10 can’t-miss holiday shopping markets near Denver

It’s beginning to look a lot like … well, you know. And one sign that the holidays are on their way is the abundance of pop-up markets along the Front Range where shoppers can find unique and oftentimes locally made gifts.

Here are 10 worth checking out this season, in order of date.

Amazon Pop Up (now through Nov. 22)

If going to a sanctioned Amazon store doesn’t strike you as completely besides the point, head to Park Meadows Mall in Lone Tree to peruse a selection of more than 100 toys curated by the online retailer. The purpose of the in-person store is to give shoppers a “festive, try-before-you-buy experience,” the company said in an announcement. Popular toys this year include Osmo Genius Kit for Fire Tablet, FurReal Friends Gogo My Dancin’ Pup, and LEGO Monkie Kid: Money King Warrior Mech.

Nov. 2-22 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Park Meadows Mall, 8401 Park Meadows Center Dr., Suite 5547, Lone Tree. Admission is free. More information at amazon.com.

Mile High Holiday Market (Nov. 12-14)

The Junior League of Denver is hosting its 42nd annual holiday market and fundraiser at Gates Field House on the University of Denver campus, where shoppers can find specialty food items, apparel, jewelry, housewares and pet products for sale. The Junior League also will be offering a discount on its cookbook, “Centennial Celebrations” ($20), which was released in 2019 to mark the organization’s 100th anniversary. Masks are required and reservations are encouraged.

Nov. 12 from 3 to 8 p.m., Nov. 13 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Gates Field House at the University of Denver, 2201 E. Asbury Ave., Denver. Admission $10 for the general public or $40 for a VIP shopping experience on Nov. 12 from 1 to 3 p.m. Tickets and more information at jld.org/fundraisers.

Cherry Creek Holiday Market (Nov. 18-Dec. 24)

The second annual Cherry Creek Holiday Market is returning to Cherry Creek Shopping Center, bringing with it 30-plus local makers, designers and creators peddling their wares. Expect to find apparel, booze, coffee, art, candles, spa products, specialty foods and more.

Thursdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays through Wednesdays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (with the exception of Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve, when the market runs 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Located on Fillmore Street between 1st and 2nd avenues. Admission is free. More information at cherrycreekholidaymarket.com.

Denver Christkindlmarket (Nov. 19-Dec. 23)

Civic Center will be transformed into a German-style holiday market when Denver Christkindlmarket opens this year. In addition to more than a dozen vendors selling gifts and crafts, the event features European food, beer, live music and photo opportunities with Krampus, St. Nikolaus and the Christkind. Special events include an Ugly Christmas Sweater Day on Dec. 15 and Canine Christmas on Dec. 2, when dogs are invited to join the fun.

Thursdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays through Wednesdays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with the exception of Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve, when the market runs 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. During the market’s final week, it will be open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. Located at Civic Center park, 101 West 14th Ave., Denver. Admission is free. More information at christkindlmarketdenver.com.

Firefly Handmade Holiday Market (Nov. 20-21)

Looking for locally made gifts? Head to the Firefly Handmade Holiday Market, which will take over Old South Gaylord Street in Denver’s Washington Park neighborhood. Organizers promise live music and holiday decor along the street to get shoppers in a festive — and spendy — mood while they peruse locally produced textiles, jewelry, accessories, ceramics, apparel, skincare products and more.

Nov. 20-21 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the 1000 Block of South Gaylord Street, Denver. Admission is free. More information at fireflyhandmade.com/holiday-market.

Après Ski Holiday Market (weekends from Nov. 26 through Dec. 19)

Returning for a second year, the Après Ski Holiday Market is equal parts shopping and play. Vendors will be set up in the outdoor Dairy Block Alley in Lower Downtown Denver for four weekends, starting Nov. 26, selling clothing, candles, perfumes, skincare products, leather wares and more. Live music will be a staple of the events, as will beer and liquor, which will be available for purchase. Santa is also said to be visiting and taking free photos.

Nov. 26-28, Dec. 3-5, Dec. 10-12, and Dec. 17-19 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Dairy Block, 1800 Wazee St., Denver. Admission is free. More information at dairyblock.com/events.

Holiday Art Fest (Nov. 27-28)

The creatives at Fort Collins’ collective Art Lab invite shoppers to support local artists at the Holiday Art Fest. The two-day event celebrates “CArtists” (what the collective calls its creatives)  who sell their works from little pop-up carts on the Old Town Square. Organizers promise an eclectic mix of returning artists featuring a variety of mediums.

Nov. 27 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Nov. 28 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Art Lab, 239 Linden St., Fort Collins. Admission is free. More information at artlabfortcollins.org/calendar.