A monthly themed marketplace in the heart of Celebration, FL where local artisans, Disney fans, and community spirit create enchantment you won’t find inside the gates. Celebration hosts many community events throughout the year, including an art show, an exotic car festival, and a large Independence Day fireworks celebration.
Once Upon a Magic Market is a bustling, liminal space where the ordinary world intersects with the extraordinary—serving as a hidden hub where magical creatures and humans gather to trade enchanted goods and share in the wonder.
Finally, a Disney-Inspired Market Built for Fans and Families
Finding authentic Disney magic outside the expensive theme parks can feel impossible. Between steep admission prices, overwhelming crowds, and mass-produced merchandise, the spark of wonder often gets lost in the shuffle.
Once Upon a Magic Market changes that. Held monthly at Lakeside Park in Celebration, Florida—the town Disney built—this curated pop-up brings together local creators, handmade treasures, and themed experiences that capture the spirit of Disney without the theme park price tag. Here, the Ethical Artisan archetype shines: local makers craft handmade magical treasures and themed goods with care and creativity, embodying values of authenticity and community.
The market transforms a sunny Sunday into something special. Picture strolling tree-lined streets, discovering one-of-a-kind Mickey ears crafted by hand, and watching your kids get their faces painted while you browse art that rivals anything on Main Street. Narratives centered on magical marketplaces come to life here, featuring a diverse cast of characters—artisans, dreamers, and families—who foster connections between creatures of all kinds, promoting companionship and sharing. This is where community meets creativity, and every family can experience the magic.
Celebration itself adds to the enchantment. This master-planned community, originally developed by The Walt Disney Company, maintains a vibrant center with farmers market traditions and walkable charm. The Once Upon a Magic Market builds on that foundation, adding a layer of fandom celebration and artisan craftsmanship that draws both locals and visitors year after year.
Why Once Upon a Magic Market Works
Here’s what makes this magic market different from everything else in the Orlando area:
Rotating Monthly Themes – Each event features a fresh concept, from prehistoric adventures to Star Wars celebrations, keeping every visit exciting and new
Handmade Disney-Inspired Goods – Custom Mickey ears, hand-painted art, and unique accessories created by local artisans—items you simply cannot find in the parks
Free Admission for All – No tickets required to join the fun, making it accessible for every family
Family Entertainment Built In – Bouncy houses, face painting, and interactive experiences keep kids engaged while parents shop
Pet-Friendly Atmosphere – Your furry family members are welcome to join the day’s adventures
Community-Centered Experience – More than shopping, it’s a gathering place where Celebration residents and Disney fans connect. Some vendors may even trade in unique currencies, such as services, creative exchanges, or barter, rather than traditional money.
Magic is rarely free—traders may pay in memories, secrets, or time instead of cash. The market’s enchanting items invite thoughtful consumption, critiquing consumer desire and vulnerability in a way only a true magic market can.
Instead of fighting crowds and spending hundreds just to walk through a gift shop, you get a relaxed Sunday afternoon surrounded by creativity and genuine community spirit.
How It Works
Getting the most from your market day doesn’t require planning expertise. The process is simple.
Step 1: Plan Your Visit
Check the monthly theme schedule on the Once Upon a Magic Market website or social media. Each month brings something different—whether it’s an Epcot Flower & Garden throwback with 80s retro vibes or a May the Fourth celebration for Star Wars fans.
Location: Lakeside Park, 631 Sycamore St., Celebration, FL 34747
Hours: Typically 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sunday
Admission: Free for most events
Mark your calendar and arrive early for the best selection and parking.
Step 2: Explore the Market
Browse vendor booths featuring custom Mickey ears with unique patterns and textures not sold anywhere in Disney parks, alongside a variety of mystical goods and unique items that reflect the creativity of local makers. Among the vendors and guests, you may encounter magical creatures and adventurous seekers, adding to the market’s enchanting atmosphere. Stop by The Charm Bar to create your own custom necklaces and bracelets. Discover hand-painted bags featuring Tinkerbell, Pluto, and other favorites.
Themed attractions elevate the experience beyond typical shopping. During the “Countdown to Cretaceous” event, real paleontologists showcased life-sized fossils, including a Carnotaurus. A community-painted Triceratops statue brought visitors together in a shared art project.
Each theme transforms the park into something new—prehistoric paradise one month, interstellar adventure the next.
