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All right, girlfriends, fall craft fairs have wrapped up (we’ve done the pumpkin spice, the leaf-peeping, the cozy boots), and now it’s time to shift gears: Christmas shopping season is officially here. But instead of navigating big-box chaos, we’re turning our focus to the small holiday markets across Arkansas, featuring small businesses and local makers, then lovingly hosted by schools, churches, and community organizations.
These aren’t just shopping stops; they’re community gatherings: multi-generational family outings, coffee in hand, chatting with local creatives, checking off wish lists, and supporting the people who live and work right here in our towns. So, grab your tote (or wagon), pick your partner-in-crime (mom, sister, bestie, cousin), and let’s map out where the magic happens.
What Is a Holiday Market in Arkansas?
Holiday markets in Arkansas serve as both shopping events and community celebrations. These pop-up wonderlands bring together local small-business owners, crafters and creatives in one place, filling school gyms, downtown squares and fairgrounds with handmade art, candles, jewelry, baked goods, boutique t-shirts, trucker hats and festive décor. Each booth tells a story, whether it’s a mom who makes soaps in her kitchen, a local artist painting Delta landscapes, or a baker perfecting Christmas candy.
Most markets are organized by community groups, schools and churches as fundraisers, so every booth fee or ticket purchase supports a local cause. When you shop at these events, you’re doing more than just checking items off your list; you’re backing small business dreams and helping keep local traditions, creativity, and generosity alive throughout the holiday season.
It’s a chance to shop small in a big way by enjoying coffee with friends, listening to live music and discovering unique gifts that can’t be found anywhere else. Whether in a bustling city or small town, Arkansas holiday markets make Christmas shopping joyful, personal, and full of hometown cheer.
Click for downloadable images you can print and make your own T-shirt.
Why Shop Holiday Markets?
I feel very passionate about what these experiences provide to local communities, helping makers turn dreams into reality and giving adolescents a platform to “just try.” So, what are the benefits?
- One-stop Christmas shopping: You can find many gifts in one place, which means less time running all over town.
- Unique, one-of-a-kind gifts: No “just what everyone else got” situations, think handmade jewelry, local art, custom décor.
- Supporting local businesses and makers: When you buy here, you’re investing in someone’s dream, right in your hometown.
- Fun outing for moms/family/girlfriends: It’s shopping with a side of brunch/coffee, catching up, making memories.
- Coffee + shopping = do you need another reason? Sip that seasonal latte (or go on wine night) as you browse, stop for a selfie under lights and treat yourself. Check out the exclusive VIP and add-on nights that enhance the shopping experience!
Holiday Markets in Central Arkansas
- Nov. 7 – Holiday Art Market, Conway – Join downtown Conway for live music, food trucks, entertainment + local art
- Nov. 14-15 – Manger Market (formerly ChristKindleMarkt), Houston – A Christ-centered Christmas vendor event.
- Nov. 15-16 – A Very Merry Holiday Vendor Market, Roland – Cozy farm feels, photo ops with Santa, seasonal wine while you shop.
- Friday, Nov. 21 – Make it Merry Market & Argenta Art District Art Walk, North Little Rock – Evening of festive shopping and strolling.
- Nov. 21-23 – Bella Rustina Modern Vintage Market, Conway Convention Center – Large vintage vendor show, showing everything from furniture, to clothing, accessories and flea market finds.
- Dec. 13 – Peppermint Land Holiday Expo, Little Rock – this holiday market takes over the Arkansas State Fairgrounds with everything in one place to check off your holiday list.
- Dec. 13 – Holiday Market at Chenal, Little Rock – Rahling Circle setting, local vendors + handcrafted gifts + festive aroma in the air.
Holiday Markets in South Arkansas
- Nov. 1 – Candy Cane Corral Christmas Bazaar, Texarkana – Handmade crafts, baked goods ornaments, cozy decoration vibes.
- Nov. 1 – Holiday Market, Lake Village – A mix of fall + Christmas fun, local vendors, unique gifts.
- Nov. 8 – Holiday Market, Greenwood – Youth ministry of Asbury Church brings the community and handmade gifts together in a festive setting.
- Nov. 15 – Christmas Charity Bazaar, Hot Springs – Boutique clothing, jewelry, bath & body, handmade furniture, crafts, plus door prizes & a trip giveaway!
- Nov. 21-25 – Mistletoe Market, Texarkana – Larger-scale, multiday vendor holiday market.
- Nov. 22 – Santa’s Workshop Market, El Dorado – Handmade gifts, holiday décor, treats + picture with Santa & Mrs. Claus + chili takeout by local fire dept.
- Dec. 5-6 – Holiday Arts Market, Texarkana – Local & regional artists offering original works.
