Makers Markets & Craft Fairs In the Greater Sacramento Area

It’s hard to believe, but the holidays are right around the corner. To avoid the last-minute rush, many people prefer to get a jump start on holiday shopping. But elbowing your way through a crowded mall or a big-box store is less than ideal, so many shoppers are instead turning to local makers for their gifts.

There are dozens of makers markets and vendor fairs throughout the greater Sacramento area this holiday season, from Davis to Auburn, West Sacramento to Cameron Park and everywhere in between. These events are a more relaxed approach to holiday shopping. You can grab a coffee, stroll the booths, enjoy holiday music, and even grab a bite to eat. They are a low-stress way to enjoy the season while getting some to-dos crossed off your list at the same time!

 Not only does shopping at a local makers’ event support area entrepreneurs, but it also allows you to find thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gifts. Whether jewelry or pottery, woodworking or art, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing your gift is unlike any other.

 So, bring your friends and family (and even your pets in some cases!) and check out the following makers markets and craft fairs in the greater Sacramento area.

Swoon Studio Sip & Shop | Nov. 13 | Folsom

Swoon Studio + Co is an indie sewing studio and boutique in Folsom known for its hands-on workshops on topics such as block printing, quilt making, and stained glass. A special sip and shop from 6–9 p.m. Nov. 13 will feature local makers and artists, snacks, and beverages. Entry tickets are $10. You can also visit Saturday mornings from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. for a weekly mini-market.

River City Marketplace | Various Dates & Locations

Photo Courtesy of River City Marketplace | IG: @rivercity.marketplace

River City Marketplace organizes vendor fairs throughout the greater Sacramento area. One of the most popular is Crafts and Drafts at the Barn in West Sacramento, where you can grab a bite to eat, sip a beer, and even bring your four-legged friend. Another is held at DoCo, where you can take in the holiday décor while supporting local business. They also have a mini market in East Sacramento.

This year, they’re putting on a holiday night market at Shangri-la restaurant in Fair Oaks. Scheduled for Dec. 9 from 5–9 p.m., the market will feature a curated lineup of more than 20 makers, artists, and small businesses. You can browse the festive booths, enjoy a great meal, and sip a specialty cocktail (or two).

 Upcoming events are as follows:

• East Sac Mini Market, 56th & H, Nov. 14 & Dec. 12, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
• Sangria Sundays, Nov. 15, 12–4 p.m.
• Small Business Saturday Holiday Market, Midtown Sacramento, Nov. 28, 11 a.m.–4p.m.
• DoCo Makers Market, Downtown Sacramento, Dec. 5, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Holiday Night Market at Shangri-la, Fair Oaks, Dec. 9, 5–9 p.m.
• Shop the Block, Midtown Sacramento, Dec. 13, 12–4 p.m.
• Crafts & Drafts at the Barn, West Sacramento: Dec. 19, 12–4 p.m.

Find Your Handmade Haven in El Dorado County

Sac Vendor Connect | Various Dates & Locations

Sac Vendor Connect provides local makers and artists with opportunities to sell their creations. They host events throughout the greater Sacramento region, including streetside popups, holiday fairs, and winery events, including the following:

• Friendsgiving Vendor Market, Scribner Bend Vineyards, Nov. 21, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Small Business Saturday, The Kitchen Table, Sacramento & Land Park, Nov. 28, 12–4 p.m.
• Holly Jolly Market, Hey Daisy Studio, Sacramento, Dec. 6, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
• Big Holiday Market, Old Sugar Mill, Clarksburg, Dec. 13, 11–4 p.m.
• Meet Me At The Kitchen Table: Holiday Edition, Sacramento & Land Park, Dec. 19–20, 12–4 p.m.

Gold Country Gift Market | Nov. 14–15 | Auburn

Photo Courtesy of Lucky Find Market and Yaris Garden Gifts | IG: @luckyfindmarket & @yaris_garden_gifts

This indoor country market, held at the Gold Country Fairgrounds in Auburn, will feature more than 40 independent small businesses and vendors. You can find jewelry, gourmet food products, candles, textiles, home décor, and much more. Admission is $3 and benefits the Not By Luck Ranch animal sanctuary.

