Start Your Shopping at These 7 Holiday Pop-Ups and Markets

We know what you’re thinking, it’s only November, why are we telling you about holiday markets? It’s because as they say, the holidays do seem to come earlier each year, and the Christmas markets across the Buckeye State start as early as Nov. 1. Whether you want to explore markets in small towns or bigger cities, check out these spots for unique and interesting gifts that will support artisans and makers across our state. 

Christkindlmarkt | Nov. 1-3
Hosted by the Germania Society of Cincinnati, the annual Christkindlmarkt returns in 2024 with goods from local makers, as well as items imported from Germany. This market has been a Queen City tradition since 1998 and offers three days of shopping and family fun, including carriage rides, a petting zoo and visits with Santa. Shop authentic German beer steins, cuckoo clocks and blown-glass ornaments while sipping beer, and be sure to bring the kids on Sunday for family day to enjoy free face painting.

Home for the Holidays Pop Up | Nov. 2-Dec. 27 
Head to Lakewood for the ninth season of this pop-up that changes locations each year and showcases over 40 makers. For 2024, the shop can be found on Detroit Avenue in Lakewood and includes locally made health and beauty products, children’s toys, home decor and more. There will also be delicious treats for sale, and this year’s sweet selection includes a delicious addition to your hot cocoa from Stuffed Hot Cocoa Bombs and French-inspired treats from Sophie La Gourmande in Cleveland Heights.

Christkindl Market of Bryan | Select Dates Nov. 29-21
Feel transported to a quaint, European village at this annual holiday tradition held in the city of Bryan. Small wooden “chalets” are lined up around Courthouse Square to shop from vendors like Farrell’s Holiday Collection, selling fresh wreaths and garlands, as well as North Pole Toys, a lineup of colorful playthings for kids that do not require batteries. Along with local shopping, be sure to bring the whole family to enjoy the other festivities in the square during this free market including wagon rides, visits with Santa, a hot chocolate booth and more.

Plymouth “Christmas in the Village” Street Market | Dec. 6-7 
Since 2014, Plymouth’s Christmas in the Village Street Market has been a favorite, not just for shopping but also for family-oriented activities perfect for kicking off the holiday season. Broadway Street becomes a winter wonderland, complete with an ice rink, carousel rides, character visits and live music, as well as carriage rides, a parade of lights and a fireworks show on Friday only. Plus, browse wares from local makers to check the last few items off your shopping list.

Kris Kringle Markt | Dec. 6-7
Tiffin brings its take on the traditional German Christmas market back to town this year with the open-air Kris Kringle Markt in city’s downtown. Vendors are scattered through town selling German-inspired Christmas goods, and visitors can head to the tree lot to select a live, wonderful-smelling pine to take home and decorate. The market is open until 9 p.m. both days, allowing for some shopping under the stars as well as activities for kids, live music, wagon rides, food, ice-carving demonstrations and visits with Santa.

Holiday Night Market | Dec. 7
If you have ever wanted to have the classic, holiday department store experience like Ralphie or Elouise, Toledo’s Holiday Night Market has just the thing for you. This one-night event at the Fifth Third Building invites guests to come in and take a ride on the elevator, which opens up into a classic, two -story department store experience where you can shop from Toledo and northwest Ohio artisans. After making your purchases, head to the free wrapping station so the presents are ready to go for gift-giving season. 

Dublin Christmas Market at Bridge Park | Dec. 15 
Enjoy a one-day, indoor market experience in Dublin’s Bridge Park at The Exchange, a full-service event space from Cameron Mitchell. Admission is free, but you can purchase VIP tickets in order to get an extra hour of shopping in. Browse handmade goods from Columbus-area artists, as well as a variety of baked goods for sale. You can also sip while you shop, thanks to a full bar, and take selfies with your friends in front of the holiday photo ops.

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