Colorado.com Staff Writer

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<p>All the delights of the winter season can be experienced at Colorado’s specialty markets, where Santa makes regular appearances, handcrafted gifts overshadow items bought at the mall and sweet treats abound.</p>


Holiday Markets in Colorado

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Denver Christkindl Market in Civic Center Park

Denver Christkindl Market

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<p>We have several versions of the holiday bazaar, including ones modeled after old-fashioned markets in Europe and others that offer modern twists on the tradition.</p>
<h2>European-Style Markets</h2>
<p>Enter a wonderland where vendors sell gifts in rustic wooden stalls, choirs croon joyful tunes and be-scarfed patrons sip mulled cider.</p>
<h3>Denver Christkindl Market</h3>
<p>From mid-November to late December, <a href="https://www.denver.org/listing/civic-center-park/6823/">Civic Center Park</a> is transformed into a miniature German village during <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/denver">Denver</a>'s <a href="http://www.christkindlmarketdenver.com">Christkindl Market</a>. Here musicians play classic carols and dance-worthy melodies, and vendors dish up specialties served at traditional German Christmas markets, including baked apples, gingerbread biscuits, charcoal-grilled sausages and, of course, spicy mulled wine (gluehwein).</p>
<p>Pick up cuckoo clocks, beer steins and other imported gifts for your loved ones, and sip gluehwein (something that might result in you picking up even more clocks and steins than you originally planned) as you get lost in the twinkling landscape. For more festive fun, stroll to Skyline Park’s Southwest Rink for some ice skating.</p>
<h3>Holiday Pop-Up Makers Market in Arvada</h3>
<p>Olde Town <a href="/cities-and-towns/arvada">Arvada</a> transforms into a German-style <a href="https://www.oldetownarvada.org/event-details/olde-town-arvada-holiday-pop-up-market-2023-11-24-16-00">outdoor holiday market</a> with speciality gift stands spanning jewelry, candles, confections and more. This annual event happens weekends throughout late November and December. See Olde Town Square made over into a festive winter wonderland with makers galore.</p>
<h3>Georgetown Christmas Market</h3>
<p>Historic <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/georgetown">Georgetown</a>’s old-school charm is enhanced at it's annual Christmas Market on select December weekends, one of the state’s most cherished wintertime traditions. At the market, horse-drawn wagon rides take patrons through snow-blanketed streets past decorated storefronts; a Victorian-robed St. Nicholas greets rosy-cheeked tots who never whine or cry, and stalls feature handicrafts by local artisans.</p>
<p>A giant lit-up tree, the harmonic voices of choirs and views of the snow-dusted mountains above add to the dreamy scene. For the ultimate experience, take a Christmas museum tour of the <a href="/georgetown/historic-georgetown-inc-the-hamill-house-museum">Hamill House</a> or <a href="/georgetown/hotel-de-paris-museum">Hotel de Paris</a>, or book a special holiday-themed ride on the <a href="/georgetown/georgetown-loop-railroad">Georgetown Loop Railroad</a>.</p>


