We all have those people in our lives — the ones who are literally impossible to shop for around the holidays.
It’s not just a question of, “What do you get the person who has everything?” It goes deeper than that. How do you find something meaningful, something personal, something you won’t know they need until you see it?
Close out the million Amazon tabs you have open in your browser and put down your laptop. For truly unique gifts or inspiration for your home, your closet or your refrigerator, here are 14 fun holiday markets around Colorado.
Stapleton Holiday Bazaar
When: 12 p.m.-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Nov. 29-Dec. 1
Where: The Shops at Northfield Stapleton, 8340 Northfield Blvd., Denver
Admission: Free
You’ll find more than 60 craft vendors, fashion trucks (AKA mobile boutiques) and food trucks at the Stapleton Holiday Bazaar. Listen to live entertainment while you shop, then grab a holiday-inspired cocktail. If you purchase a special “shop and sip” ticket, you can get unlimited craft beer and wine tastings while you shop on Friday and Saturday.
Horseshoe Holiday Market
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 30-Dec. 1
Where: Highlands Masonic Temple, 3550 Federal Blvd., Denver
Admission: Free
For two days, you’ll be able to shop more than 120 local makers and vendors offering vintage treasures at the Horseshoe Holiday Market. There’s also live music and festive food and drinks. Though this market is free, the organizers are asking for a $5 donation, with a portion going to Denver Public Schools.
Fetch Holiday Markets
When: 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30-Dec. 1, Dec. 6-8, Dec. 13-15
Where: Denver Sports Castle, 1000 Broadway, Denver
Admission: $5 for one weekend, $10 for all three weekends. Kids under 12 are free.
There will be hundreds of makers, artists and creators at Fetch Holiday Markets (formerly Denver Flea), which take place over three weekends at the historic Denver Sports Castle building. There are also holiday activities, food and drinks. If you buy your ticket online, you can get some nice perks, including gift cards to Milk Market and 5280 Magazine subscriptions. If you can’t make one of the market weekends, head to the Fetch Shop retail store at the Dairy Block.
Holiday Art Market
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday through Dec. 29
Where: Foothills Art Center, 809 15th St., Golden
Admission: Free
For 45 years, Foothills Art Center in Golden has been hosting “HART,” aka the Holiday Art Market. This year, the event organizers are bringing together more than 100 local artists specializing in everything from woodworking to photography. Plus, if you become a member of the center, you can shop early and save 10% at the market. There are also artist demonstrations, open houses and other holiday activities on the calendar.
WinterFest
When: 5-9 p.m. Dec. 6, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 7
Where: 1200 to 1900 block of South Pearl Street, Denver
Admission: Free
More info: southpearlstreet.com/winterfest
Plan to get your holiday shopping done at WinterFest, which features gift and food vendors at its Saturday holiday market, as well as a local merchant open house. While you’re here, you can also take horse and wagon rides, listen to live music and snap a photo with “Olde World Santa.” Sip on some hot chocolate, apple cider and warm cocktails while you celebrate.
December Sweet William Market
When: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 8
Where: The Cube Stapleton, 8371 Northfield Blvd., Denver
Admission: Free
Held each spring, fall and winter, the Sweet William Market offers tons of vintage, antique and nostalgic treasures. At the December market, you’ll be able to peruse the wares of 25 collectors, artisans, musicians and nonprofits while you listen to live music and the words of a poetry busker. The Morgan Adams Foundation, which raises awareness and money for children affected by cancer, will also be on-site selling boxes of chocolate to support their mission.
Minturn Winter Holiday Market
When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 7 and 14
Where: Downtown Minturn
Admission: Free
The Minturn Winter Holiday Market has everything you need to get into the Christmas spirit: carolers, Santa Clause, s’mores and hot chocolate. A variety of vendors will also be there with tons of gift options.
Durango Holiday Market
When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14
Where: La Plata Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall, 2500 Main Ave., Durango
Admission: Free
If you missed the Thanksgiving Market in Durango, not to worry. You can pick up seasonal veggies, cheeses, meats and more from local farmers. Plus, they’ll have lots of handmade gift options there, too.
Christmas Craft Fair at Gold Camp Christmas
When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14
Where: Cripple Creek Parks and Recreation, 128 E. Bennett Ave., Cripple Creek
Admission: Free
Cripple Creek has lots of holiday activities and events, including a Christmas Craft Fair featuring items made by local crafters. Along with a raffle for tons of door prizes, the Gold Camp Christmas festivities also include a silent auction for trees and baskets, a fundraiser luncheon, gingerbread ornament-decorating, a tree-decorating contest, a cookie contest, a scavenger hunt and a Christmas parade.
Jackalope Winter Fair
When: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 14-15
Where: Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St., Aurora
Admission: Free
You’ll be able to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list at the Jackalope Winter Fair, which features more than 100 artists and crafters. Expect to find items like jewelry, ceramics, paper goods, home decor and art and photography. There are also tons of fun workshops on the schedule, including holiday embroidery, winter wreath-making and creative hand-lettering, so you can learn a new skill before or after you shop.
Handcrafted Holiday Market
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec 14-15
Where: Boulder County Fairgrounds, Barn A, 9595 Nelson Road, Longmont
Admission: Free
Head to Longmont for the Handcrafted Holiday Market, where you’ll find more than 40 vendors selling tons of handcrafted items. There are also hourly raffle prizes, free activities for kids and a free DIY gift-wrapping station to help with all the presents you’ll inevitably buy here.
RiNo Holiday Bazaar
When: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 8, 15 and 22
Where: EXDO Event Center, 1399 35th St., Denver
Admission: Free for the first hour, $5 for general admission after that. Speciality tickets start at $30. Kids under 12 are free.
For three Sundays in December, the RiNo Holiday Bazaar will host more than 70 local vendors, food trucks, fashion trucks and more. When you buy special “shop and sip” tickets, you can also get bottomless mimosas, beer and cider tastings, a commemorative glass and other perks. Each week has a theme, too, such as a 1980s apres-ski party or an ugly sweater party, so be sure to check the website so you can dress the part.
Larimer Square Holiday Market
When: 12 p.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 12 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11-15
Where: Larimer Square, between 14th and 15th on Larimer Street, Denver
Admission: Free
Head to Denver’s historic Larimer Square for five days of holiday shopping from more than 40 local makers. While there, be sure to stop by the pop-up bar for a cocktail and some live music. This family-friendly event is open to all ages.
Milk Market Holiday Market
When: 12 p.m.04 p.m. Dec. 14
Where: Denver Milk Market, 1800 Wazee St., Denver
Admission: Free
If you haven’t been to Denver Milk Market yet, now’s your chance. Plus, you can do some holiday shopping from local makers such as Craft Boner, which makes hilarious cards, stickers, apparel and other fun gifts.
