There's something about holiday shopping at a local market that makes the season feel a little more special.
Maybe it's discovering a handmade gift you won't find in a big-box store, meeting the person who actually made it, or picking up a few delicious treats while browsing festive booths.
If that sounds like your kind of holiday shopping, mark your calendar! The 13th Annual Carlsbad Holiday Market returns Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Hosted by the Woman's Club of Carlsbad, this festive community tradition brings together talented local makers, unique gifts, and plenty of holiday cheer—all while supporting a great local cause.
A Little Holiday Shopping With a Lot of Local Charm
Forget the crowded malls and endless online shopping carts for a morning.
The Carlsbad Holiday Market offers something much more personal: a chance to browse handmade treasures, discover creative local businesses, and find gifts with a little more meaning behind them.
Held at the Woman's Club of Carlsbad on Monroe Street, the market features returning favorites alongside new vendors offering everything from handcrafted jewelry and home décor to specialty foods, holiday decorations, and one-of-a-kind accessories.
And with the holidays just around the corner, it's the perfect opportunity to get a head start on your gift list.
A Few Local Vendors Worth Checking Out
One of the best things about this year's market is the variety of makers and small businesses participating.
Here are a few that caught our eye:
Carlsbad Cookie Company — Beautifully packaged artisan shortbread cookies that would make a wonderful hostess gift, stocking stuffer, or holiday treat. They even offer dog treats for your four-legged family members!
Miki's Pottery — Handcrafted pottery and ceramics for anyone who appreciates unique pieces made with care.
Lee Harmon Woodworking — Handmade cutting boards, charcuterie boards, coasters, and holiday decorations. Perfect for someone who loves entertaining.
Purrrls — Handcrafted jewelry featuring pearls, gemstones, and vintage glass.
Balsamico Italian Kitchen — Specialty balsamic vinegars, imported olive oils, and gourmet salts for the foodie on your shopping list.
We Rise Together — Small-batch hand-poured candles and essential oils that make lovely gifts for friends, teachers, or neighbors.
You'll also find seasonal decorations, mosaics, handmade accessories, home goods, and plenty of other creative finds.
Personally, I think there's something wonderful about giving a gift that has a story behind it. And when you buy directly from a local maker, you get a little bit of that story along with your purchase.
Shopping That Gives Back to Carlsbad
Here's another reason to love this event: your holiday shopping helps support the community.
The Holiday Market is an annual fundraiser for the Woman's Club of Carlsbad, a local organization with roots dating back to 1925.
For more than a century, the club has been part of Carlsbad's community life, supporting charitable efforts, education, and local causes.
Proceeds from the Holiday Market help support the club's activities and ongoing renovations to its historic clubhouse.
So while you're picking up holiday gifts, you're also helping preserve a little piece of Carlsbad history.
That's a pretty good reason to shop local!
A Carlsbad Holiday Tradition Worth Keeping
One of the things I love about Carlsbad is that, despite how much our city has grown, we still have community traditions that bring people together.
Events like the Holiday Market remind us that some of the best experiences are right here in our own backyard.
You might run into a neighbor, discover a new favorite local business, or find the perfect gift you didn't even know you were looking for.
And that's a lot more fun than clicking "add to cart."
Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
13th Annual Carlsbad Holiday Market
Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: Woman's Club of Carlsbad
3320 Monroe Street
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Admission: Free
What to expect: Handmade gifts, local artisans, jewelry, home décor, specialty foods, holiday decorations, and festive shopping.
Benefiting: Woman's Club of Carlsbad and its historic clubhouse renovation.