‘Tis the Season to Shop Local: 35+ New Jersey December Shopping Events 2021
‘Tis the season to shop local! With so many events going on throughout the Garden State, it’s hard not to shop local this season. Be sure to check out these holiday markets for gifts for your family, friends, and yourself. (Events are free unless specified)
For more events throughout 2021, click here.
If you’d like to submit your event, click here.
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Bell Works Fresh Farmers & Makers Holiday Market
December 1, 4, 8 , 11, 15, 18, 22, Wednesdays 11AM – 4PM, Saturdays 4PM – 9PM
A farmers and makers market is always a great opportunity to bond with the kids and expose them to new things. Shop over 20 local farmers, artists, and food makers. Your littles will love to watch the food demos, play the many kids activities, and visit the animal rescue.
Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Rd, Holmdel, NJ
Tuckerton Seaport’s 12 Days of Christmas
December 1-12
The Seaport will have Holiday Boat Tours of Tuckerton Creek each day from December 1st through the 12th. The Seaport Captain and Tour Guide will take guests on a 50-minute tour of Tuckerton Creek complete with stories about holiday celebrations specific to our area such as when Tuckerton trees saved Christmas for New York City. Bundle up and bring a blanket! Come for the Holiday Boat Tour or just to explore the museum and grounds which will be decorated in holiday lights. You will not want to miss the Outdoor Reindeer Scavenger Hunt! Stop in to the Lighthouse upon arrival for the details. The Seaport Lighthouse along with Pop-Up Holiday Gift Shop will also be open for exploring including the Soap Bus and Christmas Wreaths.Decorate your own gingerbread cookies will be available on Saturdays and Sundays ($5 add on) from Sinfully Delicious Bakery.
The Tuckerton Seaport, 120 West Main Street Ste. 1, Tuckerton, NJ
Cost: Costs vary per event
12th Annual Affordable Art Sale & Artisan Market
December 1 – 18, 12PM – 6PM
Now Saturday, December 18th, 73 Market Street becomes the gift market destination for anyone looking to deck the halls and share in the artisanal craftsmanship of Newark’s creative community without the fear of their items being locked in shipping or supply chain limbo.
On December 18 – Come out to Gallery Aferro’s end-of-year Art Sale, Artisan Market, and 12th Annual Potluck Party! As the cold weather rolls in, our minds turn to gift-giving, delicious food, and community fun. That’s why Gallery Aferro is thrilled to welcome you to their annual art sale, artisan gift market and potluck party. While browsing the gallery walls, enjoy shopping the wares of diverse, local artisans and chowing down on delicious, multi-ethnic cuisine. Plus, a 50/50 cash raffle means you might win some walking-around money!
Gallery Aferro, 73 Market Street, Newark, NJ
Back to Nature Home & Garden Christmas Market
Now – December 24
Back to Nature is proud to reopen their annual December month-long holiday village (now safer than ever), the Christmas Market! Santa is staying in the North Pole this year but Back to Nature is still decked out with several pop-up holiday photo ops to satisfy your social media and holiday card needs! Plus live music, an outdoor fire pit, and a delectable food truck every weekend in December, you won’t want to miss this year’s very special Christmas Market. While taking your holiday card pictures, don’t forget to browse around for holiday décor, gifts, and of course, your Christmas tree!
Back to Nature Home and Garden, 3055 Valley Rd, Basking Ridge, NJ
Skylands Stadium’s Light Show and Christmas Village
Now – January 9
Visit Your Favorite Stadium for the Holidays and Experience Our Outdoor Christmas Village Full of Cool Attractions Including Drive-Thru Lightfest, Outdoor Skating Rink, Photos With Santa, S’mores Station, Local Artisan Shops, Carnival Rides, and Seasonal Food & Drink
Skylands Stadium, Augusta, NJ
Cost: $29 per car, Christmas Village is Free
South Orange Open-Air Holiday Market
December 2, 9, 16 & 23, 1PM – 6PM
South Orange Village Center Alliance and Investors Bank present an outdoor shopping experience this Holiday season featuring local SOMA retailers and many of the area’s finest local artisans and craftspeople selling finely crafted jewelry, apparel, accessories, art, and gift items. The market will feature holiday music and seasonal treats creating a festive & fun holiday experience in downtown South Orange.
