Festive Markets & Holiday Shopping Hotspots in Greater Fort Lauderdale

Known for bringing talented crafters together for its network of recurring markets, Flamingo Flea is focused on promoting growth and sustainability in Greater Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and beyond. For the holiday season, Flamingo Flea will host a lineup of Merry Market events to celebrate the progressive community. 

The Merry Market will set up shop on Wednesday, Nov. 26, at Revelry in Pompano, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., for a round of bites, sips, and shopping. The event will include a toy drive, so bring a gift and give back to add to the warm and cozy feel-good vibes. 

The Merry Market series will continue through the holiday season with additional festivities from the biggest shopping week of the year to Christmas Week with a Small Business Weekend Merry Market at Marina Village Fort Lauderdale Beach on Sunday, Nov. 30 from noon to 4 p.m.; a Merry Market Ladies Night Market at The Shorely on Thursday, Dec. 11 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; and one final Merry Market scheduled at Marina Village Fort Lauderdale Beach on Sunday, Dec. 21 from noon to 4 p.m. Enjoy good weather, great views, uplifting tunes, and the awesome food and beverage offerings at this laid-back, waterfront food hall (Marina Village) with its lively floating ferry bar (The Shorely).

If you’re ready for Greater Fort Lauderdale, FL’s ultimate shop-til-you-drop holiday experience, Sawgrass Mills delivers a retail marathon unlike anything else. Come one, come all gift-hunters to the largest collection of 350 outlets and value-driven retail shops in the U.S. From Bloomingdale’s, BrandsMart USA, David Yurman, Old Navy Outlet, GUCCI Kids, Under Armour Factory House, Tory Burch, Nike Factory Store, Jimmy Choo, Janie and Jack Outlet, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF FIFTH, and more, you’ll find gifts for everyone on your list — and maybe a few treats for yourself.

Holiday shopping hours typically run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., giving you plenty of time to browse, compare, and cross off items through Tuesday, Dec. 23. And for the last-minute shoppers, Sawgrass Mills has you covered on Christmas Eve with hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Las Olas Oceanside Park (The Loop) kicks off its Candyland celebration with the Candyland Holiday Bazaar, a sweet, festive marketplace along Gingerbread Lane. Browse holiday finds from local makers at The MKT, enjoy Santa visits, seasonal crafts, and eco-friendly gingerbread décor by Stoked on Salt. Giant inflatables and gingerbread-themed photo ops add plenty of cheerful moments for all ages.

On Saturday, December 13, enjoy activities from 9 a.m.–5 p.m., including all-day Letters to Santa, gingerbread crafts, and oversized inflatables. Join Candy Cane Flow Yoga from 9:45–11 a.m., visit Santa from 10 a.m.–1 p.m., meet Buddy the Elf and Jovi from 12–2 p.m., and enjoy live music by Nick Merico from 12–3 p.m.

On December 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Pompano Beach Historical Society, in partnership with the City of Pompano Beach, presents a special holiday edition of the Green Market at the Pompano Beach Cultural Center. Browse fresh fruits and vegetables, shop local vendors, and discover plants, holiday-themed crafts, art, and culinary treats—perfect for seasonal gifting or elevating your holiday spread.

Make a morning of it with a free yoga class, a dance class, and a cheerful visit from Santa Claus. It’s a festive, feel-good way to support local makers and soak up the holiday spirit in Pompano Beach.

On December 5–6, Jaco Pastorius Park transforms into a festive winter wonderland for the free annual Oakland Park Holiday Village. The fun kicks off on Friday from 5:30–10 p.m. and continues Saturday from 1–9 p.m., starting with the lighting of the towering 40-foot Christmas tree alongside Santa and the City Commissioners.

Browse the artisan market for handmade gifts, drop letters into Santa’s Mailbox, and meet Santa, the Grinch, and other holiday characters. Enjoy family favorites like the artificial ice-skating rink, carousel, and snow slide, plus live entertainment throughout the weekend from local bands, dancers, and choirs. With plenty of bites and beverages available, it’s a cheerful way to celebrate the seas

An annual tradition in its 63rd year, bookmark Christmas on Las Olas, which is set to take place on Tuesday, Dec. 2, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The one-night-only event is family-friendly and free, and will feature live performances from 30 local schools and organizations. First, go shopping locally at 60 vendor booths offering special holiday deals from 6th Avenue to 11th Avenue. Then, go sledding down Snow Mountain, rent a pair of skates, and take a few laps on the ice skating rink. Finally, pose for photos with Santa in Santa’s Village, snap some family shots at the Good Times Roll Bus, and give a high-five to our hometown hockey hero, Stanley the Florida Panther. 

If you’re dressed to impress for the festive season, you might just win a special prize. And, a number of vendors are hosting raffles and giveaways to sweeten the night. Bites and holiday refreshments from Elf & Pubs, the event’s special vendors, will round out the night. 

If you want to avoid driving and parking, grab some fresh air on a water taxi or hop a ride on the Circuit.