The holiday season is a good time to get out and explore Huntington Beach and the surrounding Orange County communities. Along with the usual shopping destinations, November and December bring seasonal markets, craft fairs, and small-business pop-ups where you can find handmade gifts, holiday decorations, specialty foods, and items you probably won't see in a typical department store.
Some events are designed as full holiday experiences, with music, food, and activities for the family. Others are smaller markets where the main focus is browsing local vendors and finding something different for the people on your shopping list.
If you're looking for holiday markets in Huntington Beach or planning a weekend outing somewhere in Orange County, here are several events to put on your calendar for the 2026 season. Dates and hours can change, so it's always a good idea to check the event organizer's website before heading out.
Holiday Markets in Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach has several ways to shop local during the holiday season. From the European-style Christmas Market at Old World Village to the Swedish Christmas Fair and outdoor vendor markets at Bella Terra, there are a few different experiences to choose from.
1. Christmas Market OC at Old World Village
November 15, 2026 – January 3, 2027
7561 Center Avenue, Huntington Beach
One of the longest-running seasonal shopping opportunities in the area is Christmas Market OC at Old World Village. The market transforms the European-style village into a holiday shopping destination, with an indoor Christmas shopping area, seasonal food, live entertainment, and special events throughout the season.
The indoor shopping area is located inside Festival Hall and features European holiday products, crafts, ornaments, and seasonal gifts. The outdoor portion includes the Biergarten and food booths, giving visitors another reason to stay awhile rather than simply shop and leave.
The market has different hours depending on which part of the venue you plan to visit:
Indoor Festival Hall: November 15 through January 3. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Outdoor Biergarten and food booths: November 18 through January 3. Wednesday and Thursday, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
There are also scheduled activities throughout the season. Select dates include live music, Santa meet-and-greets, and Wiener Dog Races. The Santa meet-and-greet is scheduled for select weekend afternoons, so families interested in that activity should check the event calendar before visiting.
A few dates to keep in mind: the market is listed as closed on Thanksgiving, November 26, Christmas Day, December 25, and New Year's Day, January 1. Special hours also apply on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
One helpful detail is that Old World Village lists free parking for visitors. The location is near Beach Boulevard and Center Avenue, across from the Bella Terra area.
For someone who wants more than a quick shopping stop, this is probably the most complete holiday market experience in Huntington Beach.
Official information: Christmas Market OC
2. SWEA Orange County Swedish Christmas Fair
Sunday, November 22, 2026
Huntington Beach Elks Lodge #1959, 7711 Talbert Avenue, Huntington Beach
For a more traditional holiday fair, the SWEA Orange County Swedish Christmas Fair is worth looking into. Known as a julmarknad, the event focuses on Swedish holiday traditions, Scandinavian products, food, and handmade gifts.
The fair is organized by SWEA, the Swedish Women's Educational Association. Its Christmas fairs are part of a larger tradition of promoting Swedish culture and supporting the organization's work.
Visitors can browse vendors selling Scandinavian handicrafts, jewelry, artwork, toys, Christmas collectibles, and other seasonal items. Swedish foods and baked goods are also part of the experience.
One of the event's traditions is the Saint Lucia pageant, featuring children and young performers. The organizer describes performances during the fair, making this more than just a shopping event.
The 2026 event is scheduled for Sunday, November 22, at the Huntington Beach Elks Lodge. Ticket listings show two sessions:
Morning session: 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Afternoon session: 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Because the event is organized in timed sessions, check the organizer's ticket information before attending. Don't assume you can arrive at any time and stay for the entire day.
This is a good option if you're interested in a smaller cultural event, Scandinavian holiday traditions, or gifts that are a little different from what you'll find at larger retail stores.
Official information: SWEA Orange County Christmas Fair
3. Dreamers Holiday Market at Bella Terra
Saturday, November 28, 2026
12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Bella Terra, 7777 Edinger Avenue, Huntington Beach
Bella Terra is hosting a Dreamers Holiday Market on Small Business Saturday, November 28. The event is planned as an outdoor shopping experience featuring local small businesses, makers, and vendors.
The market will be held on The Green, the lawn area in front of Century Theatres. Visitors can browse handmade goods, gifts, and other products while supporting independent businesses.
Admission is free, and the event is open to the public. It is an easy option to combine with a meal, coffee, a movie, or other shopping at Bella Terra.
The market is also a good reminder that holiday shopping doesn't have to be limited to large retailers. Smaller vendor markets can be a way to discover local brands, meet the people behind the products, and find gifts that feel more personal.
