Believe it or not, the holidays are upon us. Whether you’re looking for a fun and festive way to celebrate, or to get a headstart on your holiday shopping, Norfolk is brimming with holiday markets. Plus, with Small business Saturday on the horizon, there is no better time to show some love to local makers and retailers.
Grab a cup of cocoa, a copy of your “nice” list, and get ready to stroll around – we’ve rounded up some of Norfolk’s best holiday markets and celebrations to get into the spirit of the season.
Selden Market’s Holiday Series
Small Business Saturday
Sat, Nov 26th | 11 am – 6 pm
208 E Main Street, Norfolk
Selden Market, downtown Norfolk’s premier collection of locally-owned vendors, pop-up shopping, and community events, happens to be an Amex Neighborhood Champion for Small Business Saturday and will be hosting a special holiday and winter-themed shopping experience. Food and drink will be available, and storefront shops will be open.
Naughty and Nice Night Market
Sat, Dec 3rd | 7 pm – 10 pm
208 E Main Street, Norfolk
If you’re a night owl or looking for some festive evening cheer, check out the best of local retail, workshops, and activities to gear up for the holiday season. Food, drink, and boozy beverages will be available for purchase, and storefronts will be open.
Vintage Holiday Market
Sat, Dec 17th | 11 am – 6pm
208 E Main Street, Norfolk
As part of Selden’s quarterly vintage market series, their friends from Hanks Vintage are putting together a special holiday vintage shopping experience. While you browse the holiday-forward collection of vintage, retro, and secondhand products, you may enjoy food and drink available for purchase, and peruse some of the shops.
Talbot Park Thanksgiving Market
Sunday, Nov 20th | 1-4pm
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 6400 Newport Ave
If you’re hosting this year’s Turkey Day feast, Talbot Park’s Thanksgiving market has you covered. Their selection of vendors will have everything from pies to produce, including a few of Norfolk’s finest food trucks. You won’t want to miss this one; it’s the last Talbot Park farmer’s market of the season.
Dark Arts Festival
Fri, Nov 25th | 2pm-10pm
Smartmouth Brewing
This celebration of Dark Arts, Beer, and Music, hosted by Smartmouth Brewing and WHRO Public Radio, offers tarot readings, dark brews, and some heavy rock ‘n roll amidst a locally crafted market. The perfect follow-up to Thanksgiving leftovers!
NEON Holiday Market
Saturday, Dec 10th | 12-4pm
NEON District
Come enjoy live acoustic music as you admire the wares of over 30 creative vendors, offering both handmade goods and local art. In addition to several food trucks, nearby restaurants like Zeke’s and La Brioche will be open to grab a bite.
***In case of inclement weather, the market will move inside the Hugh R. Copeland Center, right across from the Plot in the NEON District.
Ghent Holiday Market
Sun, Dec 4th | 11am – 4pm
Rain date: Sun, Dec 11th 11-4pm
Blair Middle School, 730 Spotswood Ave
While the Ghent farmers market wraps up its season in October, it’s making its second annual comeback for the holidays. A true “makers market”, they will have local food and farm goods, art, handmade jewelry, wooden crafts, hand-woven items, pottery, and more. If you bring your furry family members along, stop by the Pawsnickety Pets tent for free photos with Santa, and consider contributing to their pet supply donation drive, supporting the Norfolk SPCA.
Holiday Yule Log Fireplace and Market
Sat, Dec 3rd | 12-8pm
Town Point Park
The Downtown Norfolk Waterfront is about to be teeming with the sights, smells, and sounds of the season. To kick off December, Town Point Park will be transformed into a winter wonderland of local artisans, Christma Caroling, hot chocolate, and whiskey. Among the dazzling light displays, you’ll find the towering Yule Log Bonfire at the center, and may even catch a Santa sighting. The celebration is free and open to the public.
Smartmouth’s Krampusnacht
Saturday, Dec 10th | 2-10pm
1309 Raleigh Ave
With the dark chilly days of winter are upon us, Smartmouth has planned a celebration that brings this chilling Bavarian folklore tale to life. Bring the whole family (if you dare) for an evening of live music, craft brews, and dancing under the stars, while you enjoy performances featuring Mr. Fang and the Dark Tones, Mosquito Cabaret, Dumb Waiter, Sandtones + more! If Krampus and his crew haven’t scared away your appetite, enjoy bites from Ghost kitchen, Smartmouth’s on-site food truck.
Crafted VA at Sky’s the Limit
Saturday, Dec 17th | 1-5pm
115 W. 25th St Suite A
Cozy up indoors with Norfolk’s signature Indie Arts & Craft market, showcasing handcrafted goods from some of the area’s most talented artisans. Crafted’s seasonal markets are the place to shop, sip, dance and eat, as local makers – selling everything from hand-poured candles to locally-roasted coffee – are joined by food trucks and live music. If you’re looking for some stocking stuffers, there will be no shortage of unique gifts; the full lineup of vendors will be announced on their social media soon.
Elated Craft Market
Sun, Nov 20th 12-4pm
Elation Brewing\
Harvest Market at Church St.
Sunday, Nov 20th 1-5pm
Maker’s Craft Brewery
Small Business Saturday Vintage Market @ Reaver NFK
Sat, Nov 26th 2-7pm
Reaver Beach Brewing
Small Business Saturday Market
Sat, Nov 26th 10 am -3 pm
Cova Brewing Company
A Very Merry Market @ Reaver NFK
Sat, Dec 10th 12-6pm
Reaver Beach Brewing
COVA Winter Market
Sat, Dec 10th, 10 am – 5 pm.
Cova Brewing Company
d’Art Center Holiday Market
Sat, Dec 10th 11am-4pm
740 Boush Street
Mistletoe Market
Sat, Dec 19th 4pm – evening
Wells Theatre
Don’t forget you can catch Norfolk Currents popup at Selden Market through the holiday season! All day on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Rachel Reiss
Talbot Park, NFK
Rachel Reiss moved to Norfolk in 2021, and, true to her native Floridian roots, has been enjoying life near the beach. Since her day job as an HR Program Manager has gone remote, it offers her the flexibility to explore the area’s rich history, culture, and diverse food scene in her spare time. She is also a passionate pianist, aspiring yogi, and self-proclaimed health nut who loves to cook. Rachel lives near Talbot Park with her husband, Phil - a CHKD resident - and their Maltese, Minnie.