Sloan Street Parking Lot, South Orange, NJ
Deck the Halls
December 3 (4PM – 8PM) & 4 (10AM – 4PM)
The two-day event will highlight the magic and wonder of Christmas past and feature holiday music on Acorn Hall’s 1872 Chickering Grand Piano and Thomas Nast’s most famous Christmas scenes at Macculloch Hall. Both sites will also feature festive photo opportunities and unique treasures in their respective gift shops. Plan to stay in Morristown for lunch or dinner as your event ticket will also get you a discount at Grasshopper off the Green, Morris Pizzeria, Town Bar and Kitchen, and The Office on the date of your ticket only.
Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, 45 Macculloch Avenue, Morristown, NJ & Acorn Hall, 68 Lafayette Avenue, Morristown, NJ
Cost: $25. Pre-registration and masks are required. Space is limited so buy your ticket now.
German Christmas Market
December 3 – 5
Sparkling Christmas lights and holiday music reaching across from every corner, surrounded by Christmas trees, authentic festive foods and vendors offering their trade to brighten your Holiday season. Join the fun at the Sussex County Fairgrounds Dec 3-5th 2021 to celebrate the 20th annual market. Bring your family, friends, and loved ones
Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta, NJ
Roselle Park’s Annual Winter Market
December 3 – 5
Roselle Park’s annual Winter Market is here! On the first weekend of December, residents of all ages can come to Michael Mauri Park to enjoy all the holiday fun the market has to offer. The market will feature a variety of activities each day – craft and food vendors, a beer garden, free kids activities, mechanical rides, ice skating, free family portraits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, live performances, and more! The market will take place from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, December 3rd, and from 2-8 p.m. on Saturday, December 4th and Sunday, December 5th.
Michael Mauri Park, Roselle Park, NJ
Downtown Candlelight Shopping
December 3, 10, & 17, 6PM – 9PM, Last Minute Shopping Date on December 23
Candlelight Shopping features Santa, carriage rides, carolers and twinkling luminarias lining the quaint streets. With over 200 shops and restaurants offering distinctive gifts and friendly customer service, businesses along Kings Highway and Downtown Haddonfield’s charming side streets – which include Mechanic Street, Ellis Street, Tanner Street, Haddy Lane, Kings Court, and Haddon Avenue – welcome everyone to shop in their beautifully curated stores and find delightful holiday treasures. Discover an array of incredible gifts in distinctive shops, food/beverage establishments, and boutiques, while enjoying the festivities and town-wide twinkling décor.
Downtown Haddonfield, NJ
Ocean Grove Holiday Festival and Christmas in Ocean Grove
December 4, 10AM – 4PM
A Holiday Festival Arts & Crafts show! Come shop amazing crafter & artisan booths. It’s a day full of fun, food, and festivities. Local businesses offer a wide variety of unique and special gifts for everyone on your holiday list.
Main Ave., Ocean Grove, NJ
Holiday Bazaar ~ Indoor Vendor & Craft Show @ the High
December 4, 9AM – 3PM
A fundraiser for Edison High School, shop all kinds of treasures – new and old! Creative Crafts, Fashion, Jewelry, Homemade Items, Toys and so much more…
50 BLVD of the Eagles, Edison, NJ
Pitman Winter Village
December 4, 11AM – 4PM
Visit Uptown Pitman for a special holiday shopping engagement! Find unique gifts in our stores and from more than 30 hand-craft vendors located on Ballard Avenue. Visit Santa at Ballard Park! Make a craft, play games, and listen to live music while you shop. Then grab a bite to eat at one of our fantastic restaurants! This event is rain or shine.
Ballard Ave & Park, Uptown Pitman, NJ
Verona Fair in the Square
December 4, 12PM – 5PM
The 24th annual festival for Verona and its surrounding communities celebrates the upcoming holiday season with crafters, vendors, entertainment and children’s activities. Food and beverages will be sold. Celebrations include the arrival of Santa and traditional tree lighting.
