Some gifts are easier to find when you can pick them up, talk to the person who made them and skip the customer reviews.

New Jersey’s Christmas markets offer that kind of shopping, along with seasonal food, music and plenty of reasons to make an outing of it. Bring a friend, invite your adult children or take the grandchildren along to choose something special for their parents. Keeping the purchase a secret may be the hardest part.

We’re starting with Monmouth County, followed by Middlesex and markets around the rest of the state.

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 27–Dec. 20

A little boardwalk character for your Christmas list: The Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar brings local makers, artists and small businesses to the Grand Arcade at Convention Hall. Browse for gifts with personality in a setting inspired by traditional German holiday markets.

Dec. 12

Local gifts with a hometown connection: Holiday Made in Monmouth brings county makers to Brookdale Community College’s Robert J. Collins Arena & Recreation Events Center. Browse home décor, food, drinks and other locally made goods.

For grandparents shopping for several generations, a large vendor event offers plenty of possibilities in one stop. It’s also a chance to tell the recipient where their gift came from. “Made right here” makes a nice addition to the gift tag.

Nov. 28–29 and Dec. 5–6

Four chances to find something thoughtful: The Highland Park Owl Holiday Market brings artists, crafters and makers to downtown Highland Park for outdoor holiday shopping.

Bundle up, bring your list and allow time to browse. With grandchildren along, give them a modest budget and let them choose a present for someone they love. A gift they selected themselves has its own charm—even if the wrapping requires assistance.

Nov. 27–29 and Dec. 5–6

A historic backdrop for your holiday shopping: The Winter Village at Red Mill Museum Village combines craft artisans, food trucks and activities in an outdoor setting with heated tents.

Clinton’s historic scenery makes this an appealing day trip with friends or family. Dress for time outdoors and check the activity lineup before promising the grandchildren a particular experience. The museum’s Festival of Trees offers another reason to return on select December dates.

Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 28–Dec. 20

For shoppers who prefer their browsing indoors: The Montclair Flea Holiday Market at Lackawanna Plaza features handmade gifts, holiday décor and vintage finds.

Bring someone who enjoys the hunt as much as the purchase. This could suit an older grandchild developing an interest in vintage pieces—or a friend who recognizes something you both used to own.

Dec. 4–6

A taste of a European Christmas market: The German Christmas Market of New Jersey at Sussex County Fairgrounds offers traditional treats and gifts, including stollen, gingerbread, ornaments and nutcrackers.

For grandparents, it’s an opportunity to share favorite holiday foods or introduce the grandchildren to something new. Plan for outdoor conditions and check admission, parking and accessibility before making the trip.

Dec. 4–5

For families who want more than shopping: Winter Wonderland & Holiday Village combines holiday vendors with seasonal activities, including advertised music, food trucks and winter attractions.

Check the organizer’s schedule, age requirements and any separate activity charges before arriving. A little planning helps when one grandchild wants to shop and another has eyes only for the train.

Dec. 5

A one-day outing for browsing and bites: The Heights Holiday Market at Riverview Fisk Park brings artisans, food and entertainment together for seasonal shopping.

Consider it for a family group with varied interests: some can browse the handmade goods while others investigate the food options. Work out parking or transit in advance, especially when traveling with young grandchildren.

Dec. 5

Make a night of your gift shopping: The Holiday Night Market at Fort Lee Commons features handcrafted jewelry, home décor, artisanal foods and bath and beauty products.

Consider it for an evening with friends or adult children. Choose gifts in person, compare ideas and perhaps discover something for yourself. There’s no rule that every purchase needs a gift tag.

Dec. 5

Shopping with a festive gathering built in: Haddon Township’s Winterfest Market brings gifts, seasonal foods and holiday drinks to the shopping list, with fire pits and a Santa visit among the advertised attractions.

If the grandchildren are coming, check the activity schedule before choosing your arrival time. An earlier visit may suit little shoppers better than trying to fit everything into one long day.

Dec. 5–6

The gingerbread deserves its own browsing time: The Noyes Holiday Market & Gingerbread Village combines handmade goods with a gingerbread-house competition and seasonal activities.

For grandparents and grandchildren, comparing the creations could be half the fun. Choose favorites and gather inspiration for a project at home. Buying the candy is easy. Saving it for construction is another matter.

Dec. 5–6 and 12–13

Handmade finds across several stops: Jersey City’s Happy Holiday Market offers holiday shopping at participating downtown locations, including the Grove Street PATH Plaza.

Check the venue list and activity schedule before setting out; offerings can vary by location. Pick a manageable route and leave time for a food break. Holiday shopping goes better when nobody is hungry.

Dec. 6, 13 and 20

Three dates, with locations that change: The Hoboken Holiday Market Series features artisan vendors selling jewelry, home décor, art, food and children’s items, alongside seasonal entertainment.

The announced schedule lists Jackson Street Plaza on Dec. 6 and 20 and the Birch/Newark Street location on Dec. 13. Confirm the venue for your chosen date and plan transportation ahead of time.

Dec. 18–19

For those final names on the list: The Christmas Marketplace at Cumberland Mall, hosted by Cookies by Grace, offers a craft-vendor shopping event just before Christmas.

Browse handmade gifts and food items while finishing your shopping. Before making a special trip, confirm the event with the mall or organizer, including hours and vendor locations.

Check event hours, admission, parking, weather policies and whether vendors accept cards. For outdoor markets, wear comfortable shoes and warm layers. Ask about accessible routes and seating if those will help you enjoy the visit.

With grandchildren, keep the plan simple: a little shopping, something to eat and one or two activities. You can always leave while everyone is still having a good time.

Dates listed are from the supplied 2026 event roundup. Confirm details with organizers before buying tickets or making the trip.

And if you find the perfect gift for yourself along the way, consider it one less hint you have to drop.