First United Methodist Church's Holiday Marketplace is Nov. 6-8 near downtown: eight shops, baked goods and free Santa photos. Free Saturday and Sunday.

The Holiday Marketplace at First United Methodist Church is a three-day holiday shopping sale with eight shops, a bake sale and free photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, from Friday, Nov. 6, to Sunday, Nov. 8, at 419 NE First St. Friday evening costs $5 for ages 12 and older; Saturday and Sunday are free.

Last checked 2026-10-20.

Upcoming dates

  • Fri. Nov. 6, 5 to 8 p.m. (preview evening with free appetizers and punch)
  • Sat. Nov. 7, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Sun. Nov. 8, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The church’s page gives Saturday’s close as 4 p.m. in its list of hours and 5 p.m. in its description, so plan to arrive before 4 p.m. or call the church at 352-372-8523 to check. Sales support the church’s missions and ministries.

Where it is and parking

The marketplace is at First United Methodist Church, 419 NE First St., a few blocks north of downtown Gainesville. The church does not publish parking arrangements for the sale; see our downtown Gainesville guide for parking around the center of town.

Tickets and cost

  • Friday, Nov. 6: $5 entry for anyone 12 and older, with free appetizers and punch.
  • Saturday and Sunday: no entry fee.
  • Santa photos: free all weekend, the church says.

The shops take cash and credit cards.

What to know

The church lists eight shops for the 2026 sale:

  • The Christmas Shop: handmade wreaths, centerpieces and holiday decorations.
  • Gift Baskets: more than 100 wrapped baskets with themes from coffee and grilling to pets and Gator fans.
  • Vintage Vibes: antiques and collectibles, including toys, dishes and home decor.
  • Artisan’s Way: art, pottery, photography and paintings.
  • Twice As Nice: new and like-new home goods, small appliances, sports gear and games.
  • Twice As Nice Christmas: new and like-new Christmas decor.
  • Unique Boutique: resale clothing for women, men and children, with shoes, purses and jewelry.
  • Bountiful Bakery: cakes, pies, cookies and breads baked by the church’s United Women in Faith.

The church posts a gallery of shop items and photos from the 2025 sale on the marketplace page.

For more holiday shopping around town, see our Black Friday and holiday shopping guide, and for parades, lights and Santa visits, see holiday lights and Christmas events.

Dates and venues as listed on the Visit Gainesville calendar and confirmed on the organizer’s site.

Frequently asked questions

When is the First United Methodist Church Holiday Marketplace in Gainesville?

Friday, Nov. 6, from 5 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 7, from 9 a.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 8, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Does the Holiday Marketplace cost anything?

Friday evening has a $5 entry fee for ages 12 and older, with free appetizers and punch. Saturday and Sunday are free to enter.

Are the Santa photos free?

Yes. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be at the marketplace for free holiday photos, the church says.

Where is the Holiday Marketplace?

At First United Methodist Church, 419 NE First St., Gainesville.