Celebrate the Season: The Best Holiday Market Sunrise Guide for 2026

While the rest of the country is digging out of the snow, the holiday season in Sunrise, Florida, is defined by swaying palms, iced lattes, and vibrant outdoor gatherings. In South Florida, our "winter" is the peak season for outdoor markets, coinciding with the world-renowned Art Basel season and a massive influx of tourists. For local organizers, managing these high-traffic events is made easy by Unite Worldwide, the premier platform for vendor and event management.

Whether you are a local resident looking for the perfect handmade gift or an artisan vendor looking to capitalize on the 2026 season, this guide to the best holiday market Sunrise options and nearby South Florida gems has everything you need to know.

Top 6 Holiday Markets in Sunrise and South Florida

1. Sunrise Arts & Crafts Festival featuring Winter Wonderland

Located at the beautiful Welleby Park (11100 NW 44th Street), this is arguably the best holiday market Sunrise hosts each year. This event transforms the park into a festive hub featuring over 100 craft vendors selling unique jewelry, home decor, and holiday ornaments. The "Winter Wonderland" portion is a hit for families, often featuring man-made snow play areas—a rare treat in our tropical climate.

• When: Typically mid-December (Saturdays, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM).
• Expect: Live entertainment, a dedicated Santa’s workshop for kids, and plenty of local artisan goods.
• Parking: Free parking is available at the park, but arrive early as it fills up quickly by noon.

2. Sunrise "Light Up the Holidays" at the Civic Center

Held at the Sunrise Civic Center Amphitheater, this event is more than just a market; it is a full-scale community celebration. The highlight for 2026 includes a festive drone light show and the official tree lighting. Local food trucks line the area, offering a taste of our bilingual community with everything from traditional American fare to Latin American street food like arepas and empanadas.

• When: Early December (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM).
• Highlights: Tree lighting, food truck rally, and holiday music performances.
• Tip: Bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the drone show comfortably.

3. The Christmas Palace at Sawgrass Mills

For those who want a massive, immersive shopping experience, the new Christmas Palace location at Sawgrass Mills (12751 W Sunrise Blvd) is a must-visit. While it operates year-round, its 2026 holiday season is set to be the largest yet. It serves as a central hub where shoppers can find professional-grade holiday decor that fits the grand South Florida aesthetic.

• When: Daily, with extended holiday hours.
• Specialty: Grand-scale ornaments and themed trees that are popular with Broward and Miami-Dade designers.

4. Village Art Plaza Farmers Market (Holiday Edition)

Located in the heart of Sunrise at 2260 NW 68th Avenue, the Village Art Plaza hosts a monthly market that levels up for the holidays. This is the perfect place to see the year-round growing season of South Florida in action, with fresh local produce mixed with holiday-themed crafts. It’s a smaller, more intimate sunrise florida holiday market experience.

• When: Second Saturday of the month (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM).
• What to find: Artisanal soaps, local honey, and tropical holiday plants.

5. Garden of Lights at Flamingo Gardens

Just a short drive south of Sunrise in Davie, the Garden of Lights is an iconic South Florida tradition. The botanical gardens are draped in thousands of lights, creating a magical evening market atmosphere. It’s an excellent spot for vendors focusing on eco-friendly or botanical-themed gifts.

• When: Late November through December.
• Expect: Nightly musical performances and a Hoffman’s Chocolates pop-up shop.

6. Yellow Green Farmers Market (Hollywood, FL)

While not technically in Sunrise, no sunrise holiday market guide is complete without mentioning Yellow Green. As the largest covered market in South Florida, it is a staple for Broward County residents. During December, the 300+ vendors go all-out with holiday decorations and seasonal specialties.

• When: Saturdays and Sundays (10:00 AM – 7:00 PM).
• Vibe: High energy, massive variety of international foods, and local crafts.

How to Become a Vendor in the Sunrise Holiday Scene

South Florida is one of the most competitive and lucrative regions for market vendors, especially during the holiday and Art Basel seasons. To succeed as a vendor at a sunrise holiday market, you need to stay organized. Many local organizers now use Unite Worldwide to manage their applications and floor plans.

Vendor Tips for 2026:

• Bilingual Branding: With a large Spanish-speaking population, having signage in both English and Spanish can significantly boost your sales.
• Prepare for the Heat: Even in December, Sunrise can see temperatures in the 80s. Ensure your booth is well-ventilated and your products can withstand the humidity.
• Leverage Tech: Organizers are moving away from paper. Use Unite Worldwide to browse Miami events and secure your spot early before the Art Basel rush.

Pro Tips for Visiting South Florida Holiday Markets

Visiting a best holiday market sunrise location requires a little bit of local knowledge to avoid the crowds and the heat:

• Best Time to Arrive: For morning markets like Welleby Park, arrive at opening (usually 10:00 AM). For evening light shows, arrive 30 minutes before sunset to secure parking.
• Payment: While most vendors at larger Sunrise events accept credit cards, having cash is helpful for smaller food truck purchases or quick transactions.
• Tourist Season: Remember that December is peak tourism month. Traffic on I-75 and the Sawgrass Expressway will be heavier than usual, so plan accordingly.

The holiday season in Sunrise and the surrounding South Florida area is a unique blend of cultural diversity and festive spirit. From the craft shows at the Civic Center to the botanical lights in Davie, there is an event for everyone. For organizers looking to take their event to the next level, Unite Worldwide provides the tools to manage vendors seamlessly, ensuring a successful season for all.

Ready to get started? Whether you want to list your market or apply as a vendor for the 2026 season, join the community at Unite Worldwide today!