600 Bloomfield Ave, Verona, NJ
Mini Made in Monmouth
December 4, 11AM – 4PM
Mini Made in Monmouth will be held Saturday, December 4, 2021. The event will take place Covered Bridge Ballroom in Manalapan from 11 am – 4 pm. 80 vendors of products made in Monmouth County will be on display and for sale.
Made In Monmouth is a program for both vendors and visitors to encourage people to shop locally and to create new and important items that the public will want to buy! All events are free to both vendors and the public.
Covered Bridge Ballroom, 1 Amberly Drive, Manalapan, NJ
Atlantic City Holiday Bazaar
December 4 & 5
Celebrate your holidays at the Atlantic City Holiday Bazaar at the Arts Garage at Stockton College on Saturday & Sunday, December 4th & 5th from 12-5 pm! Enjoy shopping in beautiful art & crafts-focused event space in the heart of Atlantic City this holiday season. Plus photos with Santa, food, music, and libations.
The Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University, 2200 Fairmount Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ
Crafts at Christmas Arts & Craft Show
December 4 & 5
You’ll find something for everyone on your list at Cape May’s Annual Crafts at Christmas Show, where makers and artists display their handmade and original works. Comb the aisles of the legendary Convention Hall for leather goods, ornaments, watercolors, jewelry and more.
714 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ
44th Annual Hope Christmas Craft Market
December 4 & 5
Start your holiday season with the 44th Anniversary of the Hope Christmas Craft Market. The first weekend in December, Hope Township hosts an eclectic array of handcrafted artisans with talents ranging from homemade jams to wooden signs to alpaca woven apparel; there is something for everyone! Explore six buildings full of holiday cheer! Be sure to visit Santa located in the Community Center for that special holiday photo and a few steps downstairs visit the Country Sweet Shop with homemade jam and many more holiday treats. Don’t miss out on entering to win a hand-crafted Amish quilt! The proceeds of this event help fund the Hope Township Recreation program which benefits greatly from the generosity of everyone who supports this amazing event.
Various locations townwide, parking available at 407 Hope-Great Meadows Road, Blairstown, NJ
Cost: $4, proceeds go to the Hope Recreation Program
Artist & Maker Market Happy Holiday Market
December 4, 5, 11, 12
The Artist & Maker Market is an open-air bazaar featuring locally created fine art and premium hand-crafted goods. Artist & Maker Market connects artists and artisans with the Jersey City & metro NYC community. Our mission is to support handmade goods as an alternative to mass-produced items and work to cultivate small businesses and entrepreneurship by providing a thriving place for them to sell.
Grove Street PATH Plaza and The Ashford Rooftop, Jersey City, NJ
Dearborn Market’s Holiday Festival
December 4, 5, 11, 12, 11AM – 5PM
Dearborn Market’s 2021 Holiday Festival is coming! Photos with Santa will be free, but registration is required. Registration begins on 11/19 at 8 AM and can be done at www.dearbornmarket.com. Families can also enjoy a face painter and hot cocoa bar. DIY wreath kits will also be available for purchase, as well as Christmas trees and other great holiday decor items.
2170 Route 35, Hazlet, NJ
Long Branch Holiday Bazaar
December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, & 19, 12PM – 5PM
There will be food, vendors, and more at this Bazaar, with live music, holiday photo stations, craft workshops, and beautiful holiday décor. The holiday market is inspired by the traditional “Weihnachtsmarkts” held in Germany. While you shop, enjoy delicious food and libations, and craft beers from Whitechapel Projects.
15 2nd Ave., Long Branch, NJ
A Very Merry Pop Up
December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, & 19, 12PM – 5PM
Shop and stroll on the Asbury Park Boardwalk and celebrate the holidays at “A Very Merry Pop Up” every Sat & Sun until Dec 19, from 12-5 PM in the Grand Arcade of Convention Hall in Asbury Park! Shop from 12 local vendors each day along with retail tenants Betty’s Icebox, Wanderlust, Carla Gizzi, Funhouse, Drift, Sanctum Handmade, and Asbury Park Roastery. Enjoy food & libations and entertainment at Asbury Oyster Bar.
