We’ve rounded up our team’s favorite local, East Valley holiday markets happening this season.
In this roundup, we’re shining a spotlight on holiday markets that showcase the incredible talent of artisans and crafters, many of whom are hardworking moms balancing creativity with family life.
These vibrant markets are brimming with unique, handcrafted gifts that embody the spirit of the season. From cozy handmade ornaments to delicious artisanal treats, shopping local not only brings joy to your holiday but also strengthens our community. Join us as we explore the best markets where you can find one-of-a-kind treasures!
XO,
East Valley Moms
2024 holiday markets across the East Valley
Valley Girl Market – Know Your Mama’s Holiday Market – Nov 16th 10AM-4PM 6625 S Power, Mesa 85212
90+ local vendors and a collection box for new, unwrapped toy donations for Toys For Tots
Instagram: @thevalleygirlmarket
Vintage Charm Boutique– Nov 21-23, 9am-5pm at Gather Estate 2600 E Southern Ave, Mesa 85204
Shop local artists and vendors to find holiday gifts – items ranging from treats, candles, jewelry, clothing, and so much more. Come shop and enjoy the beautiful venue of Gather Estate
Instagram: @vintagecharmboutique
Worth the drive – Merchantile Market – Saturday Nov 23rd and Dec 14th, 10am-4pm at Scottsdale Civic Center.
With over 100 local vendors, live music, interactive workshops, and so much more, it’s the ultimate shopping experience!
Instagram: @merchantilemarket
Local Trade Market – Saturday, Nov 23rd 10am-4pm http://www.localtradeaz.com/
Located at the Shops at Town & Country in Phoenix, it is a little outside of our normal coverage zone, but this market has the benefit of the local shops in the permanent tenants as well as those there for the market. Local Trade markets are also always a fundraiser for a local nonprofit and this weekend’s market is supporting Phoenix Children’s Hospital! They will have a photo booth with Santa (with a suggested donation for photos), and raffle tickets for sale, as well as accepting donations with a goal of raising $5,000
Instagram: @localtrade.az
Chandler Fashion Center Holiday Vendor Market –
NOV 29 & 30 and DEC 7 & 14 | 11AM to 7PM
Show your local love and support 50 small businesses starting Black Friday Weekend!
Just outside of the Chandler Food Court, Near The Old Spaghetti Factory.
Come and get a head start on holiday decorations for your home or start checking people off your holiday shopping list!
Made With Love Holiday Kick Off Market – Fri Nov 29-Dec 1 at Gilbert Civic Center Plaza. www.madewithloveaz.com
Come join us after Thanksgiving to kick off the holidays with Made with Love and 150 of your favorite local small businesses at this FREE family-friendly event! We’ll have food trucks, coffee, music, tons of free family activities, and we have so many surprises up our sleeves for this one. Bring your kids, your out-of-town relatives, and the whole crew. We can’t wait to celebrate Black Friday and Shop Small Saturday with you all!
Instagram: @madewithlove.markets
PS I Love AZ Holiday Market – Nov 29th & 30th, 10am-4pm AZ Athletic Grounds – 6321 S. Ellsworth Rd, Mesa 85212
$5 entry fee and $5 to park on site
2 day indoor holiday shopping event! Free Santa photos, live music, kids activities, food trucks, and more!
Instagram: @psiloveaz
Downtown Mesa Sunset Markets Nov 29th 5-9 PM and Dec 19th 5-8 PM – Located at Main & Macdonald in Downtown Mesa, AZ
A variety of 30+ local vendors specializing in fresh grocery products, tasty hot food, artisan goods, and so much more! Including live music and demonstrations every market!
Instagram: @downtownmesa
Peppermint Lane Boutique – Dec 5-7, 9am – 5pm 3303 E. Guadalupe Rd, Gilbert, 85234
Stroller friendly, Outdoor, central checkout market!
Instagram: @peppermintlaneboutique
Merry & Bright Market – Saturday Dec 7th 10am-2pm at Central Christian Church in Queen Creek
Shop local artisans and vendors in an indoor, family friendly atmosphere with a wide range of vintage and handcrafted products! Enjoy BBQ, specialty cold brew coffee, and sweet treats!
Instagram: @centralchristianaz
Made With Love Holiday Street Fair Dec 6-8, Dec 13-15, Dec 20-22, 10am-5pm at San Tan Village Mall
The streets of San Tan Village Mall will be filled with local artisans, makers, and vendors! Get all your holiday shopping in one place! Food, fun, music, and more!
Instagram: @madewithlove.markets
How to support mom makers at holiday markets
a note by contributor Kristen Benavides, a makers market vendor and mom of 2
Being a mom during the holidays is stressful. It’s magical but stressful. End of the year dance recitals, concerts, and showcases are mixed in with holiday parties, Christmas light sight-seeing, and extra holiday meals.
But when you’re a small business owner, all of that stress gets compounded by it being your busiest work season of the year.
As the co-owner of a cottage bakery, Floured Cupcakes, November and December are when my partner and I do a huge bulk of our sales for the whole year.
So this presents a huge challenge for me and other small business owners every year. If you’re interested in helping out the small businesses that you love or maybe you have a friend that owns a small business that you want to support, here are a few ways that family, friends, and customers have best supported me to help.
- One important way to support your small businesses friend is to do your best to buy locally! There are so many amazing artisans here in the valley that do leather goods, beautiful jewelry, plants, shirts, baked goods, and more. While buying from a small shop can sometimes more expensive, that money is going to quality products and that money goes straight back into our local economy.
- I understand that it is not in everyone’s budget to always buy local so another great way to support your small business friend is completely free. Supporting them on social media is a great way to give them a boost. A comment, a post share, and just general engagement helps them not only extend their audience but also give them a little confidence boost that everyone needs from time to time. Another great free option is giving them a review. Either through Google, Yelp, or supplying them with a review or testimonial for their website can make or break some businesses!
- Lastly, if you’re personal friends with a small business owner, the best thing you can do for them near the holidays is to check in. Offering a hand to babysit, run an errand, bring them a dinner, or even just drop in to give a hug while they’re tagging items for a market can make all the difference. There’s nothing like a friend’s kindness to help give you that boost to get through the holiday season with your Christmas cheer intact.
