The holiday season in Shores & Islands, Ohio, is a festive time, perfect for discovering unique gifts and experiencing local Christmas markets. Whether you’re strolling through holiday bazaars, exploring charming downtown shops, or attending seasonal events, there’s no shortage of opportunities to find thoughtful, one-of-a-kind presents. From handcrafted items made by local artisans to specialty goods that capture the region’s coastal charm, Shores & Islands Ohio offers an amazing holiday shopping experience.
Dive into the spirit of the season and discover why this lakeside destination is the perfect place for holiday gift hunting. Check out these holiday market shopping opportunities!
Sandusky Christmas Market, Sandusky Nov 29-Dec 14
This all-new outdoor market features an array of local artisans in beautifully decorated enclosed stalls, festive food vendors, live entertainment, and family fun. The event is held at the Mylander Plaza in downtown Sandusky. Hosted by the Jim Corso Family Foundation in cooperation with the City of Sandusky, Shores and Islands Ohio, and the Greater Sandusky Partnership, this Christmas Market is set to transform downtown Sandusky into a magical winter wonderland this holiday season. The three-weekend-long market event will run from Friday, November 29, through Saturday, December 14. Eventually, this will lead to Sandusky’s 4th annual Winter Wonderland event, which will conclude that evening with a fantastic fireworks display!
Holiday Market at Gideon Owen Wine Company, Catawba Nov 29-Dec 22
A local favorite returns with four weekends of shopping. This season, treat your whole family to old-world enchantment & modern-day fun! Join Gideon Owen Wine Company for a delightful shopping experience and find unique gifts for your loved ones.
Whether you’re on the hunt for handcrafted goods or festive treats, this market is the perfect place to kickstart your holiday season and take part in Christmas events. The market includes a variety of vendors in individual glass stalls, plus entertainment from local music groups and photo opportunities.
Lights on the Northcoast, Sandusky Nov 15-Dec 31 (Shopping Dec 7-8, 14-15)
Jingle Bell Rock towards Lights on the Northcoast’s Christmas drive-thru light display & interactive walk-thru light display at the Erie County Fairgrounds. There will be an epic amount of over 1 million lights and amazing photo ops. Also, join the holiday fun with indoor Christmas-themed putt-putt, open nightly. There will be two special weekends (Dec 7-8 and Dec 14-15) of the indoor Christmas Village. On hand will be more than 30 vendors, food trucks, and much more.
Sights, Sounds & Scents of the Holidays at Kelleys Island Wine Co., Kelleys Island, Nov 30
Come enjoy holiday-themed food and drinks, kid’s activities, and cookie decorating. There will also be deals and discounts on an array of gifts, along with live music. In the Spirit of Christmas, they will also be collecting unwrapped toys for Victory Kitchen’s Christmas toy drive. They will also be accepting cash and check contributions to be donated in the name of Kelleys Island.
Shop Small Saturday, Vermilion, Nov 30
Visit downtown Vermilion to get a jump start on Christmas shopping, meet local business owners, and invest your dollars back into the community. Main Street Vermilion is the welcome center for Shop Small Saturday. Stop in between 10 am and 4 pm and pick up your free collector canvas tote while they last.
Local merchants also have Shop Small Saturday specials, sales, and discounts for you. Additionally, Main Street also has information about shopping in Vermilion. Shop in the Vermilion Arts Guild Gallery first. You’ll find original artwork, prints, photography, pottery, fabric art, jewelry, cards and more.
Perkins Township WinterFest, Sandusky, Dec 7
Enjoy food trucks, craft vendors, a petting zoo, fire pits with a s’mores bar and free hot chocolate. Don’t miss Santa’s arrival! They can’t wait to see you and celebrate this beautiful winter season.
Mulberry Creek Herb Farm’s Christkindlmarkt, Huron Dec 7-8
Celebrate, shop, eat, and drink with your friends at Mulberry Creek Herb Farm’s 14th Annual Christkindlmarkt. 20 Artisans, German food and warm beverages, holiday music (including a live choir), “12 days of Christmas” raffle, and more, all held inside the warm greenhouses.
This Christkindlmarkt is modeled after the German outdoor Christmas Markets, where neighbors meet to shop and socialize. Plus, visit the new Mulberry Creek Wines for a tasting.
Merry Merry Market Barn at Quarry Hill Orchards, Berlin Heights, Dec 9
Quarry Hill offers fun family activities inspired by the Winter Solstice. Celebrate the Scandinavian tradition of Santa Lucia with the Gammie family. Mull through the market and listen to holiday music; soak up some love from farm pup Hudson. Then warm up your hands with a cup of hot apple cider from Poppy Bill; sip on a glass of Quarry Hill Wine; snack on homemade Tamales from Miss Lidia.
Don’t forget to create your very own fresh apple gift box to send to your loved ones this holiday season. Enjoy a festive scavenger hunt, smores roasting, and memory-making. Santa Claus will make an appearance as well!
Shop Shores & Islands Ohio for your holiday needs this year and enjoy the best Christmas markets, sights, and sounds of the season…it’s a SHORE thing! Visit SHORESandISLANDS.com to plan your visit.
Visit Compass Ohio for more holiday shopping ideas.
