South Carolina Craft Fairs That Make Holiday Shopping Fun Again
Holiday shopping malls can get crowded and stressful during the festive season. Luckily, South Carolina offers charming alternatives with its vibrant craft fair scene.
From coastal markets to mountain town festivals, these craft fairs showcase local artisans, unique handmade gifts, and seasonal treats that make shopping feel special again. Here’s my curated list of craft fairs across the Palmetto State where you can find one-of-a-kind treasures while supporting local creators.
1. Charleston Christmas Market
Cobblestone streets transform into a wonderland of handcrafted joy during this iconic market in historic Charleston. Local artisans display everything from sweetgrass baskets to hand-poured candles in charming wooden stalls decorated with twinkling lights.
I love visiting on Thursday evenings when carolers perform and hot cider flows freely. The market extends beyond Marion Square into surrounding streets, creating a festive atmosphere that’s impossible to resist.
Kids can enjoy the Santa’s Workshop area while parents browse unique jewelry, pottery, and textiles. Many vendors offer personalization, making those last-minute gifts feel thoughtfully planned. The blend of Lowcountry culture and holiday spirit makes this market pure magic.
2. Greenville Holiday Market at the Farmers Market Pavilion
Nestled along the Reedy River, this bustling market combines the charm of Greenville’s downtown with exceptional handmade treasures. The pavilion’s rustic wooden beams draped with evergreen garlands create the perfect backdrop for discovering unique gifts.
Artisans from across the Upstate region showcase their talents with handcrafted soaps, wooden toys, and festive home décor. You’ll find me sampling the homemade fudge while browsing pottery displays!
Live music from local musicians fills the air while food trucks serve seasonal treats that warm your hands and heart. What makes this market special is the genuine connection between makers and shoppers artisans happily share their creative processes and inspiration behind each piece.
3. Spartanburg Mistletoe Market
Housed in the renovated Grain District, this indoor-outdoor market offers a cozy shopping experience regardless of weather. Vintage industrial spaces transform into a holiday haven with over 100 vendors selling everything from hand-knit scarves to artisanal chocolates.
My favorite section features local blacksmiths creating custom ornaments on-site watching metal transform into delicate snowflakes is mesmerizing! The market’s layout encourages exploration through themed zones like “Kitchen Creations” and “Fiber Arts.”
Hunting for unique gifts becomes an adventure with hidden gems around every corner. The market’s commitment to showcasing true craftsmanship means you’ll find gifts with substance and story. Their strict “handmade-only” policy ensures authentic treasures you won’t find at big box stores.
4. Columbia Crafty Feast
This hip, juried craft fair takes over the Columbia Convention Center with a modern twist on holiday shopping. Unlike traditional markets, Crafty Feast celebrates the quirky and contemporary with bold prints, upcycled furniture, and avant-garde jewelry.
DJ sets replace Christmas carols, creating an energetic atmosphere that draws a younger crowd. I always discover something unexpected here last year I found gorgeous botanical prints pressed with native South Carolina plants!
The market’s emphasis on sustainability shines through with many vendors using reclaimed materials in creative ways. Interactive booths let shoppers customize purchases or try crafting techniques. What truly sets this fair apart is its celebration of the unexpected you’ll find gifts for even your hardest-to-shop-for friends who “already have everything.”
5. Myrtle Beach Boardwalk Holiday Craft Market
Ocean views provide a stunning backdrop for this beachside market where coastal-inspired crafts meet holiday cheer. Colorful beach cottages temporarily transform into craft boutiques selling sea glass jewelry, driftwood art, and hand-painted surfboards.
Salty air mingles with the scent of roasting chestnuts as you stroll the boardwalk. My favorite tradition is watching sunset while browsing the illuminated evening market when everything glows with string lights and lanterns.
Live steel drum bands add a tropical twist to holiday tunes, creating a laid-back atmosphere unique to this coastal celebration. The market brilliantly captures Myrtle Beach’s dual identity as both beach town and holiday destination. Many crafts cleverly incorporate beach themes into holiday traditions think Santa riding a wave or wreaths made from collected shells.
6. Aiken Christkindlmarket
German traditions blend with Southern hospitality at this European-inspired market in historic Aiken. The town’s equestrian heritage shows in the park setting where wooden chalets arranged around a central pine tree sell handcrafted ornaments, nutcrackers, and artisanal foods.
The aroma of mulled wine and fresh pretzels draws crowds to food stalls where local bakers offer traditional German treats alongside Southern specialties. Children’s eyes light up at the hand-carved wooden toys and puppet shows performed throughout the day.
Horsedrawn carriage rides around the illuminated park create magical memories between shopping adventures. What separates this market is its authentic recreation of European holiday traditions while incorporating local Aiken culture. Many artisans focus on equestrian-themed crafts that honor the town’s history while creating unique holiday keepsakes you won’t find elsewhere.
7. Hilton Head Island Art Festival Holiday Edition
Upscale artistry meets island charm at this sophisticated market showcasing fine arts and premium crafts. Gallery-quality paintings, sculptures, and jewelry transform Shelter Cove Harbor into an outdoor art exhibition with a festive twist.
Artists from across the Southeast display works that range from Lowcountry landscapes to abstract pieces inspired by coastal elements. I always discover something extraordinary here my favorite find was a hand-blown glass ornament containing swirls of sand collected from local beaches.
Live jazz performances create an elegant soundtrack for browsing the high-end offerings. This isn’t your typical craft fair it’s where serious art collectors and gift-givers find museum-quality pieces with personal connections to the region. The market excels at presenting fine art in an approachable setting where artists eagerly discuss their techniques and inspiration.
