These mid-November holiday markets are perfect for Christmas shopping

With Halloween in the rearview mirror, you’re ready to get in the holiday spirit—and get a head start on your Christmas shopping. These three holiday markets in the Cincinnati region offer Christmas cheer, caroling and the opportunity to shop from local vendors. 

Greater Cincinnati Holiday Christmas Market (Nov. 9-12) 

The beloved Greater Cincinnati Holiday Christmas Market has been expanded to a 4-day shopping extravaganza with more vendors than ever (400+), live entertainment, a massive Christmas tree and more. 

This year, guests can expect live entertainment with concerts and caroling quartets from the Cincinnati Sound Chorus, as well as a 17-foot-tall lit Christmas tree from Outdoor Experts.  

“We also have more giveaways and prizes than ever before, including hourly $25 Merry Money giveaways all weekend long,” says Kelly Scott, the Cincy Holiday Market Show Manager. 

From curating the show floor, to planning Santa’s visit and coordinating with charitable partners, it takes an entire year to prepare for the Greater Cincinnati Holiday Christmas Market. 

“My favorite part is seeing all our vendors in person after planning with them all year, as well as greeting everyone in line before the doors open. There’s no better feeling than watching others enjoy this festive weekend as much as we do,” says Scott. 

This annual tradition has been around for more than 20 years. It began to give shoppers a way to connect with and support hundreds of local businesses and shops at the start of the holiday season.  

“There is no better place to find unique and personalized gifts, décor, sips and bites, wine and wonder, all in one place, one weekend only. We’ll be there to greet you with jingle bells on,” says Scott. 

Greater Cincinnati Holiday Christmas Market runs November 9th-12th at the Duke Energy Convention Center.  

Lakota East Holiday Arts and Crafts Show (Nov. 11-12) 

Spend a weekend at Liberty Township’s premier show of the holiday season, the Lakota East Holiday Arts and Crafts Show. 

Visitors can shop at over 200 vendor booths full of unique handmade arts and crafts, enjoy food and drinks and support the local Lakota East High School. 

“All of the proceeds from the show support the students and staff of Lakota East High School. The funds provide programming and events, scholarships, supplemental funding for extracurricular activities and purchases goods and services to benefit the students,” says Tera Michelson, co-chair of the Lakota East Holiday Arts and Crafts Show and parent volunteer since 2019. 

The show pre-dates the 1997 district split into two high schools, Lakota East and Lakota West. This will be the 26th craft show at Lakota East High School. 

It’s our privilege to host this fundraising event year after year to kick off the holiday season for local shoppers. We love seeing multiple generations of families enjoying time together and getting into the holiday spirit,” says Michelson.  

The Lakota East Holiday Arts & Crafts Show is entirely run and managed by volunteers. The dedicated team members work year-round to prepare for the show.  

All artworks are juried before vendor booths are accepted in the show. To be accepted, all vendor products must be original creations handcrafted in no less than a three-step process. 

“When the artisans move in to prepare for the show, it turns our school into a sparkling winter wonderland. Our volunteer team puts the “fun” back into “fundraising” and makes the show worth all the time and hard work,” says Michelson. 

Christmas in Historic Springboro (Nov. 17-19) 

Celebrate the 36th year of Christmas in Historic Springboro with fantastic food and craft vendors, holiday shopping along Main Street, an entertainment tent, a children’s tent with free activities, Santa Claus, a Warped Wing Beer Tent, a 5K Run/Walk and a spectacular holiday parade. 

“My favorite part has always been the sense of community and pride. In a world where things are moving so fast, it’s lovely to turn back the clock for a few days and enjoy the simplicity of time-honored traditions,” says Anne Felts, the marketing and public relations committee chair for the Christmas in Historic Springboro Festival. 

Christmas in Historic Springboro was started in 1987 by five local business owners to celebrate the season by giving back to the community, and today, volunteers work all year long to prepare for the event. 

This year’s theme is Winter Wonderland, and the street festival is expected to draw a crowd of over 65,000 during the three days from all surrounding counties. 

“Our mission is to donate all proceeds back to the community. Our attendees enjoy the festival to begin the holiday season, and there is something for everyone to enjoy,” says Felts. 

Christmas in Springboro is a free event located in Downtown Historic Springboro on Main Street.