DON'T WALK, RUN! It's time to prep those wish lists and get your comfiest shoes on because it's about time for holiday season shopping! Shop local this year by heading to any of these markets.

Sometimes, retail shopping can feel like a real on-your-own battle (i.e. Black Friday, a true test of patience and resilience), and the feeling of community is lost. Thankfully, the Chippewa Valley sees no shortage of local shopping markets, supporting not only small businesses and vendors but also fostering that feeling of togetherness. Here’s a roundup of holiday-themed markets coming up in the area:

Sweet Legacy’s Christmas Market

Opens Wednesday, Nov. 16 | Sweet Legacy, 3031 N Hastings Way, Eau Claire

Eau Claire’s Sweet Legacy and The Legacy Market opens up for the season on Wednesday, Nov. 16 from 10am-6pm, and will continue to be open for folks each week Wednesday-Saturday until Dec. 17 (excluding Nov. 23-24), offering a nice window to fulfill your shopping needs. Sweet Legacy describes its Legacy market as “a top-notch, drool-worthy Christmas Market with a whimsical flair” featuring Christmas decor, antiques, and more. Opening week hours will be 10am-6pm Nov. 16-18 and 10am-3pm on Nov. 19, though their ticketed Early Birdie Christmas Party will be on Nov. 11 featuring live music by Cathy Reitz Trio and snacks and beverages.

Holiday Artisan Market

Friday, Nov. 18 – Saturday, Nov. 19 | Mabel Tainter, 205 Main St. E, Menomonie

Held in Menomonie’s historic and gorgeous Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts, the annual holiday celebration in the downtown area offers shoppers a stunning goodie-hunting experience across the Tainter’s three floors. On each level, folks can peruse fine arts and crafts while festive music plays and Victorian-style holiday decor fills the space. The Holiday Artisan Market is free to attend, open from noon-6pm on Nov. 18 and 10am-4pm on Nov. 19. 

Handmade Holiday Market

Saturday, Nov. 26 | Metropolis Resort, 5150 Fairview Drive, Eau Claire

Hosted by the Wisconsin Makers Market and held at the Metropolis Resort in Eau Claire, the Handmade Holiday Market is fittingly placed on Small Business Saturday, open from 11am-5pm. With a roundup of local vendors, snag your holiday shopping wishlist and celebrate Small Business Saturday with this market!

December Krampusnacht Mini Market Weekend

Friday, Dec. 9 – Saturday, Dec. 10 | The Broom & Crow, 1726 N. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire

The Krampusnacht Mini Market Weekend kicks off on Dec. 9 at Eau Claire’s The Broom & Crow shop and continues into Dec. 10, each day offering 10 vendors from 11am-6pm. The shop’s premier indoor holiday market will host its two-day market in the lower level of the shop, with local artists offering up goodies perfect for the holiday gift-giving season. Free to attend, the market will also feature a live Krampus you can snag a photo with. Yes, for $5, you can have a printed on-site photo with Krampus, if you dare. 

Holiday Game & Funko Market

Saturday, Dec. 10 | The Brewing Projekt, 1807 N. Oxford Ave., Eau Claire

For a more niche and specific experience, tabletop gaming and Funko Pop lovers shouldn’t miss the Holiday Game & Funko Market hosted at The Brewing Projekt in Eau Claire. Held from noon-5pm on Dec. 10, folks can peruse this free-to-enter market for board games, role-playing games, various tabletop gaming essentials, and the setups of several Funko Pop sellers!