Grand Arcade of Convention Hall in Asbury Park, NJ
The Monmouth Moms Holiday Festival at Bell Works
December 5, 11AM – 3PM
Families will enjoy a day full of local vendors for holiday shopping, food for sale, Santa picture station, entertainment, and more!
Bell Works, Holmdel, NJ
Little Shop Of Holidays
December 5, 12, 19, 10AM – 4PM
Come hang out with me! Myself and other vendors will be at Joseph Varo’s Hairstylist for the Little Shop Of Holidays as we flip the Barber Shop into a Christmas Shop Every Sunday after Thanksgiving. There will be Carolers, Santa, and Local Crafters from the area.
169 Mercer St, Hightstown, NJ
Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar
December 5, 12, 19, 11AM – 6PM
Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar, hosted by Asbury Park Bazaar & Asbury Hotel, will feature a curated roster of the best local and regional artists, vendors, and shops selling the cutest and coolest vintage, handmade, art, jewelry, home goods, foodstuffs, and more. The event will feature also feature music, holiday photo stations, craft workshops, and beautiful décor. The holiday market is inspired by the traditional “Weihnachtsmarkts” held in Germany. While you shop, enjoy delicious food & libations from Asbury Hotel.The Asbury Hotel, Asbury Park, NJ
Asbury Fresh Pop Up at Porta
December 5, 19, & 23 Thursdays and Sundays
Porta and Asbury Fresh will host three holiday vendor shows in December! Shop, eat pizza, and enjoy!
Porta, 911 Kinsley Ave., Asbury Park, NJ
Morris County Winter Farmers’ Market – Grow It Green
December 5, 12, 19
The Morris County Winter Farmers’ Market features more than 20 farmers and local food vendors in hopes to develop a local food system in which patrons will be able to eat locally and seasonally. There will be fresh grown produce, farm-raised beef, pork and poultry and fresh seafood, baked goods, farm eggs, and so much more.
Convent Train Station, Convent Road, Morris Township, NJ
New Egypt Flea Market Holiday Market
December 10 & 17, 5-8PM
Tis the season for some Sweet Pickin Holiday Shopping!!! The village will be filled with twinkling lights and Christmas cheer!!! Get some shopping done and a visit with Santa!!
933 Monmouth Rd, Cream Ridge, NJ
Bloomfield Center Holiday Hunt
December 11, 1PM – 4PM
The Bloomfield Center Alliance is welcoming shoppers to Bloomfield Center – to find holiday cheer in music, ice sculpture, and shopping! The day will kick-off with music, hot cocoa, and ice sculpture at the Six Points Plaza. Attendees will receive a Bloomfield Center Holiday Hunt Map upon arrival. The Map will show locations of Holiday Hunt Destinations.
Six Points Plaza, 574 Bloomfield Avenue, Bloomfield, NJ
Handmade Holiday Market & Family Day
December 11, 11AM – 4PM
Bundle up for some fun indoor and outdoor shopping in the Historic Village! Shop local, support local artists and makers while supporting the farm. Make a dent in your Christmas shopping at the Handmade Holiday Craft Fair at Whitesbog Historic Village. Handmade Arts & Crafts exhibitors will be spread throughout the historic village, free wagon rides and a candy cane hunt on the woodland trails! Hot cocoa and cookies, live music, and even more! There will be a range of art, crafts, and gifts. Warm-up at a fire pit and roast some marshmallows! Take pictures in front of the lovely cottages. Photos with Santa provided by Pemberton Recreation!
Whitesbog Preservation Trust, Browns Mills, NJ
Holiday Artisan Hop and Shop
December 11 & 12
Join several Hightstown local businesses for a special, family-friendly time of shopping locally! Shops listed will be open 1-7 pm Saturday and 11 am-4 pm Sunday for walk-in shopping. Some will be offering special pricing or items just for the event and will be posting their offerings in this event as things roll out. Each shop will place an item into a basket that we will raffle off at the end of the evening to one lucky shopper!