Dreamers Markets has also listed a second Huntington Beach market at Bella Terra for December 19, from noon to 4 p.m. The December event is another date to watch if you miss the November market or want another opportunity to shop from local vendors.
Official information: Bella Terra Dreamers Holiday Market and Dreamers Markets
4. More Holiday Shopping at Bella Terra
Even when there isn't a dedicated vendor market taking place, Bella Terra can be a convenient stop for holiday shopping. The outdoor center has a mix of stores, restaurants, and entertainment, which makes it easy to turn a shopping trip into an afternoon out.
The center's 2026 holiday calendar also includes its tree lighting on November 20 and Santa photos beginning November 27. These aren't holiday markets themselves, but they're worth knowing about if you're planning to visit the center during the season.
Check the Bella Terra events calendar for current dates and details.
Holiday Markets and Craft Fairs Around Orange County
If you're willing to drive a little farther, there are several other Orange County markets and seasonal shopping events worth considering. These can be good options if you're looking for handmade artwork, specialty gifts, or a different holiday atmosphere.
5. Irvine Holiday Faire at Great Park
Saturday, November 7, 2026
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Great Park Palm Court Arts Complex and Hangar 244, 8000 Great Park Boulevard, Irvine
The Irvine Holiday Faire is a good option for shoppers who want to focus on original artwork and handmade gifts.
The City of Irvine's 44th annual Holiday Faire is scheduled for Saturday, November 7. The event will bring together approximately 100 local artists, makers, and artisans, with products including ceramics, jewelry, artwork, home décor, and other handcrafted items.
Live holiday music is also planned throughout the event. Rather than focusing on traditional retail brands, the faire gives visitors an opportunity to shop directly from artists and discover original pieces.
Admission is free, and the City of Irvine says no advance registration is required for visitors. The event takes place at the Great Park Palm Court Arts Complex and Hangar 244.
If you're interested in handmade gifts or want to support local artists, this is one of the earlier holiday shopping events on the Orange County calendar.
Official information: City of Irvine Holiday Faire
6. Dreamers Markets in Newport Beach
Dreamers Markets also has several Orange County pop-up events scheduled outside Huntington Beach.
For shoppers who want to explore another local market, the organizer lists the following Newport Beach dates:
November 7: Westcliff Plaza, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
December 12: Westcliff Plaza, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
December 5: Newport Coast Shopping Center, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
These markets are described as free-admission events featuring local vendors and small businesses. The vendor mix can vary by date, so the best approach is to check the organizer's event page before visiting.
Newport Beach is close enough to Huntington Beach to make one of these markets a reasonable weekend outing, especially if you want to explore a different shopping area.
Event information: Dreamers Markets Upcoming Events
7. Village Christmas Craft Fair in Garden Grove
Saturday, November 7, 2026
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Village Bible Church, 12671 Buaro Street, Garden Grove
Another early-season option is the Village Christmas Craft Fair in Garden Grove.
The 2026 event is listed as featuring more than 40 vendors selling handmade items such as woodcrafts, decorations, jewelry, toys, and gifts.
This is the type of event that can be especially useful if you're trying to finish some holiday shopping before Thanksgiving. Smaller craft fairs can offer a more focused selection of handmade products and give shoppers a chance to find something outside the usual retail options.
Before making the drive, check the event organizer's current information for vendor details, parking instructions, and any changes to the schedule.
How to Choose the Right Holiday Market
Not every holiday market offers the same experience. Some are better for browsing handmade products, while others are more like seasonal festivals with food, entertainment, and activities.
Here are a few things to consider before choosing where to go.
If you want a full holiday experience
Christmas Market OC at Old World Village is a strong choice. It runs for several weeks and combines shopping with food, music, and scheduled activities. Because the market has separate indoor and outdoor hours, plan your visit around the specific areas you want to see.
If you want handmade gifts
The Irvine Holiday Faire and SWEA Swedish Christmas Fair are worth considering. Both emphasize artisan products and items that are different from standard retail merchandise.
If you want to support small businesses
The Dreamers Holiday Markets at Bella Terra are a convenient local option. These pop-ups are specifically built around independent vendors, makers, and small businesses.
If you have children
Look at the event calendars before choosing a date. Christmas Market OC has select Santa meet-and-greet dates and other scheduled activities. The SWEA fair also includes a Saint Lucia pageant and children's holiday elements. Not every date will have the same programming, so checking ahead can save a trip.
