The Dark Xmas Market of Vista is a European inspired Christmas market for individuals in North San Diego County who are craving a different experience for Yuletide festive fun. This event is a collaborative community effort by non-profit organization Backfence Society, Twisted Heart Puppetworks, and Vista Art Foundation. For one night in early December, Backfence Society Location on S. Citrus is transformed into this European inspired Holiday Market and is bursting like a stuffed stocking with artisans that specialize in everything from the traditional to the bizarre. With inclusivity at its heart, this market caters to those who want to support local art and stay away from the malls and off Amazon. Creative curators specialize in all things uniquely Dark Christmas including Norse Viking inspired tree ornaments, old world holiday art, all natural, hand poured herbal candles, locally sourced wood burned home décor and all manner of hand-crafted gifts that celebrate a gothic culture esthetic.

Walking through the market, patrons are tempted by Christmas cookies, coffee, tea, and spiced cold and hot Cider from local Mead and Cidery the Twisted Horn.

Along with unique sellers, the Dark X-mas market encourages cultural learning and exchange with traditional Welsh Morris Dancing, a German stein holding competition, traveling minstrels, and Dickens style carolers. The evening of old-world traditions concludes with The Wild Hunt of Vista, an exciting and vibrant German/Austrian procession featuring cosplayers in various dress from traditional Bavarian Krampus to Jack Frost and sparkling winter fairy queens. Local community children and adults are encouraged join in and walk together. Pamphlets that inform about the procession’s folkloric figures are handed out to the public to increase cultural awareness.

This market is an out of the ordinary event that caters to those looking for an alternative to the standard holiday fair and encourages cultural exchange, learning, and fun!