Who says Christmas has to be all candy canes and cheerful decorations? 🎄💀 The Nightmare Before Christmas Market 2026 is bringing a wonderfully spooky twist to the holidays in Tarzana, Los Angeles, on December 19!
This free event combines the magic of Christmas Town with the eerie charm of Halloween Town, featuring creepy Christmas decorations, unusual handmade gifts, carnival games, and themed photo spots.
My tip? Wear your favorite spooky holiday outfit and arrive early for the special giveaways.
If you’re looking for unique Los Angeles Christmas events, alternative holiday markets, or free family-friendly holiday activities, this dark Christmas celebration might become your favorite December adventure!
What Is Nightmare Before Christmas: A Dark Holiday Market?
Nightmare Before Christmas: A Dark Holiday Market is a themed shopping and entertainment event organized by Till Death Society.
Instead of focusing exclusively on traditional Christmas decorations, the event combines festive holiday imagery with gothic art, Halloween-inspired displays, alternative fashion, and spooky collectibles.
The organizers describe an experience where Christmas Town meets Halloween Town.
Visitors can explore themed holiday areas, browse unique vendor booths, play carnival games, and take photographs in unusual seasonal settings.
The market is designed for people who enjoy both Christmas and Halloween, including fans of gothic fashion, horror-inspired art, handmade crafts, and unconventional holiday decorations.
Also Read: Transamerica Pyramid Holiday Market 2026: San Francisco’s New European-Style Christmas Village
Nightmare Before Christmas Market 2026: Date, Time and Location
The event takes place for one day only.
| Event details | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Nightmare Before Christmas: A Dark Holiday Market |
| Date | Saturday, December 19, 2026 |
| Time | 2 PM–8 PM |
| Venue | Tarzana Community & Cultural Center |
| Address | 19130 Ventura Boulevard, Tarzana, CA 91356 |
| Area | San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles |
| Admission | Free |
| Parking | Free parking advertised |
| Age guidance | All ages |
| Organizer | Till Death Society |
| Reservations | Free Eventbrite registration available |
The event lasts six hours, giving visitors an afternoon and evening to explore the market.
Because it is a one-day celebration, checking the organizer’s latest event information before traveling is recommended.
8 Spooky Things to Do at the Nightmare Before Christmas Market
1. Explore a Dark Holiday Shopping Market
Shopping is one of the main attractions of this unusual Christmas celebration.
Instead of finding only traditional ornaments and festive decorations, visitors can browse a curated collection of alternative holiday merchandise.
The organizer has announced vendors specializing in handmade goods, vintage finds, oddities, collectibles, and alternative fashion.
It’s an opportunity to discover gifts that stand out from the usual holiday shopping options.
Purchases are optional, and general admission is free.
2. Discover Christmas Town
Christmas Town is one of the themed areas announced for the event.
Visitors can explore a holiday village filled with imaginative decorations and festive displays.
The theme blends familiar Christmas elements with unusual, spooky details.
This area is designed to provide an entertaining backdrop for holiday photographs and browsing.
The exact layout and decorations will be revealed at the event.
3. Step Into Halloween Town
For visitors who love Halloween just as much as Christmas, Halloween Town may be one of the most exciting attractions.
The organizers are planning a darker holiday area featuring spooky decorations and themed surprises.
Expect an atmosphere inspired by gothic holiday fantasy rather than a traditional cheerful Christmas village.
It’s an appealing concept for people who enjoy creative costumes, horror-inspired art, and unusual seasonal experiences.
4. Shop for Creepy Christmas Decorations
If your Christmas decorating style includes skeletons, gothic ornaments, dark colors, or Halloween-inspired details, this market could be especially interesting.
Participating vendors are expected to offer unusual handmade items and seasonal merchandise.
The organizer has specifically highlighted creepy Christmas decorations among the market’s attractions.
Actual products and prices will vary by vendor.
5. Play Carnival Games and Win Prizes
Nightmare Before Christmas isn’t only about shopping.
The event will also feature a themed holiday carnival with games, interactive activities, and opportunities to win prizes.
This gives visitors something to enjoy between browsing vendor stalls.
Specific game rules, participation fees, and prizes have not been fully detailed in the event announcement.
Check with individual activity operators when you arrive.
6. Take Spooky Holiday Photos
One of the most memorable parts of a themed market can be its photo opportunities.
The organizers have announced decorated Christmas Town and Halloween Town areas with festive displays.
Visitors can take photos with unusual seasonal backdrops that combine Christmas and Halloween aesthetics.
Consider bringing a fully charged phone or camera if you enjoy holiday photography.
7. Dress Up in Gothic Christmas Costumes
Visitors are encouraged to attend in costume.
Suggested styles include spooky Christmas outfits, gothic winter fashion, and Halloween-inspired holiday cosplay.
You could choose a dark Christmas sweater, festive gothic accessories, or another creative seasonal look.
Costumes are encouraged rather than required, so casual clothing is also an option.
For anyone who enjoys cosplay, this event offers a chance to celebrate the holidays in a different style.
8. Get a Special Keepsake If You’re Among the First 50 Visitors
One of the event’s most interesting announcements is a special gift for early attendees.
According to the organizer, the first 50 people to arrive will receive a Nightmare Before Christmas-inspired holiday keepsake.
The keepsakes are limited and will be distributed while supplies last.
If receiving one is important to you, consider arriving before the 2 PM opening.
However, early arrival does not guarantee a keepsake, and visitors should follow the venue’s entry instructions.
Is the Nightmare Before Christmas Market 2026 Free?
Yes. The event organizer confirms that admission is completely free.
Visitors can attend the market without purchasing a paid admission ticket.
