 11-14 and 18-23
Bancroft Park, Old Colorado City
The Old Colorado City Christkindlmarket brings the magic of a traditional German Christmas market to Colorado Springs. You’ll find 10 charming wooden vendor huts, the Alpenhütte — a cozy heated tent with a stage for nightly entertainment — twinkling lights around the park and a joyous atmosphere. Authentic German vendors from the Springs and Germany will be there. Special events will include a Christmas tree lighting, pictures with St. Nikolaus, Krampus Nacht, Military Appreciation, Ugly Sweater Day and more. Wear your dirndl and lederhosen on Trachten Nacht and you’ll get $2 off Glühwein and beer. Polka and brass bands will be playing. Christkindlmarket has been popular in Denver for 25 years, and it’s starting a new holiday tradition in Colorado Springs too. Don’t miss the commemorative mug. Read more here about the OCC Christkindlmarket.
Holiday Markets for Art Lovers
Commonwheel Artists Co-Op Holiday Market
Nov. 7 – Dec. 28
Commonwheel Artists Co-Op
Looking for handmade gifts for everyone on your list? The artists and makers of Commonwheel Artists Co-Op in Manitou Springs have handmade Christmas ornaments, pottery, cards, calendars, toys, wearable art and more.
Holiday Maker’s Market at the Sluice
Nov.22
The Sluice
Shop a curated market featuring more than 20 local makers and artists. Expect botanics, candles, woodwork, ceramics, fine art and more. It’s a perfect opportunity to find unique gifts for everyone on your list.
Holiday Market at the Mining Exchange
Nov. 29
Mining Exchange Hotel
Support the local arts community at the Mining Exchange where Auric Gallery will curate 15 local artists, including jeweler Suzy Gardner, woodworker Jo Murto and live painter Jon Francis. Enjoy live acoustic music, festive beverages and special surprises for early arrivals.
Cottonwood Holiday Art and Gift Market
Nov. 29
Cottonwood Center for the Arts
Here’s a great chance to find unique gifts by more than 40 local artists and makers. You can stroll through artists studios and shop for pottery, jewelry, textiles, paintings, accessories and more. Grab a coffee and pastry or warm up with a boozy hot chocolate from the bar. Williams Soul Food Truck will be serving.
cottonwoodcenterforthearts.com
Small Business Saturday Mini Makers Market
Nov. 29
Ivywild School
Discover 20 talented local makers and bakers offering handcrafted jewelry, textiles, artwork, small gifts, bath & body goods, sweet treats and more in the Ivywild gym. Come early for breakfast and craft coffee at the Principal’s Office.
Craft Fairs and Markets
Vintage Market Days
Nov. 21-23
Norris Penrose Event Center
This indoor-outdoor holiday market features upscale vintage-inspired goods and gifts, including original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home décor, outdoor furnishings, yummy treats, seasonal plantings and a little more. Tickets are required.
Crafters Collective Makers Market
Nov. 23
The Public House at the Alexander
The Crafters Collective gathers local vendors and handmade gifts. Enjoy food and drinks at the Public House while you shop.
Winter(ish) Market at Lost Friend Brewing
Nov. 29
Lost Friend Brewing
Cheers to Small Business Saturday — literally! Lost Friend will be hosting 40 local vendors showcasing everything from unique crafts and jewelry to cozy winter goods. BCs Barbeque and Cosmic Pizza food trucks will serve winter specials, and Lost Friend will release new beers including a barrel aged Scottish Wee Heavy.
Holiday at the Hill
Nov 30
The Pinery at the Hill
You get big views with this free holiday market at The Pinery. Shop for gifts from more than 40 local makers, creators and artists. You can take pictures with Santa from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.. A bar and snacks will be available 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Holiday Food and Gift Festival
Dec. 5-7
Norris Penrose Event Center
Its the 27th annual edition of this Holiday Food and Gift Festival, and you’ll find more than 150 vendors offering arts, crafts, woodworking, wearable items, Christmas décor and more. Enjoy the hot cocoa bar and 40-foot train. Tickets are required and good for all three days.
Cheyenne Mountain Holiday Craft Fair
Dec. 6
Cheyenne Mountain High School
This 13th annual Holiday Craft Fair at Cheyenne Mountain High School has become a local tradition where you can shop for gifts from more more than 140 vendors. All those vendors must sell all handcrafted items, including stocking stuffers, apparel and accessories, toys, decorations, art, ad jewelry, home decor and a limited number of food and baked goods.
Black Forest Holiday Market
Dec. 13
Edith Wofford Elementary School
Summer’s Backyard Market in Black Forest hosts its holiday market featuring more than 60 favorite vendors, unique gifts and yummy food. The Backyard Farm Shop at 6845 Shoup Road also will be open with more local artisans gifts, fresh Colorado Produce and local food items. Admission is free.
Gifts for Green Thumbs
Dutch Heritage Gardens Christmas Open House
Nov. 21-22
Dutch Heritage Gardens
Step into the massive greenhouses at Dutch Heritage Gardens and spend Friday and Saturday surrounded by acres of stunning poinsettias. Twice a year, the large grower opens its greenhouses to the public to explore the abundance of locally grown plants. Take home poinsettias to decorate for the holidays and pick up gifts for the plant lovers in your life, from classic favorites to rare houseplant varieties.
Christmas Markets for Music Lovers
East Platte Winter Market
Nov. 23
The Black Sheep, Vultures, What’s Left Records
Shop handmade goods from local vendors and artists at three musical locations on E. Platte Avenue: The Black Sheep, Vultures and What’s Left Records. You’ll find clothes, jewelry, music, food and more.
Holiday Bazaar
Dec. 7
Sunshine Studios Live
Rock around the Christmas tree and shop till you mosh, er, drop at Sunshine Studios. Santa and the Grinch will be there. Free raffles will happen throughout the day.
Christmas Markets for Furry Friends
Candy Cane Craft and Gift Show
Dec. 13-14
Norris Penrose Events Center
You’ll find more than 130 vendors at this holiday market and celebration benefitting Harley’s Hope Foundation, a local nonprofit helping families in crisis keep and care for their pets. You’ll find music and dance, puppetry, a live reindeer encounter, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and more. Free admission.
Santa Paws Winter Market
Dec. 14
Pub Dog Colorado
It’s a merry mutt market filled with local vendors, gifts and goodies for humans and hounds alike. Come shop, sip and let your pup socialize while you find the perfect holiday gifts.
