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Holiday shopping season in Essex County starts this week. We rounded up five holiday markets and craft sales between November 13 and December 20, 2026, from a boutique inside a historic Montclair mansion to four straight weekends of vendors at Lackawanna Plaza.
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Holiday Boutique at Van Vleck House
- Town: Montclair
- Where: Van Vleck House & Gardens, 21 Van Vleck Street, Montclair, NJ
- When: Friday, November 13 and Saturday, November 14, 2026, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, November 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Montclair Foundation turns Van Vleck House into a holiday shop decorated in sparkly splendor, with local vendors and women-owned businesses selling gifts for everyone on your list. Members get first access at a Members’ Night on Thursday, November 12, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The vendor roster for this year is full, so expect a packed house. Volunteer sign-ups for the foundation’s fall fundraisers are linked on the event page.
Friends of South Orange Library Holiday Jewelry Sale
- Town: South Orange
- Where: Baird Recreation Center, 5 Mead Street, South Orange, NJ 07079
- When: Saturday, November 14, 2026, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, November 15, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The Friends of South Orange Library hold their annual Holiday Jewelry Sale over two days, with hundreds of pieces priced for every holiday budget. Look for fine boutique pieces, sterling silver, designer items, watches, vintage finds and a large assortment of quality costume jewelry, including necklaces, rings, earrings, bracelets and brooches.
Street parking is available. Your purchase supports the library’s friends group, so it is gift shopping with a little extra good built in.
Livingston Holiday Craft Fair
- Town: Livingston
- Where: Livingston Senior/Community Center, 204 Hillside Avenue, Livingston, NJ
- When: Saturday, November 21, 2026, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Cost: Free admission and parking
Livingston Recreation’s Holiday Craft Fair brings local makers and small businesses together for an afternoon of shopping. Expect handcrafted gifts, holiday decor, artisanal treats, custom artwork, jewelry and more.
Makers who want a table can still apply. Spots are $100 with a power outlet or $85 without, and each includes a 6-foot table and two chairs.
Montclair Flea’s Holiday Market
- Town: Montclair
- Where: 1 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair, NJ 07042
- When: Every Saturday and Sunday from Saturday, November 28 through Sunday, December 20, 2026, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Montclair Flea moves to every weekend for the holidays, starting on Small Business Saturday. Curated vendors bring festive decor, handmade gifts, vintage treasures and cozy accessories.
The market is indoors, so the weather will not slow you down. With four weekends to choose from, it is an easy stop to fit in between other holiday plans.
Handmade Holiday at The Woodland
- Town: Maplewood
- Where: The Woodland, 60 Woodland Road, Maplewood, NJ 07040
- When: Sunday, December 13, 2026, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Cost: Free admission
This annual tradition from Maplewood Arts & Culture fills two floors of The Woodland with 60 artisan vendors selling one-of-a-kind, handmade goods. It is family-friendly and runs rain or shine, since everything is indoors.
More pop-ups and holiday events are on the way. Keep checking Shop Essex County for more happening around Essex County this season.
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