Del Mar Coastal Connections

Del Mar is rolling out the red carpet for the holiday season with markets, lights, and enough holiday cheer to make even the Grinch smile. Whether you’re hunting for that perfect handmade gift or just want to sip hot cocoa under twinkling lights, this coastal community has transformed into a winter wonderland that celebrates local makers, small businesses, and good old-fashioned family fun.

When the Markets Open Their Doors

The big kickoff happens when Coastal Christmas opens at the Del Mar Fairgrounds on December 12, 2025. This isn’t your average holiday event. Picture millions of lights, an ice skating rink, and a holiday market packed with local vendors ready to solve all your gift-giving dilemmas. The festivities run through December 26, giving you multiple chances to experience the magic without the stress of cramming it all into one weekend.

The fairgrounds host this spectacular event on select dates throughout the month, making it easy to plan around your schedule. December 12 through 14 kicks things off, followed by December 18 through 23, and wrapping up on December 26. Daily hours run from 4 PM to 9 PM, perfect for after-work visits or evening family outings when the lights truly shine.

Where Local Artisans Steal the Show

The holiday market at Coastal Christmas brings together makers and creators who’ve been perfecting their crafts all year long. You’ll find booths filled with handmade jewelry, pottery, artwork, and one-of-a-kind pieces that you definitely won’t see at the mall. These artisans pour their hearts into every item, which means the gift you buy tells a story and supports someone’s dream.

Beyond the main event, Del Mar’s surrounding communities offer additional opportunities to shop local. The Del Mar Fairgrounds regularly hosts craft markets and artisan events throughout the year, building a strong community of makers who call San Diego County home. Small boutiques in the Del Mar village area also get into the holiday spirit, featuring local artists and their handcrafted goods.

Shopping at these markets means you’re getting quality over quantity. That ceramic mug was thrown on a wheel by someone who lives right here. Those leather goods were stitched by hands that know their craft inside and out. Your money goes directly to people building businesses from the ground up, not corporate headquarters halfway across the world.

Family Fun That Goes Beyond Shopping

Coastal Christmas understands that dragging kids through vendor booths only works for about 15 minutes before someone starts whining. That’s why they’ve packed the event with activities that keep everyone entertained. Frosty’s Fun Zone offers a dedicated play area where little ones can burn off energy while you catch your breath.

The eco-friendly ice skating rink gives families a chance to glide around together, even though you’re in Southern California where snow is more myth than reality. The rink uses synthetic ice technology, so you get the real skating experience without the freezing temperatures. Photos with Santa let you capture those holiday memories, complete with wish lists and promises to be good.

Live entertainment fills the air throughout the event, creating a festive atmosphere that makes browsing more enjoyable. The Holiday Wine Walk offers adults a chance to sample local wines while strolling through the festivities. For those who want an elevated experience, private igloos with fire pits can be reserved, giving you your own cozy space to roast s’mores and enjoy drinks brought right to you.

Why Shopping Small Matters Now More Than Ever

When you buy from a small business or local artisan during the holidays, you’re doing more than checking names off your list. You’re helping someone pay their rent, fund their kids’ activities, or keep their creative passion alive. These vendors depend on holiday sales to sustain them through slower months, and your purchase makes a real difference in their lives.

The makers at Del Mar’s holiday markets often use locally sourced materials and sustainable practices. They’re not mass-producing items in factories overseas. They’re creating limited quantities with attention to detail that shows in every stitch, brushstroke, or welded joint. That means your gift recipient gets something truly special, not item number 10,000 off an assembly line.

Supporting small businesses also strengthens the local economy. Money spent at these markets circulates within the community, helping other small businesses thrive. Plus, you’ll likely get to meet the person who made your purchase, hear the story behind it, and maybe even request custom modifications. Try getting that kind of personal service from a big-box retailer.

Del Mar’s holiday markets create memories while checking off your shopping list. You’ll find unique gifts, support local dreamers, and soak up the coastal California winter atmosphere. The fairgrounds transform into a holiday destination that celebrates creativity, community, and the joy of finding that perfect present made with care.