Augusta’s Holiday Market at the Marina will bring colour, gifts and local spirit to the Savannah River waterfront this December. The market will take place on Sunday 6 December, Sunday 13 December and Sunday 20 December 2026. It will run from noon until 4 p.m. at the 5th Street Marina on Augusta Riverwalk.
The market gives people a calm and cheerful place to shop before Christmas. It is not a large indoor shopping event. It is an outdoor local market by the river. Visitors can walk, look, eat, shop and enjoy the fresh air.
The December dates are important because they come close to Christmas. The first market helps people start their gift shopping early. The second market helps people find special presents. The final market on 20 December gives late shoppers one more chance to buy local gifts before the holiday.
This makes the market useful for families, visitors and local people. It is also a bright way to spend a Sunday afternoon in downtown Augusta.
Local Makers Take Centre Stage
The Holiday Market at the Marina focuses on local sellers. Visitors can expect handmade crafts, festive decorations, artwork, baked goods, food and gift items. These are not the same products found in every large shop.
Local artists and small businesses bring their work to the waterfront. A shopper may find a handmade candle, a painted picture, a special ornament, a food gift or a piece of jewellery. Each market can be different because vendors change from week to week.
This is one reason people may want to visit more than once. A seller who is there on 6 December may not be there on 13 December. New products may appear each Sunday. The market can feel fresh, even for people who live nearby.
The event also helps small businesses at a key time of year. Christmas is a busy shopping season. Local makers need chances to show their work to more people. A market gives them a direct way to meet customers. Buyers can talk to the person who made the product. They can learn the story behind it. This makes a gift feel more personal.
A Riverfront Setting That Stands Out
The 5th Street Marina is one of the best parts of this market. It sits beside the Savannah River in downtown Augusta. The water, open sky and Riverwalk give the event a peaceful feel.
Visitors do not have to rush from one shop to another. They can stroll along the river before or after shopping. They can stop for a photo. They can enjoy the view. This makes the market more than a place to buy gifts.
Augusta Riverwalk runs from 5th Street to 10th Street. It has walking areas, marina space and places to pause. The nearby 5th Street pedestrian bridge is also a good place for river views. It links Augusta with North Augusta, South Carolina.
This setting helps the market offer something that a shopping centre cannot. It mixes local shopping with the beauty of the river. A person can buy a handmade gift, enjoy a short walk and spend time outdoors in the same visit.
A Boost for Downtown Augusta
The market can help more than just its vendors. It can bring people into downtown Augusta. When visitors come to shop, they may also buy coffee, have lunch, visit a museum or walk around Broad Street.
This extra activity matters for nearby businesses. A small market can lead people to restaurants, cafés and shops that they may not have visited before. It can encourage visitors to stay longer in the city centre.
The Augusta Museum of History is near the Riverwalk area. Downtown streets are also close to the marina. This means a family can turn the market into a simple half-day outing. They can shop first, walk by the river, see local sights and enjoy a meal.
For tourists, the market offers a more local side of Augusta. It shows the work of artists, bakers, makers and small business owners. It gives visitors a chance to take home something made in the area.
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What Visitors Should Plan For
The market is outdoors, so visitors should plan for December weather. Augusta can be cool, windy or wet at this time of year. A warm jacket, comfortable shoes and an umbrella can make the visit easier.
People who want the widest choice should arrive near noon. Handmade goods can sell quickly, especially close to Christmas. Early visitors may have more time to speak with sellers and look around without feeling rushed.
Parking is available near several Riverwalk entry points. Visitors can look for parking near 6th Street, 8th Street and 10th Street. They should check local road and parking updates before leaving home because downtown traffic plans can change.
The full 2026 vendor list has not been released. Entertainment plans, food options, pet rules and weather arrangements may also change. Earlier markets have included extra festive touches, but visitors should check the latest event information before travelling.
Why This Market Matters
The Holiday Market at the Marina is small compared with a giant festival. Yet its impact can be strong. It gives local sellers a place to earn money. It gives shoppers a chance to find unusual gifts. It brings families and visitors to the Savannah River.
The event also proves that holiday shopping does not need to happen only in large stores. It can happen outside, by the water, with local people and handmade products.
For Augusta, the market brings warmth to December. It turns three Sunday afternoons into chances to support local talent, enjoy the Riverwalk and discover gifts with real meaning.
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