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Just because we’re in the midst of a global pandemic doesn’t mean you need to forego the experience of shopping our local pop-up holiday markets. Many of these annual events are shifting their formats this year to create safe and socially distant (or virtual!) environments for vendors to showcase their wares and shoppers to feel a bit of the holiday cheer we could all use right now. Here are 10 to check out.
Outdoor Holiday Markets
16th Street Mall Holiday Festival | Select dates through December 20
Every year, the 16th Street Mall in downtown Denver turns into a holiday shopping spectacular. On select dates throughout the holiday season, a stretch of the historic street will be brimming with vendors featuring one-of-a-kind seasonal items, handcrafted goods, home décor, specialty foods, and other unique holiday gift ideas. While you’re downtown, enjoy more of Denver’s Winter in the City festivities, including a stop at the 110-foot, LED-illuminated Mile High Tree, a guided Lights & Sights Walking Tour, and exploring the floats from the annual Parade of Lights, social-distance style. Fourteen dates through December, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 16th Street Mall, between Welton Street and Glenarm Place
Cherry Creek Holiday Market | November 19 to December 23
From the creators of the ever-popular Fetch Markets comes a holiday shopping experience that combines everything you love about these annual events—specialty drinks, artisans, and live music—made COVID-19 safe. Throughout the season, Cherry Creek’s Fillmore Plaza will be entirely shut down to host this unique, outdoors event, in which 30 local vendors will be set up in decked-out shipping containers for all your gift-buying needs. The vendors rotate weekly, so check the website for new lineups. Sunday to Wednesday, 10 a.m to 6 p.m.; Thursday to Saturday, 10 a.m to 8 p.m. Admission is free, but reservations are encouraged. Fillmore Plaza between 1st and 2nd avenues
Denver Christkindl Market | November 20 to December 23
Hosted by the German American Chamber of Commerce-Colorado Chapter, the Denver Christkindl Market is upgrading for its 20th season—moving the authentic German-style experience from downtown’s Skyline Park to Civic Center Park. Admission is free, so you can browse the offerings from dozens of artisanal vendors and traditional German treats, such as German-styled biers, Bavarian pretzels, and European coffee, available for purchase. Sunday to Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (with some exceptions); Civic Center Park; 101 W. 14th Ave.
Aprés Holiday Market | November 27 to December 20
Embrace your inner ski vibes at the European ski village-inspired AF Aprés Holiday Market at the Dairy Block. Visitors can shop along the heated alleyway and browse 12 vendors, including both local businesses and national retailers, that offer an array of clothing, sports gear, home goods, and more. Friday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free but registration is required prior to entry. Dairy Block, 1800 Wazee St.
Holiday BAZAAR at Belleview Station | Weekends from November 28 to December 20
For four consecutive weekends, the Denver BAZAAR will pop up at the Belleview Station Dog Park in the Denver Tech Center for a festive and distanced holiday event, featuring goods from more than 40 local vendors. Get extra cheerful by indulging in holiday-themed cocktails, beer, and wine before or after you shop at the adjacent cash bar. Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 and includes a free Denver BAZAAR koozie; reservations are encouraged, but tickets will be available on-site (you may have to wait). Belleview Station Dog Park; 6785 E. Chenango Ave.
Georgetown Christmas Market | December 4–6
Head up I-70 to Georgetown for a trip back in time this holiday season. The 61st annual Georgetown Christmas Market features various artisanal vendors, as well as wagon rides, carolers, a children’s procession, and more—you might even spot a traditional Saint Nicholas and revelers dressed in Victorian garb. Make a day of it by visiting the rest of Georgetown’s charming shops, restaurants, and breweries. 6th Street, Georgetown
(MORE: First-Timer’s Guide to Georgetown)
Larimer Square Holiday Market | December 4–6; 11–13
What better way to spread some holiday cheer than by supporting Larimer Square’s small businesses, which have been heavily impacted by the pandemic? For two straight weekends, you can shop your way through 40 curated local makers, artists, and food vendors on the two floors of Larimer Square’s parking garage. Friday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $5; reserve your spot online for guaranteed entrance as capacity will be limited. Curbside pickup is also available. Larimer Square Parking Garage, 1422 Market St.
Virtual Holiday Markets
It’s more important than ever to stay safe at home this holiday season. Here are a few online holiday markets where you can shop local from the comfort of your couch.
Denver BAZAAR online
Skip the in-person event at Belleview Station and instead browse the Denver BAZAAR’s virtual shopping platform. Featuring 60-plus small businesses from throughout Colorado, here you can snag specialty gifts for everyone your list—from apothecary and wellness products to locally made apparel and jewelry. This holiday season, all online orders will have a $5 flat rate shipping, but orders over $100 ship free.
Mile High Holiday Mart | Through December 31
Junior League of Denver’s 41st annual Mile High Holiday Mart is going virtual this year. The online mart features more than 60 merchants for a one-stop online shop featuring everything from skincare to jewelry, books, home goods, and more.
Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair | November 28–December 18
The artisan fair that usually pops up in Denver every winter will be online this year. Starting on Small Business Saturday (November 28), you can browse over 100 artisan goods, including fashion, jewelry, ceramics, paper products, and more in Jackalope’s virtual holiday market. Bonus: Join Jackalope at 11 a.m. on Instagram Live on select days (November 28, December 6, and December13) to meet the makers of these hand-crafted goods.