- Dec. 12 – Mistletoe Kisses Market, Hot Springs – Over 100 booths, music, food, selfie station, ladies’ shopping night with muffins & mimosas.
Holiday Markets in the River Valley
If you’re planning to do your holiday shopping along the Arkansas River, the River Valley offers plenty of festive stops to keep your list (and your latte) full. From Fort Smith to Russellville, you’ll discover big vendor shows, small-town pop-ups and even an old-world Christkindlmarkt with German treats and holiday music.
- Nov. 1 – Arkansas River Holiday Market, Fort Smith – A holiday shopping extravaganza featuring over 150 booths, food trucks and even Santa!
- Nov. 1-2 – Tinseltown in the City, Fort Smith – a unique shopping experience inside Brick City, featuring multiple small business vendors under one roof. Gift wrapping provided. Ladies’ night out shopping event Nov 14.
- Nov. 7-8 – Hometown Market Days, Fort Smith Convention Center – A Branson-style shopping experience right here at home, featuring more than 125 booths filled with vintage boutique finds, home décor and unique holiday gifts.
- Nov. 15 – The Collective Holiday Market, Russellville – Crafters, bakers, and makers come together for a cozy weekend market full of holiday items, yummy foods, and gift ideas you won’t find anywhere else.
- Nov. 15 – Lavaca Holiday Market, Lavaca – Celebrate the season at this third annual event featuring homemade goods, local vendors and small-town holiday cheer.
- Dec. 6 – St. Boniface Church Christkindlmarkt, Fort Smith –back in time with this old-world German holiday market hosted by St. Boniface Church, complete with handcrafted gifts, traditional foods and festive music.
- Dec. 6 – Christmas in the Woods Holiday Market, Alma – A heartfelt fundraiser for Ridgeline Church’s Missions ministry featuring local vendors, comfort food, and a whole lot of holiday magic nestled right in the woods.
Holiday Markets in Northwest Arkansas
- Nov. 1 – Elkins Holiday Market, Elkins – this Christmas market, hosted by the First Friday committee, finishes out their farmers market season with a weekend shopping experience.
- Nov. 7-8 – Northwest Arkansas Holiday Market, Springdale – a premier shopping experience with two full days of access and strolling.
- Nov. 7-8 – Bella Rustina, Rogers – Exhibitors from numerous states will fill 300+ booths inside the Rogers Convention Center with authentic vintage, one-of-a-kind handmade, trendy boutique clothing & accessories and vintage-inspired décor.
- Nov. 15 – Bentonville Holiday Market, Bentonville – Makers galore, bar open for grown-up sip-and-shop.
- Nov. 15 – Winter Little Craft Show, Fayetteville – the craft show/art walk baby, just in time for the holidays, offering handmade, meaningful gifts.
- Nov. 19 – Likewise winter Market, Fayetteville – artist community holiday market.
- Nov. 21 – Huntsville Holiday Market, Huntsville – third annual holiday market fun.
- Nov. 28-29 – winter Market NWA, Bentonville – shopping, a live nativity, photos with Santa and Christmas lights!
- Dec. 1-21 – CCC Holiday Market, Fayetteville (Community Creative Center) – A long-stretch market with local artists and makers from the Community Creative Center.
- Dec. 5 – Madison County 4-H Holiday Market, Huntsville – 2 2-building holiday market benefiting the local 4-H Club.
Holiday Markets in Northeast Arkansas
- Nov. 15 – Holiday Market, West Memphis – Arts & crafts market for the season.
- Nov. 15 | 10-7 – Hunter’s Holiday Market, Trumann – Local makers, boutiques, food vendors; perfect “kick-off” shopping day.
- Dec. 6 – NEAt Little Merry Market, Jonesboro – 15+ vendors from across NEA, bakers, painters, crafters, handmade goodies for the season.
Other Areas of Arkansas
• Oct. – Dec. – Christmas at the Warehouse, Des Arc – Guess & Co.’s extended season sale of holiday items.
• Nov. 15 – Mountains & Mistletoe, Mountain View – Ozarks holiday market vibe.
• Nov. 21 – Craft Fest, Mountain Home – Craft show combined with holiday shopping.
• Dec. 5-7 – Arkansas Craft Guild Showcase, Mountain View – Arkansas’ top spot for traditional mountain crafts and high-quality artisanal work.
Whether you’re looking to check off half your list on a cheerful Saturday in Fort Smith, enjoy a cozy outing in Little Rock with your mom or plan a full-day shopping road trip to the Ozarks, these markets have you covered. Mark the dates, get your outfit ready (matching shirts are so fun!), grab that seasonal drink, and support the local makers who give Arkansas its heart.
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