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<h2>Other Holiday-Shopping Events in Colorado</h2>
<p>From winter produce to works by respected Colorado artists, these less-traditional markets boast local treasures and merry entertainment.</p>
<h3>Denver Christmas Show</h3>
<p>This Denver event in November keeps the merriment going with Santa Claus visits, a holiday candy shop, carolers and, of course, a zillion gift options for everyone in your crew. Learn more about the <a href="http://www.coloradochristmasgiftshow.com/">Denver Christmas Show</a>, held at the National Western Complex.</p>
<h3>Eagle Winter Market &amp; Holiday Fair</h3>
<p>You'll find everything from handmade crafts and culinary delights to beauty products at this <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/eagle">Eagle</a> gift fair in November. Bring your kids (and your dogs) to pose for Santa photos. Face-painting and adult beverages make this event fun for all. Learn more about the <a href="https://eagleholidaymarket.com/">Eagle Winter Market &amp; Holiday Fair</a>.</p>
<h3>Grand Junction Holiday Fine Art and Craft Fair</h3>
<p>Head to <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/grand-junction">Grand Junction</a> for holiday goodies at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/arts-culture/the-western-colorado-center-for-the-arts">The Art Center</a>'s annual November fundraiser. Stock up on delicious jams and jellies, hand-knit socks, paintings and ornaments for under the tree. Then amble through The Art Center's exhibits gallery for more Western Colorado artists. Learn more about the <a href="http://gjartcenter.org/events">Grand Junction Holiday Fine Art and Craft Fair</a>.</p>
<h3>Fort Collins Colorado Makers Market</h3>
<p>This November market is a space for <a href="/cities-and-towns/fort-collins">Fort Collins</a>' deep pool of creative and diverse makers to tell their stories and commune with the people buying their eclectic wares, including handmade jewelry, clothing, wellness products, textiles, home goods and other boutique items. Learn more about the <a href="http://coloradomakersmarket.com/">Fort Collins Colorado Makers Market</a>.</p>
<h3>Cherry Creek Holiday Market</h3>
<p>Walk through <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/denver">Denver</a>’s Fillmore Plaza in Cherry Creek North while sampling crafts from some of Colorado’s best makers and artisans each November. With weeks of fun planned, the Cherry Creek Holiday Market has something for everyone on your list. Enjoy live music and plenty of eats and drinks at this shopping wonderland. Learn more about the <a href="https://www.cherrycreekholidaymarket.com/">Cherry Creek Holiday Market</a>.</p>
<h3>Holiday Shakedown Street Market</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.overyonderbrewing.com/happenings">Over Yonder Brewing Company</a> in <a href="/cities-and-towns/golden">Golden</a> puts on two annual markets to help you get that holiday shopping done. Let the merriment flow as you sip on craft beers and shp the works of local artists and vendors at their Holiday Shakedown Street Market. </p>
<h3>Telluride Arts Holiday Bazaar</h3>
<p>Join this lively <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/telluride">Telluride</a> December tradition, with three days of celebratory cheer, fine crafts, artisan jewelry, gourmet food, clothing, ceramics and more. All gifts are handmade. Held annually on the first weekend in December, the bazaar kicks off Telluride's rambunctious holiday season for visitors and locals alike. Learn more about the <a href="https://www.telluride.com/event/holiday-arts-bazaar/">Telluride Arts Holiday Bazaar</a>.</p>
<h3>Boulder County Farmers Markets Winter Market</h3>
<p>Some of the best farmers and artisans on the Front Range bring their coolest goods to this bustling market at <a href="http://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/longmont">Longmont</a>’s Boulder County Fairgrounds in early December. Nibble on freshly baked cookies and other treats while you visit booths featuring works by more than 50 artists and tons of vendors selling organic veggies, honey, wine, coffee and more. Enjoy festive delights like live music and kids’ activities. Learn more about the <a href="http://bcfm.org/">Boulder County Farmers Market Winter Market</a>.</p>
<h3>Christmas Craft Fair at Cripple Creek’s Gold Camp Christmas</h3>
<p>Craft-rusty individuals seeking handmade gifts will hit the jackpot at this unique <a href="http://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/cripple-creek">Cripple Creek</a> celebration each December, where kids can decorate ornaments and cookies and the hot chocolate and cider flow like a mountain stream. Don’t miss the Gold Camp Holiday Headframe Lighting, when the headframes (towers above underground mine shafts) at area mines are illuminated. Learn more about the Learn more about the <a href="http://visitcripplecreek.com/event/gold-camp-christmas/%20">Christmas Craft Fair</a>.</p>
<h3>Holiday Market at Durango Farmers Market</h3>
<p>Groove to live music at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/durango">Durango</a>'s La Plata County Fairgrounds as you shop for locally farmed meats, produce and cheeses to spice up your upcoming holiday meals in December. Live music and tasty grub will aid in keeping the warm holiday spirit vibing. Learn more about the <a href="https://www.durangofarmersmarket.com/events">Holiday Market at Durango's Farmers Market</a>.</p>
<h2>Want More?</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.colorado.com/articles/winter-events-colorado">Read about winter festivals, carnivals and competitions</a> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.colorado.com/articles/colorado-festivals-holiday-lighting">Find holiday-lighting fun</a></p>