8. Greenwood Handmade for the Holidays
Small-town warmth radiates throughout this community-centered market held in Greenwood’s revitalized Uptown district. Historic storefronts open their doors for pop-up shops while the town square hosts outdoor vendors selling everything from hand-poured candles to custom wooden toys.
The market’s charm comes from its genuine community feel many artisans are local teachers, firefighters, and neighbors who craft as passionate side pursuits. I love chatting with the retired science teacher who makes incredible kaleidoscopes using local wood!
Free gift-wrapping stations staffed by volunteer groups make shopping convenient while supporting local causes. The market beautifully showcases Greenwood’s renaissance as a creative hub. Multi-generational crafting traditions shine through in many booths where parents and children create together from family pottery studios to woodworking collaborations that blend traditional techniques with fresh designs.
9. Pawleys Island Hammock Artisans Holiday Fair
Laid-back coastal vibes define this unique market celebrating the island’s famous hammock-making heritage alongside diverse local crafts. The open-air pavilion houses artisans who weave traditional Pawleys Island hammocks alongside those creating modern interpretations of coastal crafts.
Demonstrations of the centuries-old rope-knotting techniques draw crowds throughout the day. I could watch the skilled hammock weavers for hours their fingers fly through complex patterns passed down through generations.
Beyond hammocks, you’ll discover sea-inspired pottery, handwoven sweetgrass baskets, and oyster shell art. The market perfectly captures the unhurried, authentic spirit of Pawleys Island. What makes this fair special is its focus on preserving traditional crafts while encouraging innovation. Many vendors combine historic techniques with contemporary designs, creating pieces that honor the past while appealing to modern tastes.
10. Rock Hill Christmasville Artisan Market
Victorian charm meets modern craftsmanship at this enchanting market that transforms Rock Hill’s historic district into a holiday wonderland. The entire four-block area becomes pedestrian-only, with restored historic buildings housing pop-up galleries and craft stations.
Gas lamps illuminate cobblestone streets where artisans in period costumes demonstrate traditional crafts like candle dipping and letterpress printing. I always spend extra time watching the glassblowers create delicate ornaments using techniques passed down for generations.
Horse-drawn carriage rides between market sections add to the old-world ambiance. What makes Christmasville special is how it balances nostalgia with fresh creativity. Alongside traditional crafts, you’ll find innovative makers using modern techniques to create contemporary pieces that still honor Southern heritage and craftsmanship.
11. Oconee Mountain Holiday Craft Market
Breathtaking mountain views form the backdrop for this rustic market showcasing Appalachian crafts and mountain traditions. The timber-framed pavilion at Oconee State Park fills with artisans selling hand-carved wooden bowls, mountain dulcimers, and quilts that tell stories through their patterns.
Woodsmoke scents the air from the blacksmith’s forge where custom fireplace tools take shape. I always spend time watching the chair makers who harvest local trees and transform them into heirloom furniture using only traditional hand tools.
Bluegrass performances throughout the day add authentic mountain atmosphere to the shopping experience. The market excels at preserving Appalachian heritage while creating practical, beautiful items. Many craftspeople use techniques passed down for generations, creating pieces that connect purchasers with mountain traditions. The remote setting adds to the special feeling of discovering treasures far from commercial shopping centers.
12. Sumter Festival of Handmade Ornaments
Specializing exclusively in handcrafted Christmas ornaments, this unique market transforms Sumter’s Opera House into a wonderland of miniature art. Each vendor creates ornaments using different techniques from blown glass and carved wood to quilted fabric and painted gourds.
The two-story historic venue allows shoppers to browse hundreds of distinct ornament styles organized by theme and material. My annual tradition involves finding dated ornaments that commemorate the year’s special moments the artisans happily personalize purchases on-site.
Demonstration stations throughout the venue show the intricate processes behind creating these tiny treasures. What makes this market special is its focused concept by concentrating solely on ornaments, it attracts master craftspeople who have perfected their specialized techniques. The ornaments range from traditional to whimsical, ensuring something for every tree style, and many shoppers return annually to build collections from favorite artists.
13. Florence Agricultural Center Holiday Craft & Food Fair
Farm-to-gift shopping defines this rural market where agricultural traditions blend with handcrafted holiday treasures. The sprawling Agricultural Center transforms into a showcase for farmers who create value-added products from their harvests alongside traditional craftspeople.
Homespun wool from local sheep becomes luxurious scarves, while beeswax from nearby apiaries transforms into sculptural candles and beauty products. You’ll find me sampling the pecan pralines and sourwood honey while browsing handcrafted cutting boards made from fallen local trees.
Demonstrations of traditional farm crafts like butter churning and corn husk doll-making entertain while educating visitors about rural traditions. The market brilliantly connects agricultural heritage with holiday gifting. Many products represent complete farm-to-finish stories like lavender sachets grown, harvested, sewn and embroidered all by one family farm, creating gifts with authentic farm-fresh connections.
14. Beaufort Artisan Market by the Bay
Sea breezes carry the scent of pine and cinnamon at this waterfront market showcasing coastal-inspired crafts. White tents line the promenade where artisans sell driftwood sculptures, oyster shell ornaments, and indigo-dyed textiles that capture Lowcountry essence.
The stunning backdrop of sailboats in the harbor makes shopping here feel like a mini-vacation. Children delight in the sand-sculpting station while parents browse handcrafted gifts with maritime themes.
When hunger strikes, seafood vendors offer fresh catches prepared with holiday flair. The market perfectly balances sophisticated coastal art with accessible crafts at various price points. I particularly appreciate how local heritage influences the crafts from Gullah basket weaving demonstrations to sweetgrass wreath-making workshops that connect shopping with cultural traditions.