Discover Artful Living in Yolo County

Davis Craft & Vintage Fair | Various Dates | Davis

Photo Courtesy of Davis Craft & Vintage | IG: @daviscraftandvintage

You’ll find aisle after aisle of vintage clothing, home goods, handmade jewelry, and local art at this craft fair held in the Central Park Pavillion in Davis. Held on select Sundays from 10 a.m.–4 p.m., the event also features live music and food trucks. Upcoming dates include Nov. 15, Dec. 6, Dec. 13, and Dec. 20.

Find Your Next Home in the Heart of Sacramento

Moonraker Millhouse Holiday Market | Nov. 22 | Cameron Park

Jewelry, clothing, and home goods are just a few of the things you’ll find at this family-friendly taphouse and coffee shop in Cameron Park during their Holiday Market, Nov. 22 from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Plus, you can enjoy a hot coffee or a cold beer while you browse! 

Crocker Holiday Artisan Market | Nov. 27–29 | Sacramento

Photo Courtesy of Crocker Holiday Artisan Market | IG: @crockerholidaymarket

This annual event held on Thanksgiving weekend at the Scottish Rite Center in East Sacramento showcases the work of more than 100 local artists. Their work runs the gamut, and includes paintings, sculptures, pottery, jewelry, textiles, woodworking, and much more. Entry tickets are $20 for all three days, $15 for Saturday and Sunday, and $10 for Sunday only

Asteria Florals Small Business Saturday | Nov. 28 | East Sacramento

This boutique flower shop in East Sacramento is hosting a local vendor marketplace on Nov. 28 in honor of Small Business Saturday. A curated selection of local makers will be showcasing their wares, which include jewelry, home décor, textiles, pottery and more. The event will take place from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. along Folsom Blvd.

Dickens Street Faire | Nov. 28 | Elk Grove

This festive street faire has been a holiday tradition in Elk Grove for nearly four decades! The event features more than 140 local vendors lined up on Elk Grove Boulevard. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance, carolers will be singing holiday favorites, and the annual tree lighting will take place at 6 p.m. There will also be food trucks onsite. 

Craft Your Perfect Home in Placer County

Loomis Christmas Gift Market | Nov. 28–29 | Loomis

Held at the Blue Goose Event Center, this annual craft market in Loomis welcomes more than 30 vendors offering holiday décor, children’s clothing, ornaments, jewelry and much more. Admission is $3 at the door and proceeds benefit the wild burros at the Not By Luck Ranch animal sanctuary.

Holiday Show of Hands Craft Fair | Dec. 4–6 | Carmichael

Held at St. John’s the Evangelist School in Carmichael, this is one of the largest (150 vendors) and longest running (48 years) craft fairs in the Sacramento region. Home décor, clothing, candles, woodworking, gourmet food, art prints, and pottery are just a few of the things you’ll find here. Santa is expected to stop by, and a silent auction serves as a fundraiser for the school.

Folsom Arts & Crafts Fair | Dec. 6 | Historic Folsom

More than 200 local vendors will descend on the Folsom Historic District Dec. 6 for this annual holiday fair. Handmade holiday décor, art, jewelry, bath and body products, and specialty foods are just a few of the things you’ll find here. The neighborhood will be decked out in twinkling lights and festive holiday displays, and the adjacent outdoor ice rink adds to the seasonal vibe. Historic Folsom is also hosting night markets on Thursdays through Jan. 7.

The Flower Farm Holiday Faire | Dec. 6 | Loomis

This charming flower farm, gift shop, and café hosts special events throughout the year, including a holiday-themed shopping event on Dec. 6. It welcomes local vendors selling handmade goods and seasonal products, plus a chance to pick up a Christmas tree! Santa will be making an appearance as well. They have a similar event on Nov. 28 in honor of Small Business Saturday.

Sacramento Maker’s Mart | Dec. 12 | East Sacramento

This juried event held in East Sacramento brings together more than 75 of the area’s most celebrated craftspeople, bespoke brands, designers, and local shops to showcase their goods. Held from 11 a.m.–5 p.m., there will also be a cocktail bar, food, a DJ, pop-up lounges and plenty of unique photo ops.