Looking to #ShopLocal this season? Tacoma is PACKED with opportunities to discover awesome new products all while supporting local businesses. Luckily there are some fantastic markets in Tacoma during the holidays that make it easy to shop for loved ones (and pick up something special for yourself!) all in one go. Bookmark this post and add these dates to your calendars so you don’t miss out!
*Cover photo courtesy of the Tacoma is for Lovers Facebook page.
Here’s your guide to some of the best holiday markets in Tacoma for the 2017 season:
NOVEMBER 18-19, 2017
Tacoma is for Lovers Holiday Artist Craft Fair
- Hours: 11:00am-4:00pm
- Located at King’s Books (218 St. Helens Ave. Tacoma, WA 98402) & Destiny City Comics (218 St. Helens Ave. Tacoma, WA 98402)
What you can expect to find: This two-day event will feature a multitude of local artists selling and showcasing art, crafts, jewelry, letterpress prints, and much more. For a complete list of the vendors for each day, click here (for day one) or here (for day two).
This market benefits: All purchases made at this market go towards supporting the visibility of local artists in the community.
NOVEMBER 25, 2017
- Hours: 10:00am-2:00pm
- Located at GRLS Studio (728 Pacific Ave. Tacoma, WA 98402)
What you can expect to find: Stop in on Small Business Saturday and help GRLS Studio celebrate its one year anniversary! This market will feature an array of local vendors, from kdBird to Poppyseed Clothing; it’s the perfect way to get to know GRLS and shop local this holiday season.
- Hours: 12:00pm-5:00pm
- Located at 417 North E. St. Tacoma, WA 98403
What you can expect to find: Nothing says the holidays like the smell of mulled cider and the sound of festive music and you can find all of this and more at the first annual Tacoma Striezelmarkt. Indoor and outdoor booths will be packed with seasonal goodies—get ready to make this one a yearly tradition!
DECEMBER 1-3, 2017
- Hours: 2:00pm-6:00pm Friday; 10:00am-2:00pm Saturday-Sunday
- Located at Urban Grace, the Downtown Church (902 Market St. Tacoma, WA 98402)
What you can expect to find: This unique event will feature great holiday gift ideas like baskets, ornaments, food products, and much more. L’Arche will also be in attendance offering fresh evergreen wreaths and handmade crafts, so there’s no reason not to take advantage of all this market has to offer.
This market benefits: This market supports local fair trade initiatives and purchasing from vendors like L’Arche supports those with developmental disabilities in the community as well.
DECEMBER 2, 2017
Tacoma Flea Market: Holiday Gift Fair
- Hours: 10:00am-3:00pm
- Located at N. 31st & Pine St. N. Tacoma, WA 98407
What you can expect to find: Enjoy some hot cider, homemade cookies, and holiday shopping at the Tacoma Flea Market’s Holiday Gift Fair. Vendors like Purdy Organics will be on site selling great handmade, vintage, and other items perfect for this festive season.
- Hours: 10:00am-4:00pm
- Located at YWCA Pierce County (405 Broadway Tacoma, WA 98402)
What you can expect to find: Join the YWCA this year as they host over a dozen local artists at their Holiday Market. From pottery, jewelry, and soaps to ornaments and so much more, there is a one-of-a-kind item for everyone on your list from a wide selection of local talent.
This market benefits: 15% of all sales at this market will be donated to YWCA Pierce County.
DECEMBER 6, 2017
Weatherly Inn’s White Christmas Market
- Hours: 3:00pm-7:00pm
- Located at the Weatherly Inn (6016 N. Highlands Pkwy. Tacoma, WA 98406)
What you can expect to find: A favorite local event, the Weatherly Inn’s White Christmas Market is the perfect place to get some holiday shopping done. While you enjoy the great local vendors, the kids can marvel at the live reindeer and grab some fresh hot cocoa; it’s a win for everyone!
DECEMBER 9, 2017
- Hours: 12:00pm-5:00pm
- Located at 521 N. Yakima St. Tacoma, WA 98403
What you can expect to find: If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to your Christmas shopping, check out Market Nouveau. Located in the North End’s historic second Rust Mansion, it showcases some of the area’s most skilled artists and features holiday perks like complimentary gift wrapping and a chance to meet jolly old St. Nick.
The Village 253 Handmade Market and Mingle 3rd Annual
- Hours: 3:00pm-7:00pm
- Located at the Union Club (539 Broadway Tacoma, WA 98402)
What you can expect to find: For the best family-friendly market around, nothing beats the Village 253 Handmade Market and Mingle. Free food, a free kids’ craft, and over 20 local vendors will all be there to give you and your crew a day to remember.
This market benefits: 10% of all sales from vendors this day will be donated to charity and there will also be a raffle benefitting Amara Emergency Sanctuary and Hilltop Urban Gardens.
DECEMBER 10, 2017
Downtown Tacoma Market the Holiday Edition
- Hours: 11:00am-4:00pm
- Located at Court House Square (1102 A St. Tacoma, WA 98402)
What you can expect to find: Join the Downtown Tacoma Market for their holiday edition, which will feature vintage and locally-designed clothing, home decor, jewelry, indoor plants, and more. Enjoy treats, henna tattoos, a raffle, and live music as you browse the booths for that perfect holiday gift.
This market benefits: All funds raised from this market’s raffle will benefit Spaceworks Tacoma.
Need some more holiday shopping inspiration?
Take a moment to peruse our gift guides, where you’ll find 3 guides to the best shopping in Tacoma!
