As the year turns toward its final weeks, the festive season in Virginia Beach, VA, brings a special kind of excitement. With rich local traditions, the city transforms into a hub of creativity and community togetherness where artisans, families, and visitors converge to make holiday memories and meaningful purchases. From large-scale craft fairs to intimate maker markets, the city’s winter kickoff offers plenty of opportunities for discovery.
With so much more than typical mall shopping, these holiday markets in Virginia Beach invite guests to tap into the handcrafted, the local, and the unique. Whether someone is outfitting their home with one-of-a-kind gifts or seeking a family outing filled with live music and interactive craft corners, the season’s markets deliver.
In this article, we’ll explore opening dates and event highlights, showcase local makers, highlight family-friendly activities, offer guidance on shopping small, and include additional context to make the most of this year’s winter craft fair scene in Virginia Beach.
Market Openings
Most major holiday market events in Virginia Beach, VA, begin late November and run into December, giving residents and visitors an early chance to browse, shop, and mingle. For example, the 44th Annual Virginia Beach Christmas Market at the Virginia Beach Convention Center is scheduled for November 28-30, 2025, featuring some 175 artisans and crafters from more than 20 states.
Beyond that significant event, local listings note other craft bazaars and holiday boutiques throughout December, such as a Holiday Boutique Market on December 13-14 at the Virginia Beach Art Center.
Attending early in the season can provide advantages—less crowding, more selection, and the chance to pick up unique items before mainstream markets are overrun. These opening events also often include promotional tie-ins such as food drives or community contributions (for example, the Christmas Market offers discounts for non-perishable food donations).
Handmade Gifts & Local Artisans
One of the strongest appeals of these holiday markets in Virginia Beach, VA, is the emphasis on handcrafted, thoughtfully made goods. At the Virginia Beach Christmas Market alone, visitors can browse pottery, jewelry, stained glass, woodwork, fiber arts, and photography from experienced artisans.
By focusing on made-by-hand items, shoppers support creators who often bring their craftsmanship and vision to each piece. This allows for gifting experiences that feel personal rather than mass-produced. Many vendors are second-generation artisans who grew up assisting their parents at shows and have built on that legacy.
Choosing a handcrafted piece means getting something distinctive—maybe a hand-turned wooden bowl, artisan jewelry, or a textile made with care. For any holiday patron in Virginia Beach, this is an opportunity to go beyond the usual offerings and discover gifts that tell stories and create lasting impressions.
Family Activities at the Markets
Holiday markets in Virginia Beach, VA, are not just about shopping—they also provide family-friendly events, live entertainment, and interactive spaces for kids. For example, at the Virginia Beach Christmas Market, children under six enter free, and photo-op sessions with Santa are scheduled on-site.
Beyond photos, visitors often find live music, cooking or food-vendor areas, and craft stations where kids can make simple holiday projects or help decorate. These features transform a market visit into a whole afternoon outing for families rather than just a quick stop.
When planning, families might arrive in the morning (when younger children tend to have more energy) and allocate time for a refreshment break or a stroll through nearby holiday displays. The mix of shopping and entertainment keeps everyone engaged.
The Importance of Shopping Small
Supporting small-business vendors and artisans at holiday markets in Virginia Beach, VA, carries significance beyond gifts. Small businesses contribute to the local economy, preserve creative trades, and keep community character vibrant. The organizer of one primary market encourages patrons to “shop small” on the official Small Business Saturday.
By choosing local makers rather than buying mass-produced items, shoppers help maintain a marketplace where originality, quality, and personal connection matter. This approach tends to yield meaningful gifts rather than generic ones.
For anyone considering their holiday shopping strategy in Virginia Beach, dedicating some time to craft fairs and boutique markets is a step toward more mindful consumption—less about quantity, more about purpose and impact.
Planning Your Visit & Practical Tips
When visiting holiday markets in Virginia Beach, VA, it helps to plan. Checking event times, ticket costs, parking, and whether the market is indoors or outdoors will make the experience smoother. For instance, the Virginia Beach Christmas Market lists admission at $8 (children aged 6-12 at $2, under six free) and notes free parking with shuttle bus service.
To maximize the experience, visitors should consider bringing a reusable bag or tote for their purchases, arrive when doors open to beat peak crowds, and wear comfortable shoes as some craft booths span large venues. For families, mapping nearby dining options or rest areas enhances the comfort of the outing.
Additionally, setting a time budget—perhaps two to three hours—can help keep the visit focused and enjoyable rather than rushed. And since many artisan items are unique, having a list of specific gift recipients or themes can guide browsing without feeling overwhelmed.
Bringing Holiday Cheer Beyond Shopping
Beyond the immediate act of shopping, holiday markets in Virginia Beach, VA, offer a sense of community and seasonal ritual. The gathering of artisans, families, and local businesses creates shared memories and supports the city’s cultural rhythm as winter approaches.
Attending one of these markets becomes a way to mark the season—and to engage more deeply with the city’s creative life. Visitors may meet the artisan behind a fine piece of pottery, chat with a craft vendor about their process, or enjoy the buzz of a lively craft fair space.
In planning an outing, one might treat the visit not just as a task, but as a celebration of craftsmanship, connection, and local enterprise. That mindset shifts holiday preparation into something richer and more enjoyable.
As the holiday season arrives in Virginia Beach, VA, the city’s craft fairs and winter market events offer more than just shopping—they invite participation in a creative, communal tradition. Whether someone is seeking a finely crafted gift, a fun family outing, or a meaningful way to support local makers, the holiday markets deliver.
By taking the time to explore artisan-made goods, attend interactive family activities, and prioritize small-business vendors, residents and visitors alike can engage in a satisfying and impactful holiday celebration. The markets of Virginia Beach offer an opportunity to connect, find authentic gifts, and experience the season more thoughtfully.
So as plans are made for holiday shopping and family outings, setting aside hours for one of these craft fairs or winter kickoff events may turn an ordinary errand into something memorable—and boost the local creative economy in the process.
Sources: emgshows.com, fairsandfestivals.net, visitvirginiabeach.com
Header Image Source: visitvirginiabeach.com
