San Francisco’s holiday season is in full swing, and the city’s neighborhoods are buzzing with markets that let residents and visitors support local makers while enjoying festive food, music, and décor. Below is a curated guide to the most family‑friendly markets, organized by date and location, so you can plan your holiday shopping trips with confidence.

November Markets

Asian Art Museum Holiday Artisan Market
When: Nov. 13‑15, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Where: 200 Larkin St.
Admission: Free. The museum’s Cha May Ching boutique hosts over 250 independent creators offering jewelry, ceramics, specialty foods, ornaments, and children’s gifts. No museum ticket is required.

Fort Mason Festival Pavilion Market
When: Nov. 14‑15, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Fort Mason Center Festival Pavilion, 2 Marina Blvd.
Admission: Free (suggested $5 donation). This indoor market features ceramics, knitwear, snacks, and outerwear from a wide range of local artisans.

Embarcadero Center Holiday Market & Building Lighting
When: Nov. 18, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Urban Patio, Three Embarcadero Center
Admission: Free. Shop local makers, enjoy live music, and sip seasonal drinks before the iconic 17,000‑light display is switched on.

Fort Mason Juried Craft Show
When: Nov. 21‑22, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Fort Mason Center Festival Pavilion, 2 Marina Blvd.
Admission: Free. More than 275 artists and designers present handcrafted goods in one of the Bay Area’s most respected juried shows.

Cow Palace Victorian London Christmas Eve
When: Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 21‑Dec. 20, plus Friday, Nov. 27, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva Ave., Daly City
Admission: Tickets required (from $35.86). Experience a Victorian‑London‑themed fair with theater, music halls, pubs, dancing, and holiday shopping. Parking is $20.

Golden Gate Park Chocolate & Confectioner Fair
When: Nov. 22, 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Where: San Francisco County Fair Building, 1199 Ninth Ave.
Admission: Tickets required (from $11.50). Sample artisanal chocolates and pick up sweet gifts for the season.

Fairmont Rooftop Holiday Market
When: Nov. 27‑29 and Dec. 18‑20, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: 950 Mason St.
Admission: Free. The Fairmont’s rooftop garden transforms into an open‑air market with local artisans, lights, and city views.

Crystal Fair – Mineral & Crystal Market
When: Nov. 28‑29, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: San Francisco County Fair Building, 1199 Ninth Ave.
Admission: $14. Browse mineral, crystal, jewelry, and body‑work vendors.

December Markets

555 California Holiday Tree Lighting & Mercantile
When: Dec. 1, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Where: A.P. Giannini Plaza, 555 California St.
Admission: Free. Sunset Mercantile hosts a day‑long market alongside the building’s annual tree lighting.

National Association of Women Business Owners Market
When: Dec. 2, 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Where: 111 Minna Gallery, 111 Minna St.
Admission: Free (RSVP requested). A showcase of women‑owned local businesses.

Hayes Valley Evening Stroll
When: Dec. 4, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: Hayes St. and Octavia St.
Admission: Free. Enjoy snowfall‑themed décor, tap‑dancing trees, and local shop windows.

Sunset Holiday Mercantile
When: Dec. 5‑6, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: San Francisco County Fair Building, 1199 Ninth Ave.
Admission: Free. Over 100 makers, live music, food trucks, and family activities.

Museo Italo Americano Italian‑Style Christmas Market
When: Dec. 5‑6, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Museo Italo Americano, Fort Mason Center, 2 Marina Blvd.
Admission: Free.

St. Mary’s Cathedral Swedish Women’s Educational Association Fair
When: Dec. 5, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: St. Mary’s Cathedral, 1111 Gough St.
Admission: From $5.

United Irish Cultural Center Holiday Boutique
When: Dec. 5, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: United Irish Cultural Center, 2700 45th Ave.
Admission: Free.

Madrone Art Bar Holiday Market
When: Dec. 5, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: 500 Divisadero St.
Admission: Free (21+ for bar entry). Curated mix of handmade, vintage, and designer goods.

1890 Bryant Street Studios Market
When: Dec. 5‑6, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: 1890 Bryant St.
Admission: Free. Former mayonnaise factory turned studio space offers fine art, ceramics, jewelry, and baked goods.

SOMArts Leather & LGBTQ Cultural District Market
When: Dec. 5, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: SOMArts Cultural Center, 934 Brannan St.
Admission: Free (suggested $5‑10, adults only). Leather, kink, and queer vendors support the Leather & LGBTQ Cultural District.

West Coast Craft WAVES Vintage Market
When: Dec. 5, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Gateway Pavilion, Fort Mason Center, 2 Marina Blvd.
Admission: Free. Vintage‑focused market featuring retro finds.

Bay Area Artists Market at Helen & Charles Schwab Hall
When: Dec. 6, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: 151 Third St.
Admission: Free. Prints, jewelry, ceramics, and gifts from regional artists.

Head West Marketplace – Ferry Building
When: Dec. 6, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Ferry Building, 1 Ferry Building
Admission: Free. Traveling makers set up shop for a December edition.

Union Square Winter Walk & Patchwork Show
When: Dec. 8‑27, weekdays 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Thu‑Sun 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: Union Square
Admission: Free. Holiday marketplace with food, crafts, and live entertainment.

Cole Valley Holiday Street Fair
When: Dec. 10, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: Cole St. between Carl St. and Parnassus Ave.
Admission: Free. Local businesses, eateries, live music, and activities.

Sunset Night Market Block Party
When: Dec. 11, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: McCoppin Square, Taraval St.
Admission: Free. Tree lighting, holiday shopping, and music.

22nd Street Holiday Market
When: Dec. 12, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: 22nd St. between Illinois St. and Indiana St.
Admission: Free. Art, gifts, food, and holiday activities.

Black Holiday Market at Ferry Plaza
When: Dec. 12, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, 1 Ferry Building
Admission: Free. Foodwise showcases Black‑owned businesses.

Japanese Vintage Holiday Mini Pop‑up
When: Dec. 12, starting at 10 a.m.
Where: 1840 Sutter St.
Admission: Free. Vintage Japanese ceramics, tea sets, lacquerware, and textiles.

Pier 27 Waterfront Holiday Market
When: Dec. 12‑13, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Pier 27, The Embarcadero
Admission: Free.

Harvey Milk Center for the Arts Holiday Craft Fair
When: Dec. 13, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Harvey Milk Center for the Arts
Admission: Free. Local artists, family craft activities, and complimentary hot cider.

These markets provide a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays while keeping money in the community. Whether you’re looking for unique gifts, seasonal treats, or simply a festive stroll, San Francisco’s neighborhoods have something for every family.

Original reporting: Mission Local — read the source article.