Downtown Hightstown, NJ
Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market: Wreck The Halls
December 11 & 12
If you’re craving hot cocoa and warm sweaters we can’t think of a better way to celebrate the birth of a new holiday season by getting down with the best vendor selection in the tri-state area, the regions finest food trucks, local, live music, and more going down Dec 11-12, 2021 at the Cure Insurance Arena parking lot from 10am-5pm each day
Cure Arena parking lot (81 Hamilton Ave), Trenton, NJ
Cost: $10 at the Door (cash only, good for both days), Kids 10 & under are always free!
Somerset County 4-H’s Holiday Craft Festival
December 11 & 12, 10AM – 4PM
Join the Somerset County 4-H Association for their annual, free to attend, Holiday Craft Festival from December 10 – 11, 2021. This two-day event will be filled with holiday cheer including a very special visit from Santa Claus with his Red Santa Sleigh which is great for photo opportunities, a gingerbread house contest that is open for all to participate in, a running train display by the Somerset County 4-H Trainmasters, as well as plenty of handmade craft vendors and local artisans to help you with your holiday stocking stuffers!
Ted Blum 4-H Center 310 Milltown Road Bridgewater Township, NJ
Flounder’s Kringle Market
December 11 & 12, 12PM – 5PM (Rain Date Dec 18 & 19)
Flounder Brewing and Marketspace are joining forces to create a quaint Santa’s Village in Hillsborough, NJ complete with a Christmas tree lot, brass band, craft beer, food truck, and the man in red himself! Flounder Brewing recently moved their operations and tasting room to Carriage Farm, where they repurposed 250-year-old barns to create an amazing and unique experience.
2 Clerico Lane Hillsborough, NJ
Cost: $10 per car (cash only)
Howell Farmers’ Market Winter Holiday Market
December 12, 10AM – 3PM
Shop with local Makers, Crafters, and Foodies for those holiday gifts!!!
4567 Route 9 North, Howell, NJ
Bayshore Holiday Bazaar
December 12, 12PM – 5PM
Asbury Park Bazaar is excited to announce the official launch of Bayshore Bazaar co-hosted with Bayshore + Beyond! Come celebrate the 1st annual Bayshore Holiday Bazaar happening Sunday, Dec 12th, 12-5 pm, at 3BR Distillery located at 7 Main St. in Keyport, NJ!
The Bayshore Holiday Bazaar will feature
HOLIDAY SHOPPING: Grab perfect gifts from a curated selection of local vendors selling the cutest and coolest vintage, handmade, art, jewelry, home goods, and more. Check out the vendor list below.
RUSSIAN SANTA! Bring your kids and the whole family to enjoy a show with Father Frost aka Russian Santa who will be joined by a witch and a snow princess. Stay after to snap a photo with Santa by a beautiful holiday tree and photo station (1-2 PM)
HOLIDAY PHOTO WALL: Grab your friends and family and snap a photo at our Insta-worthy holiday photo wall designed by Lauren Michael Events.
FESTIVE HOLIDAY TUNES & SPIRITS: While you shop enjoy a curated holiday playlist and delicious libations and craft cocktails from 3BR (the only distillery in the world using 100% garden peas to make their spirits)!
7 Main Street, Keyport, NJ
Count Basie Center Holiday Market
December 12, 12PM – 5PM
Get ready for holiday shopping, drinks, and more at The Count Basie Center For The Arts. Get into a festive mood at a Winter Market in NJ.
The Count Basie Center For The Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ
Holiday Market in the Park in Hopatcong
December 12, 11AM – 3PM, Tree lighting – 6PM- 8PM
Last-minute holiday shopping? Join Hopatcong Marketplace for some last minute holiday shopping at their final market of the year. Later that day enjoy a tree lighting with a sighting from Santa.
Modick Park, 28 Hopatchung Road, Hopatcong, NJ
Handmade Holiday at The Woodland
December 19, 10AM – 4PM
Marketspace Vendor Events and The Township of Maplewood cordially invite you to the Handmade Holiday at The Woodland in bustling Maplewood, NJ. Admission is free, family-friendly, and open to the public.
The Woodland, 60 Woodland Rd, Maplewood, NJ
