Picture it: hot cider in one hand, a bag of handmade ornaments in the other, and a maker telling you exactly how she poured the candle you just bought for your sister. That’s a holiday market, and it’s my favorite way to check names off the list. Every dollar lands in a neighbor’s pocket.

So we built you a game plan. Our new guide rounds up 15 holiday markets across Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, Caroline and King George. Here’s how the season shakes out, weekend by weekend:

Nov. 14 and 15, kickoff weekend: Holiday Open House fills downtown Fredericksburg with shop specials and giveaways, the Pottery Throwdown takes over Hurkamp Park, and the Tree Lighting lights up Riverfront Park Saturday evening. Out in Spotsylvania, Ole Roosting Box hosts a cozy holiday market too.

Nov. 21, the stacked Saturday: Four events in one day, including Stafford’s brand new Holiday Market at the Tree Lighting and a 40-foot tree lighting in Spotsylvania Courthouse Village. Pace yourself.

Nov. 28, Small Business Saturday: The Mistletoe Market fills Hurkamp Park from 9 to 1, then head to Eden Try Winery for their Fall Harvest Festival with local vendors, line dancing and pie paired with wine.

Dec. 4 to 6, the marathon: More than 350 vendors at the Fredericksburg Holiday Craft Show. Wear comfy shoes.

Dec. 12, Super Saturday: FAMFaire turns historic Market Square into a German-style holiday market, with Santa inside the museum. The same day brings the Kris Kringle Market at Backporch Vineyard, the Candy Cane Lane Christmas Market in Bowling Green and the Winter Kids’ Market in Hurkamp Park.

Dec. 19, last call: Finish your list at the North Pole Holiday Market at Strangeways.

My favorite detail? The kids markets, where young makers sell their own creations. Bring small bills. You’ll want them.

Grab the full guide here: Holiday Markets Near Fredericksburg, VA: 2026 Guide

Know a market we missed? Hit reply and tell me. We'll keep adding to it all season.

Lace up your holiday spirit, neighbors. The Frosty 5K and 1 Mile Reindeer Run celebrates its 10th year on Saturday, December 12, at Embrey Mill Park in Stafford, and it’s the final race of the 2026 Stafford Race Series.

The Reindeer Run for kids ages 3 to 12 starts at 9:00 AM, and the 5K follows at 9:30 AM. Both courses are USATF certified. Costumes are encouraged, with prizes at the awards ceremony, and the top three overall male and female 5K finishers win cash. Strollers are welcome (start at the back), but leave the dogs at home.

Registration includes a long-sleeve shirt and a custom finisher’s medal. Sign up by November 23 to guarantee your shirt.

Proceeds benefit Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation, which teaches CPR and AED use, places AEDs in schools and public spaces, and supports scholarships and research.

Register online: runsignup.com/frosty5kandreindeerrun_signup

John and Tammy Reid are lifelong Fredericksburg natives with over 30 years of mortgage experience who believe homeownership is not a transaction. It is one of life's biggest moments. Their team at Union Home Mortgage delivers a hands-on, relationship-first approach for every stage of the homeownership journey, from first-time buyers to refinancing, VA loans, new construction, and more. Community is at the core of everything they do, and it shows.

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