The official Eventbrite listing also offers an optional donation during registration.
According to the organizer, donations are divided among participating artists and vendors.
Donations are voluntary and are not required for entry.
Keep in mind that shopping, food, merchandise, and some optional activities may involve additional costs.
How to Reserve Your Free Admission
The organizer has created an Eventbrite listing for the market.
Visitors can use the official page to review event information and reserve free admission.
Step 1: Visit the Eventbrite Page
Open the official Nightmare Before Christmas: A Dark Holiday Market listing.
Step 2: Review Admission Options
Check the available free registration option and any attendance instructions.
Step 3: Complete Your Reservation
Enter the required information and complete the registration process.
Step 4: Save Your Confirmation
Keep your reservation confirmation accessible on your phone.
The organizer may update check-in requirements before the event, so review any instructions included with your registration.
Where Is the Nightmare Before Christmas Market Located?
The event will take place at the Tarzana Community & Cultural Center.
Address:
19130 Ventura Boulevard
Tarzana, CA 91356
Tarzana is a neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles.
The venue is located along Ventura Boulevard, a major commercial corridor with nearby businesses and restaurants.
Visitors traveling from other parts of Los Angeles should allow time for traffic.
Parking and Transportation
The official Eventbrite listing advertises free parking for the event.
However, parking availability may be limited during busy periods.
Parking Tips
- Arrive early if you want a convenient parking space.
- Follow posted parking signs and venue instructions.
- Avoid parking in restricted areas or blocking neighboring businesses.
- Check traffic conditions before leaving home.
Public Transportation
Visitors who prefer not to drive can investigate local bus services along Ventura Boulevard.
Check current LA Metro routes, schedules, and nearby stops before traveling.
Rideshare may also be an option, particularly for visitors attending later in the evening.
Is This Spooky Christmas Market Family-Friendly?
Yes. The official listing identifies the event as suitable for all ages.
However, the theme includes gothic decorations, spooky imagery, oddities, and Halloween-inspired elements.
Families with young children should consider whether this type of atmosphere is appropriate for their children.
Older children, teenagers, and adults who enjoy Halloween-style decorations may especially appreciate the event.
The market’s carnival games and themed displays offer activities beyond shopping.
Best Time to Visit the Dark Holiday Market
The event runs from 2 PM until 8 PM.
Arrive Early for the Keepsake Giveaway
If you want a chance to receive one of the first 50 keepsakes, consider arriving before opening time.
Keep in mind that distribution is limited and not guaranteed.
Visit During the Afternoon for Shopping
Arriving during the earlier hours may give you more time to browse vendor booths and discover handmade gifts.
Popular products could sell out.
Visit Later for the Holiday Atmosphere
An evening visit may appeal to people who enjoy darker holiday aesthetics and seasonal decorations.
However, specific lighting arrangements and nighttime programming have not been confirmed.
What Should You Bring?
A few simple items can make the experience more comfortable.
- Your Eventbrite confirmation: Keep your registration information available.
- A charged phone: Useful for photos, directions, and event updates.
- Comfortable shoes: You may spend several hours exploring vendor stalls.
- A shopping budget: Handmade goods and collectibles are sold separately.
- A reusable bag: Helpful for carrying purchases.
- A light jacket: December evenings in the San Fernando Valley can become cool.
- Your favorite spooky holiday outfit: Costumes are encouraged.
- A flexible schedule: Allow time for games, shopping, and photographs.
Why This Los Angeles Christmas Market Is Different
Los Angeles has plenty of traditional Christmas attractions, including tree lightings, holiday concerts, festive markets, and seasonal light displays.
Nightmare Before Christmas: A Dark Holiday Market offers a different approach.
Instead of celebrating only the bright and cheerful side of Christmas, the event combines holiday traditions with gothic art, Halloween-inspired decorations, and alternative shopping.
The Christmas Town and Halloween Town themes make the experience especially appealing to visitors who enjoy creative seasonal events.
The free admission also makes it easier to explore without committing to an expensive attraction.
For people searching for unusual Christmas events in Los Angeles, this one-day market is worth considering.
Conclusion
Nightmare Before Christmas: A Dark Holiday Market 2026 is coming to Tarzana on Saturday, December 19, from 2 PM to 8 PM.
Organized by Till Death Society, the free event will feature alternative holiday shopping, creepy crafts, vintage finds, oddities, carnival games, themed displays, costume opportunities, and a limited keepsake giveaway for the first 50 attendees.
The combination of Christmas Town and Halloween Town makes it a distinctive addition to Los Angeles’ holiday calendar.
Whether you’re shopping for unusual Christmas gifts or looking for a festive experience with a spooky twist, this market offers something different.
Before attending, visit the official Eventbrite listing to review registration details, parking information, and any event updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is Nightmare Before Christmas: A Dark Holiday Market 2026?
The event takes place Saturday, December 19, 2026, from 2 PM to 8 PM.
2. Where is the Nightmare Before Christmas Market held?
The market is at Tarzana Community & Cultural Center, 19130 Ventura Boulevard, Tarzana, CA 91356.
3. Is admission to the Nightmare Before Christmas Market free?
Yes. Admission is free. The organizer offers optional donations during Eventbrite registration, and purchases from vendors cost extra.
4. Is the Nightmare Before Christmas Market suitable for children?
The organizer lists the event as all ages, but parents should expect spooky, gothic, and Halloween-inspired decorations.
5. What activities will be available at the market?
Announced attractions include Christmas Town, Halloween Town, alternative shopping, handmade crafts, oddities, carnival games, themed photo opportunities, costumes, and a limited keepsake giveaway for the first 50 attendees.
