More than 60 juried regional artists, holiday food and drinks and live music at The Orion Amphitheater, with free admission and parking. When the market happens and how to shop it.
Christkindlmarket Huntsville is a holiday market built around local art: dozens of juried regional artists selling handmade gifts, seasonal food and drinks, live holiday music, and free admission and parking. It takes over The Orion Amphitheater for one weekend in December, and Arts Huntsville calls it one of North Alabama's premier must-attend holiday events.
Who Runs It
The market is a partnership between Arts Huntsville and The Orion Amphitheater. Arts Huntsville created it as an extension of its award-winning festivals, giving regional artists a holiday platform to show and sell their work. The idea has caught on: Arts Huntsville says more than 8,000 people attended the previous year's market, making it the largest community event ever hosted at The Orion.
When It Happens
Christkindlmarket is a December weekend market. The 2026 market is Friday, December 11 to Sunday, December 13, with hours of 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. The dates box at the top of this page shows the current or next market.
Where It Is
The market fills The Orion Amphitheater in Huntsville's MidCity District, at 701 Amphitheater Drive NW.
Admission and Parking
Both are free. You only pay for what you buy, whether that's art, gifts, food or drinks.
What to Expect
- More than 60 juried visual artists from across the region, working in a wide variety of mediums. Many of the pieces are one of a kind, so you'll find gifts you can't get anywhere else.
- Seasonal food and drinks from The Orion Amphitheater.
- The MidCity Market Pop-Up, with holiday treats from local food and specialty vendors.
- Live holiday music and festive entertainment through the weekend.
Why It's Worth the Trip
Every artist at the market is juried, which means Arts Huntsville reviews applications and picks the work that makes it in. That gives the market a different feel from a typical craft fair: the focus is on handcrafted pieces in a wide range of mediums from artists across the region, many of whom you won't find in stores. It's the same organization behind events like the Monte Sano Art Festival and Concerts in the Park, so the market carries the same arts-first approach into the holidays.
It's also an easy outing for a group. With no ticket to buy and free parking, you can bring the whole family, browse for an hour or two, grab a seasonal drink and some holiday treats, and catch a set of live music before you head home.
Tips
- Shop early in the weekend. One-of-a-kind pieces can only sell once, so Friday night or Saturday morning gives you the best selection.
- Make a list. With 60-plus artists, it helps to know who you're shopping for before you start.
- Dress for the weather. It's a December market at an outdoor amphitheater.
- Stay for a snack. The pop-up food vendors are part of the fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Christkindlmarket Huntsville?
It's held over a Friday-to-Sunday weekend in December at The Orion Amphitheater. Check the dates box at the top of this page for the next market.
Is it free?
Yes. Admission and parking are both free.
Who are the vendors?
More than 60 juried visual artists from the region, plus food and drink from The Orion and the MidCity Market Pop-Up.
Who organizes it?
Arts Huntsville, in partnership with The Orion Amphitheater.
How can artists apply?
Arts Huntsville takes artist applications ahead of each market. For 2026, applications closed on September 23.
For more holiday ideas, see our winter in Huntsville guide, and check out the MidCity District for dinner nearby.
Details about businesses mentioned in this article (hours, offerings, atmosphere, and more) may change or may not be fully accurate. Spot something that needs a correction? Let us know and we'll fix it right away.
