Des Moines Mom is proud to partner with Jester Park Nature Center to bring you the 2023 Holiday Markets and Craft Show guide.
November 19 | Fall Makers Market, Jester Park Nature Center 12130 NW 128th St, Granger
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Talk about a unique shopping experience! Snag locally crafted goods to check off your holiday gift list at one of central Iowa’s most beautiful parks. This year the Makers Market at Jester Park is expanding to include two dozen more vendors. Shop for candles, jewelry, pottery, soft goods, art, cards, and so much more from 59 different local business owners at three different buildings across the park.
While you’re navigating the park, be sure to take in the Nature Center’s exhibits, enjoy a hike on the lovely nature trails, or take in the lake view from the Lodge’s large deck.
The Fall Makers Market is a FREE admission, family-friendly event
2023 Des Moines area holiday markets, craft shows, and markets featuring local and handmade Christmas gifts
Holiday markets and craft shows are a great way to shop for holiday gifts or something new for yourself all while supporting local businesses. We have rounded up the best local holiday markets and craft shows and put them in one place. Mark your calendar and make a day (or two!) of shopping at local markets.
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Watercolor paintings, fiber arts, jewelry, fused and stained glass, ISU and U of I
carved snowmen, carved Santas, wooden toys and pens, pottery, cutting boards,
notecards, poetry prints, scarves, pillows, woven baskets, knitted socks, cheese
boards, flower centerpieces, lotions, goat milk products, honey, candy wreaths,
gourmet nuts and popcorn, fudge and peanut brittle, and baked goods.
November 4 | Santa’s North Pole Village Craft Show, Ankeny
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: $6, kids 8 and under free
Benefitting the Ankeny Art Center, this popular craft fair takes place over three of Ankeny’s middle schools. Hop on the shuttle between them for $1.
November 4 | Fall Craft Show, Holiday Inn Express Des Moines – Ankeny
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
See a wide variety of arts and crafts at this one-stop shop! There will be over 40 vendors and crafters! This is a new location for this year. This event is FREE ADMISSION.
5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
November 10 – 12 | Des Moines Holiday Boutique, Iowa Events Center
Friday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $10 online, $12 at the door, kids 12 and under free
This multi-day event features an extensive list of vendors. You can also experience special events like Girls’ Night Out and Mother-Daughter Night.
November 10-11 | Beaverdale Holiday Boutique, Holy Trinity
Friday: 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Find unique, handcrafted items in a variety of mediums from wood to glass, clothing for all occasions, home, and door decor.
November 10 – 12 | Junk Jubilee Jingles, Iowa State Fairgrounds
Friday: Early Bird 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
General Admission 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Early Bird, Friday, 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. $25 (valid all 3 days)
General Admission, $10 per day (valid all 3 days)
Kids 12 & under, free
Named one of Country Living’s “7 Flea Markets You Don’t Want To Miss”, Junk Jubilee is for those who love all things quaint, chippy, vintage, retro, industrial, rusty, galvanized, architectural, and farm-fresh.
November 11 | North Pole Craft & Vendor Show, Adventureland Inn, Altoona
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Donation of one non-perishable food item per customer or $1
This annual show will feature crafters and vendors offering a large variety of gifts bringing local businesses and customers together while supporting a local charity. Donations for admission go to St. Vincent de Paul.
November 11, 24, 25 & Dec 2, 3 | Midwest Vendor Market, Outlets of Des Moines
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Find unique and unexpected items from local Iowa artisans from fashion to jewelry, home decor, wellness & spa products, baked goods, and more.
11 a.m.
From handcrafted jewelry and cozy knitwear to stunning pottery and intricate woodwork, you’ll find a variety of unique and high-quality products, perfect for early holiday shopping or simply treating yourself to something special.
November 17 – 19 | Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market, Hy-Vee Hall Downtown Des Moines
Friday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m
The Winter Market will feature late-season produce, holiday gifts, baked goods, and more. The Spark DSM Minority Business Incubator will also have vendors at The Winter Market.
November 18 – 19 | Locally Grown Showcase – Holiday Market, Snus Hill Winery
Saturday: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This indoor event is just one big pop-up shop with all of the vendor’s items displayed together. Attend the pre-party. Tickets must be purchased in advance for $13 which includes; entry into the multi-vendor giveaways, a grazing table by Sisters in Cheese, sangria, and first dibs on the talented maker goodies.
November 17 – 19 | Des Moines Fall Arts Crafts Show, Iowa State Fairgrounds
Friday: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: $8
This is Iowa’s Largest Arts & Crafts Show. Held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds with over 300 exhibitors from 8 different states. A fantastic shopping event.
November 19 | Holiday Sip & Shop, Middlebrook Mercantile
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Swing in for a coffee or a mimosa, shop local vendors, and snack on The Grazing Table Charcuterie’s delicious holiday charcuterie cups!
November 20 | Des Moines Makers Market & Bar Hop, Big Grove Brewery
1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Shop 40 makers with a drink in hand. Products will be a wide variety of handmade goods such as jewelry, knit goods, home decor, metalworking, prints, soap, paintings, candles, etc. This is a family-friendly event, however, please note alcohol will be present due to the nature of the venue.
November 30 – December 3 | Christkindlmarket Des Moines, Principal Park
Thursday: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The goal of this German-inspired Christmas market is to educate and entertain the community by exposing them to European-style foods, products, and fun. Featuring regional vendors, European foods, and activities for kids and adults alike.
December 2 | Makers Market on Main, Downtown Ames
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Join in for this inaugural makers market on Main event. Shop at 3 main spaces: Sweet Caroline’s, The Recipe Ames, And Ames American Legion.
December 3 | Beautiful Land Market, Prairie Moon Winery Ames
12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Celebrate the talented makers and creative people who are inspired by our beautiful land.
Bub Olive is hosting a Holiday Market at Red Acre Barn in Prole, Iowa.
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cowles School – 6401 College Ave, Windsor Heights
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
An indoor holiday market featuring 25 talented creators in the beautifully restored Winterset Livery.
December 9 | Beautiful Land Merry & Bright Market, Gatherings, 1024 6th St, Nevada
11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Enjoy this free vintage and handmade market with the whole family.
What are your favorite Holiday markets? Let us know if we missed anything!
We work hard to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, locations, and other information before heading to an event or activity, since it may change.
Dec 4th – Local Holiday Makers Market at Valley Community Center!
Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market – Nov. 20 and Dec. 4
https://www.dsmpartnership.com/desmoinesfarmersmarket/
There is info for the Beautiful Land one at http://www.beautifullandmarket.com
Please update so people can find it! It is truly an amazing market run by great people.