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Festive Holiday Markets & Events in the Hickory Area: Shop Small This Season

Posted on November 25, 2024January 23, 2026 by Emily
Reader Submitted Article/About the Author

This article was submitted by Rachel Blake. Born and raised in the Hickory area, she has always seen the value in community and connecting with her neighbors. Becoming a mom in the past year has only strengthened and solidified that for her. She loves to spend her time trying new places to eat, thrift shopping, and being outside. 


It is almost the most wonderful time of the year!

The season of gift giving is rapidly approaching, and we are all starting to make our shopping lists. Whether you are looking for your loved ones, a perfect present to bring for the white elephant gift exchange or need a special hosting gift there are so many options to shop local and support your community.

Photo by Kristina Balić on Unsplash

From festive craft markets to charming Christmas fairs, these local events near Hickory, NC, are sure to spark your holiday spirit and help you tackle that shopping list.

Note: Before heading out to these holiday markets and craft shows, be sure to check for any updates or specific details about entrance costs, parking, or event schedules. While many events are free to attend, some may require tickets or have additional fees for certain activities. Checking the event websites or social media pages in advance will help ensure you have all the information you need to make the most of your visit!

A Very Murray Christmas

📍 Murray’s Mill Historic District
1489 Murrays Mill Rd, Catawba, 28609
🗓 Saturday, November 30th | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Murray’s Mill will be hosting a Christmas event that is sure to get the Christmas season started off right. Along with starting your Christmas shopping, you can also enjoy a hot cup of cider, ride the wagon ride, visit with Santa, or catch some live music. 


4th Annual Sip & Shop Makers Market

📍 Warehouse Distillery
2628 Northwest Blvd, Newton
🗓 Saturday, November 30th | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

This event is taking place on Small Business Saturday and will be featuring 18 different vendors, makers, artisans, crafters, and more. This is not only a shop & sip event but there will be food from A Taste of Culture Food Truck as well as live music!


Foothills Market – Christmas Charm

📍 Caldwell County Fairgrounds (Jim Andrews Building)
2461 Fairground Rd, Lenoir, 28645
🗓 Friday, November 29th | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
🗓 Saturday, November 30th | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
🗓 Sunday, December 1st | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Spend Black Friday and Small Business Saturday checking out great deals at this market featuring vendors and artisans from all over the state. In addition to the vintage finds, personalized gifts, and home decor, you can expect to eat at one of the food trucks, ride in a horse & carriage, and much more.

🎟 Get discounted tickets here or you can pay at the door in cash!


Photo by Kristina Balić on Unsplash

Yuletide Art Markets

📍 Fonta Flora Brewery
317 N Green St, Morganton, 28655
🗓 December 1st & December 15th | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Two weekends, two sets of makers and artists. Come out to the 9th Annual Yuletide Art Markets on one or both weekends to shop for unique finds for anyone on your list!


2nd Annual Hickory Christmas Show

📍 Hickory Metro Convention Center
1960 13th Ave Dr SE, Hickory
🗓 Friday, December 6th | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🗓 Saturday, December 7th | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
🗓 Sunday, December 8th | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

The Hickory Christmas show is a three day Christmas event. Prepare to shop ‘til you drop at this one, there will be more than 230 vendors offering handmade items such as jewelry, pottery, ornaments, and so much more. You are sure to find something for everyone. Shopping isn’t the only thing to get you in the Christmas spirit this weekend, there will be beautifully decorated Christmas trees, different performances on a main stage, and a special appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus!

🎟 Purchase tickets here.


Christmas Craft Bazaar

📍 Dogwood on Lake Norman
7062 Camp Dogwood Dr, Sherrills Ford, 28673
🗓 Saturday, December 7th | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

The Christmas Craft Bazaar is promoting local artisans and holiday spirit while making a positive impact in the lives of others. The mission of Camp Dogwood for the Blind and Visually Impaired is to improve the quality of life for those a part of the Visually Impaired community. They’ll have vendors selling their Christmas goodies as well as food, drinks, and more!


Christmas Craft Market

📍 The HUB Station
145 Cedar Valley Rd, Hudson, 28638
🗓 Saturday, December 7th | 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM

The 9th Annual Christmas Makers Market is taking place at the HUB Station Arts Center. There will be over 35 vendors selling their handmade creations. After you find your perfect unique treasures be sure to grab a tasty treat or a cozy drink and stick around for the Town of Hudson’s Christmas parade!


Holiday Market

📍 Grounded Coffeehouse
2657 East Main St, Lincolnton, NC 28092
🗓 Sunday, December 15th | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

This will be the first Holiday Market hosted by Grounded Coffeehouse. Grab yourself a warm cup of coffee or yummy hot chocolate before you check out the vendors offering unique options for holiday gifts. There will also be food trucks and yummy treats for sale to enjoy while you’re there.


Photo by Samuel Holt on Unsplash

Holiday markets and craft shows are more than just shopping events – they’re an opportunity to immerse yourself in the magic of the season while supporting local makers and businesses. Whether you’re looking for handcrafted gifts, festive decor, or simply a way to enjoy the holiday spirit with friends and family, these markets near Hickory, NC, have something for everyone.

So, grab a warm drink, explore the unique finds, and take in the festive cheer at one (or more!) of these fantastic events. Shopping local not only makes your gifts extra special but also helps strengthen our community. Let’s make this holiday season merry, meaningful, and memorable!

This is only a sampling of the many craft shows in our area this holiday season – let us know in the comments what your favorite market is that you attend!

Category: Community, Misc

Hi, I’m Emily — the creator behind Nothing to Do HKY.

My family and I moved to Western North Carolina in 2021 from the coast, drawn here by the mountains, the slower pace, and the feeling that this was a place meant to be lived in — not just passed through. We now call a six-acre patch of land home between Lenoir, Morganton, and Hickory, where we’re slowly building a life surrounded by gardens, animals, and a deep appreciation for the seasons.

Nothing to Do HKY began as a way to explore our new home, but it’s grown into something more: a love letter to Western North Carolina and the everyday beauty of life here.

This is a place to celebrate backroads and small towns, gardens and trails, local food and community gatherings — the simple, meaningful things that make this region feel like home. My hope is to help both locals and visitors fall in love with where they live (or where they’re visiting), and to see Western North Carolina not just as a destination, but as a way of life.

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