Seattle’s holiday markets and the beers to pair with them.
We are craft beer lovers. The sort of beer we appreciate is crafted and not mass-produced. We favor brewpubs and brewery taprooms with food trucks over corporate chain restaurants with wild wings. Often, this ethos translates to other things in our lives. Holiday shopping, for instance.
Around the Seattle area, there are a number of holiday markets that provide a way for you to get your shopping done without relying on large online retailers or big box stores. Below, I share some info about local, artisan holiday markets along with advice for nearby beer options. (For an extensive list of holiday markets in the Seattle area, see the story on Emerald Palate.)
Renton Holiday Bazaar: November 17 & 18, 2023
The Holiday Bazaar (formally the Hassle-Free Holiday Bazaar) is known for its high-quality artists, crafters, and vendors from Renton and the Puget Sound region. The two-day event is held at the Renton Community Center (map) and attracts approximately 7,000 visitors.
Admission is free to shoppers. Pro tip: Park downtown near the breweries and walk to the Bazaar at the Renton Community Center. It’s an easy 10-minute, 0.5-mile walk. Use Google Maps to guide you.
sponsor
sponsor
sponsor
sponsor
sponsor
sponsor
sponsor
sponsor
sponsor
sponsor
sponsor
sponsor
sponsor
sponsor
sponsor
sponsor
sponsor
sponsor
sponsor
sponsor
Beer Recommendations:
Dubtown Brewing – All-ages, pet-friendly taproom and brewery. No kitchen, but taproom picnics are welcome. Map.
sponsor
sponsor
sponsor
sponsor
sponsor
sponsor
sponsor
sponsor
Four Generals Brewing – Everything I said about Dubtown Brewing holds true at Four Generals. The two breweries are right around the corner from each other. Map.
Alki Court Bazaar: Saturday, November 18th (9:00 – 4:00)
Enjoy crafts, food, and more at this one-day Christmas market held at the Alki Masonic Center. The Alki Court Bazaar isn’t exactly a big event, but it’s always a good one. And there’s great beer nearby. Our recommendations are just a couple blocks from the Bazaar. Map.
Beer Recommendations:
- Elliott Bay Brewing – Stop by the beloved neighborhood brewpub (all-ages) for a pint and maybe a bite to eat. In the heart of downtown West Seattle at the Junction. Map.
- The Beer Junction – A block up the street from the brewpub, it’s not a brewery but The Beer Junction is one of the city’s premier craft beer destinations. 21+ only. Map.
- The Good Society – A couple miles up the road. Many local beer lovers are still discovering this award-winning brewery for the first time. All-ages taproom with pizza and other food, too. Is it the best brewery that you have not been to yet? Find out. Map.
Urban Craft Uprising’s Gobble Up Craft Show: Saturday, November 18th (10:00 – 5:00)
The Gobble Up Craft Show is a great place to find stuff for the foodie in your life. This one is totally food-focused and you won’t leave hungry. Check out Emerald Palate’s story to get an idea of the kind of stuff you’ll find at this one. The location may seem familiar: Hangar 30 at Magnuson Park also hosts the Winter Beer Fest. Map.
Beer Recommendations:
- Magnuson Cafe and Brewery – Located very nearby, this brewpub welcomes all ages. The deck, when weather allows, offers a scenic view of Lake Washington. Map.
- Burke-Gilman Brewing – Located along Sand Point just a couple miles south of Hangar 30. Great beer, a food truck, and other food options nearby. All-ages taproom. Map.
- Ravenna Brewing – Located about 2.5 miles away from Hangar 30, this brewery and taproom is family- and dog-friendly. You’ll often find a food truck parked out front. Or bring your own munchables. Map.
Julefest in Ballard: November 18th and 19th
Julefest is a Nordic-style holiday market at the Nordic Heritage Museum in Ballard. The annual celebration includes discounts at the museum store. Munch on some cookies as you shop at the outdoor Christmas market. Map.
Beer Recommendations:
- Cloudburst Brewing – I only have one recommendation, but it is a good one. The brewery’s all-ages taproom on Shilshole Avenu is right around the corner from the museum. Indoor seating as well as covered, outdoor seating. The Dump Truck serves up Asian-inspired cuisine, including dumplings. Get it? Map.
- Ballard – You’re in Ballard. There are a dozen other breweries nearby. Take your pick.
Seattle Christmas Market: Starts November 24th
This year, The Seattle Christmas Market takes over Seattle Center (Fisher Pavillion and the South Fountain Lawn). Along with the holiday market enjoy light installations, a carousel, live entertainment, a scavenger hunt, and more. It’s a ticketed event so visit the event website for more details. It runs through December 24th – see the hours of operation here.
Beer Recommendations:
Fast Fashion Brewing – The brewery’s taproom on Lower Queen Anne is dog-friendly and all-ages until 10 p.m. (21+ when they stay open late for events). They have hot dogs and veggie dogs, plus they welcome outside food. Map.
Queen Anne Beer Hall – Okay, it’s not a brewery but the Queen Anne Beer Hall is right down the street and it’s pretty awesome. A big European-style beer hall with a great beer selection and German-style fare to fill your belly. Kids are welcome, dogs are not. Map.
Bizarre Bazaar Holiday Market: November 25th, 11:00 – 6:00
The Georgetown Trailer Park Mall is cool enough on its own, but for the Bizarre Bazaar, they’ve invited more than 45 vendors to join the realm. What is the Trailer Park Mall? Hard to explain, but you really should experience it. This is a great excuse to do that. Map.
Beer Recommendations:
- Jellyfish Brewing – Very nearby and really good. Beer-only taproom, all-ages, no kitchen. Go here for the beer. I am guessing that on the day of the Bizarre Bazaar, it’s gonna be busy! Map.
- Georgetown Brewing – You’re probably familiar with this all-ages taproom, so I won’t bore you with details. Just go and experience some beers that are not named Manny’s or Bohdi. Map.
- Full Throttle Bottles – Okay, it’s not a brewery but it kind of kicks ass and it is very near the event. Bottleshop with killer beer on tap. Map.
======
We’ll keep an eye on things. If we learn about more markets like this happening in December, we’ll add them here.
