Vail Kris Kringle Market 2026: Dates & Tips
The Short Answer
The Vail Kris Kringle Market runs Thursday, December 10 through Sunday, December 13, 2026, in Vail Village around the International Bridge. In recent years it has been open roughly noon to 5 p.m. each day, and it is free to walk through.
It is Vail's version of a European Christmas market: wooden stalls, lights and garland along Gore Creek, Colorado-made gifts, holiday baking and hot glühwein. It lands about four weeks after Vail Mountain opens, so you can ski in the morning and shop in the afternoon.
What to Expect at the Market
The market is put on by the team behind the Vail Farmers Market & Art Show, so the focus is on local makers. Expect around 40 vendors, including:
Handmade gifts: ornaments, jewelry, ceramics, mountain art and photography, and holiday décor
Food and treats: holiday baked goods, chocolates, artisan food products and take-away bites
Warm drinks: glühwein (German mulled wine), hot cocoa and coffee
Entertainment: live holiday music and activities for kids
Bring a tote bag. Many stalls take cards, but cash is handy for small vendors.
Where It Is and How to Get There
The market sets up in the heart of Vail Village near the International Bridge, close to Solaris Plaza and the Gore Creek Drive shops. Vail Village is pedestrian-only, so plan to arrive on foot.
Free bus: Town of Vail buses run between West Vail, Lionshead, Vail Village and East Vail. This is the easiest way in if you are not staying in the village.
Parking: the Vail Village and Lionshead parking structures are the closest options. They fill quickly on December weekends, so the bus is usually faster.
From Lionshead: it is about a 15-minute walk along the creek path to Vail Village.
When to Go: Hours and Crowd Tips
Go early or late. The first hour after opening and the last hour before close are the calmest. Saturday afternoon is the busiest time of the weekend.
Thursday and Friday are quieter than the weekend, and a good fit if you are skiing Saturday and Sunday.
Dress for the cold. It is an outdoor market at 8,150 feet, and the sun drops behind the mountain by mid-afternoon in December.
Check before you go. Hours can change with weather, so confirm on the organizer's site (vailfarmersmarket.com) or the Discover Vail events calendar.
Make a Weekend of It
Mid-December is one of the best times to visit Vail: the mountain is open, the villages are lit up, and the rush of Christmas week has not started yet.
Ski or ride: Vail Mountain opens for the 2026–27 season on November 13, 2026, conditions permitting.
Tree lighting: the Vail Village tree lighting is Sunday, December 6, 2026, at 5 p.m. at the Children's Fountain, so arriving a few days early lets you catch both.
Skate: the outdoor rinks at Solaris Plaza in Vail Village and Arrabelle Square in Lionshead are a short walk from the market.
Stay for the holidays: see our Christmas & New Year's in Vail guide for Christmas week and New Year's Eve events.
Where to Stay Near the Kris Kringle Market
Every Vacation Vail home is locally managed, with direct booking and no service fees. These are an easy walk to the market:
Vail Village Condo – Walk Everywhere (2 bedrooms, sleeps 6, ski-in/ski-out)
Exclusive Vail Village Townhome – Walk to Ski Lift (4 bedrooms, sleeps 10, ski-in/ski-out)
SunVail Condo – Steps from Bridge to Lionshead (2 bedrooms, sleeps 7)
Traveling with a bigger group? See our large group vacation rentals, or browse homes near the free bus on our Vail page. Check mid-December availability on our search page.
More local guides: Vail Travel Guides.
Event details checked November 8, 2026 against the Vail Kris Kringle Market organizer and Discover Vail. Dates and times can change, so confirm with the organizer before you go.