Ilwaco is kicking off the season with a community-focused celebration that puts local businesses and makers at center stage. On Saturday, December 13, 2025, the Ilwaco Holiday Market and Shop Hop will transform the Salt Hotel & Pub and the surrounding downtown into a festive hub for holiday shopping and dining.

A Harborfront Holiday Market

From 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the upstairs event space at the Salt Hotel will host the Ilwaco Holiday Market, featuring an array of local artisans, crafters, and small vendors. Shoppers can browse handmade gifts, seasonal décor, and coastal-inspired goods while enjoying views of the working harbor just outside the windows. The indoor setting offers a cozy refuge from December’s coastal chill, inviting visitors to linger, mingle, and discover one-of-a-kind items they will not find in big-box stores.

Shop Hop Through Downtown

The market is paired with a “Shop Hop,” a coordinated invitation to explore the rest of town once visitors step back out onto the street. With the Salt Hotel positioned along the busy waterfront, guests are only a short walk from additional shops, galleries, and eateries participating in the day’s festivities. Merchants are encouraged to showcase special holiday displays, highlight local artwork, and tempt passersby with seasonal menus and treats, rewarding those who spend the afternoon strolling from storefront to storefront.

Supporting Local Businesses and Culture

At its core, the Ilwaco Holiday Market and Shop Hop is a “shop local” campaign wrapped in holiday cheer. By drawing residents and visitors into a walkable loop of small businesses, the event helps keep more seasonal spending within the community and strengthens the town’s independent economy. The celebration also reflects Ilwaco’s broader character as a coastal community where working boats, public art, and neighborhood gathering spots all share the same streetscape. For visitors, December 13 offers a chance to experience that blend firsthand: start upstairs at the Salt Hotel, then follow the festive trail of shops, galleries, and eateries that make up the heart of Ilwaco’s holiday season.