Tips for Visiting Holiday Markets in Orange County
A little planning can make holiday market visits easier, especially during the busiest weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Check the hours for the specific area you want to visit. Some events have different hours for indoor shopping, outdoor food areas, and entertainment. Christmas Market OC is a good example: the indoor market opens daily, while the outdoor Biergarten follows a different weekly schedule.
Look at the event calendar before leaving home. Special performances, Santa visits, and vendor markets may only happen on select dates. If there's one activity you're especially interested in, confirm that it is scheduled for the day you're visiting.
Bring a reusable shopping bag. If you plan to browse several vendors, having a bag with you makes it easier to carry smaller purchases.
Give yourself time to browse. Handmade markets are often best enjoyed without rushing. You may want to walk through once before deciding what to buy, especially when several vendors sell similar types of products.
Plan for parking and traffic. Weekend shopping areas can become busy during the holiday season. Check the venue's parking information, allow extra time, and consider visiting earlier in the day when possible.
Support the vendors you discover. If you find a small business you like, consider following its social media page or saving its website. A market visit can be the beginning of a relationship with a local maker that continues beyond the holiday season.
Why Shopping Local Matters During the Holidays
Holiday markets are more than just another place to buy gifts. They create opportunities for small businesses, independent artists, and local makers to introduce their products to new customers.
When you purchase something directly from a local vendor, you're often supporting the person who designed, made, or carefully selected that product. You're also helping smaller businesses remain part of the communities where people live and work.
Huntington Beach and Orange County have a wide range of shopping options, but seasonal markets offer a different experience from a typical trip to the mall. They give people a reason to explore different neighborhoods, meet local vendors, and discover products they might not have found otherwise.
For residents, they can also be a simple way to spend time with family and friends during a busy time of year. You don't necessarily need to make a full day of it. A couple of hours browsing a market, grabbing something to eat, and exploring the surrounding area can be enough to make a weekend feel a little more festive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Holiday Markets in Huntington Beach and Orange County
When does Christmas Market OC open in 2026?
Christmas Market OC at Old World Village is scheduled to run from November 15, 2026, through January 3, 2027. The indoor Festival Hall market is open daily, while the outdoor Biergarten and food booths operate Wednesday through Sunday beginning November 18. Check the official hours page for holiday closures and special hours.
Is Christmas Market OC free?
The official market website lists free parking at Old World Village. Check the official event website for the latest admission and activity information before visiting, particularly if you plan to attend a separately ticketed activity.
Where can I find a holiday craft fair in Huntington Beach?
Huntington Beach has several options in 2026, including Christmas Market OC at Old World Village, the SWEA Swedish Christmas Fair at the Elks Lodge on November 22, and Dreamers Holiday Markets at Bella Terra on November 28 and December 19.
When is the Swedish Christmas Fair in Huntington Beach?
The SWEA Orange County Swedish Christmas Fair is scheduled for Sunday, November 22, 2026, at the Huntington Beach Elks Lodge, 7711 Talbert Avenue. Ticket listings show a morning session from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and an afternoon session from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Are there free holiday markets in Orange County?
Yes. Several events list free admission, including the Irvine Holiday Faire and the Dreamers Holiday Market at Bella Terra. Always check the event's official page for the latest details. Free admission does not necessarily mean that food, merchandise, or special activities are free.
What is the best holiday market near Huntington Beach?
It depends on what you're looking for. Christmas Market OC offers a longer seasonal experience with shopping, food, and entertainment. The SWEA fair focuses on Swedish traditions and products. The Bella Terra Dreamers Market is a convenient option for browsing local makers and small businesses.
When should I visit holiday markets to avoid crowds?
Weekday visits may be quieter at markets that operate during the week, while weekend events are often busier. For outdoor markets that run for only a few hours, arriving near opening time can give you more time to browse. Crowd levels vary, so there is no guaranteed quiet time.
Enjoy the Holiday Season Around Huntington Beach
One of the best parts of the holiday season in Orange County is having so many different ways to get out and enjoy the community. Whether you're visiting Old World Village, browsing handmade gifts at a craft fair, or stopping by Bella Terra for a local vendor market, there are plenty of opportunities to find something different this year.
If you're in Huntington Beach, you don't have to travel far to enjoy a seasonal market. And if you feel like exploring, nearby communities have their own traditions and events worth adding to your calendar.
At Hennessee Real Estate, we enjoy sharing local places and events that make Huntington Beach and the surrounding communities such a great place to live. We hope this guide helps you find a few new places to visit and makes holiday shopping a little more enjoyable.