Date and Time
- Saturday, Dec 13, 2025 4pm - 8:30pm
Location
This market will take up The parking lot in front of 110 Citus Ave. as well as Citrus Ave and the corner of broadway and the Alley way behind Bungalow 101.
Details
Get ready to experience holiday shopping like you’ve never seen it: the Dark X-mas Market of Vista returns for its fourth year, offering a delightfully different take on the season. Inspired by European winter markets and folklore, this is where holiday cheer meets the gothic, the weird, and the wonderfully creative.
What to expect:
An outdoor holiday market with local artisans and makers showcasing handcrafted goods that lean into the alternative: Norse-inspired ornaments, gothic tree décor, hand-poured herbal candles, wood-burned home décor, and other unique gifts.
A nod to ancient winter folklore: the evening culminates in the notorious WILD HUNT OF VISTA procession , costumed figures drawing on traditions of the Krampus, Alpine folklore, Scandinavian winter spirits, and more. This year welcome The Mari Beast of Vista!
Eats, treats, and libations: enjoy festive food and spiced cider, live street performances, and other surprises that make the event more than just a shopping stroll.
Family-friendly, with an educational twist: though the aesthetic might lean dark, the market embraces depth and culture , costumes, folklore explanations, and inclusive fun for all ages.
Why you’ll love it
If the usual holiday markets feel too predictable, this event brings a fresh twist. Whether you're hunting for a one-of-a-kind gift, love to explore myth and folklore, or simply want to stroll an interesting downtown after dark , this is your holiday date night, friend outing, or family adventure. The downtown Vista setting gives it a cozy, local-community feel with a touch of theatrical flair.
Useful info
Attending: Free admission (but we love a donation and an RSVP ) come on down anytime between 4:00 and 8:30 PM.
Location: South Citrus Avenue in downtown Vista, between Main and Broadway walkable, historic street setting.
Bring: Your open mind, your holiday spirit, and cash or card for the artisan vendors.
Tip: Arrive earlier to browse the vendors before the procession begins , the “Wild Hunt” usually kicks off later in the evening as darkness descends.
Bonus: Costumes encouraged! If you love folklore, costuming, or just dressing up! This event welcomes the dramatic.