Step 3: Enjoy the Full Experience
Sample “dirty sodas” from local food trucks—try the Row Hop with cherry flavors and a creamy vanilla twist. Let the kids bounce in the play areas while you browse magnetic bookmarks and mystery book packages for readers in the family.
Take home one-of-a-kind treasures: dino-egg bath bombs, crocheted “chubby dinos,” Jurassic-themed apparel, and stunning hand-painted signs. These are items with stories, crafted by people who love what they create. For many, the market is a place of transformation and escapism, where visitors can momentarily escape the ordinary and experience the temptation of magical, one-of-a-kind finds.
What Makes Us Different
Most tourist-adjacent markets focus on quantity. We focus on curation and community as part of a vibrant alternative economy that fosters wonder, escapism, and a sense of belonging.
Every Month Is New – Rotating themes mean repeat visitors always discover something fresh, whether it’s 80s nostalgia with Captain EO vibes or a prehistoric celebration with real fossils on display
Artisan Quality Over Mass Production – Vendors are selected to match each theme, bringing handmade goods that reflect genuine craftsmanship rather than factory output, contributing to a thriving alternative marketplace.
Disney Adjacent, Not Disney Dependent – The magic is inspired by fandoms but created independently, offering items and experiences the parks simply don’t provide
Celebration’s Built-In Charm – The town Disney designed becomes the backdrop, with walkable streets and a community atmosphere that makes every day feel lighter, welcoming all—including those, like the Redeemed Thief, seeking a new start or a place to belong.
If other markets offer generic souvenirs, this one offers art. If other markets feel transactional, this one feels like home.
Proof That It Works
The market’s growth speaks for itself. What started as a monthly gathering has expanded to include larger expos, including the “How the Market Stole Christmas” holiday event featuring the biggest vendor lineup in the market’s history.
Community engagement runs deep. Interactive projects like the painted Triceratops statue bring visitors together, creating shared memories beyond individual purchases. The market builds on Celebration’s existing Sunday farmers market tradition, adding themed entertainment and fandom celebration to an already-beloved community practice.
Vendors report reaching new customers they’d never access otherwise—both locals seeking community connection and tourists looking for unique souvenirs during their Disney World trips. The curated application process, opening roughly 45 days before each event, ensures quality remains high as popularity grows.
The one-year anniversary celebration, themed “May The Market Be With You,” marked a milestone that showed staying power. This isn’t a pop-up that appeared and vanished. It’s becoming a Central Florida institution.
Who It’s For
Once Upon a Magic Market is ideal for:
Disney Fans seeking unique merchandise handcrafted by local artisans—items with personality that mass production can’t replicate
Families on Disney Trips looking for an affordable magical experience between park days, where kids can play and parents can shop without spending a fortune
Celebration Residents wanting deeper community connection through monthly gatherings that celebrate creativity and local talent
Comic Book and Pop Culture Enthusiasts drawn to themed events covering Star Wars, dinosaurs, and more beyond the Disney universe
Collectors searching for one-of-a-kind art, custom accessories, and limited items not available in chain stores or theme park gift shops
If you want magic without the crowds, creativity without corporate gloss, and community without pretense, this was built for you. The market encourages visitors to discover potential wonder in the everyday, reminding everyone that the true magic is found in the human connections made at the event.
Upcoming Themes & Events
Current Month - Epcot Flower & Garden Throwback
Step back into 80s retro vibes with Captain EO inspiration. Featured vendors bring floral-themed crafts, vintage-style merchandise, and garden-inspired art to Lakeside Park. Look for special attractions and interactive experiences that capture the spirit of Epcot’s beloved festival.
Date: Check the official schedule for exact Sunday timing
Location: Lakeside Park, Celebration, FL
Hours: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Future Themes - What to Expect
The market plans themes throughout the year, from seasonal celebrations to holiday markets. Past successes like “May The Market Be With You” (Star Wars theme) and “Countdown to Cretaceous” (prehistoric adventure) show the creative range. Themes are developed with vendor selection and interactive attractions in mind, ensuring each visit offers something genuinely new.
Subscribe to the email list or follow on social media to get announcements before applications open and events fill up.
Vendor Opportunities - Join the Magic
Local artisans and creators can apply to participate in upcoming markets. Applications typically open approximately 45 days before each event, giving time for curation and theme-aligned preparation.
What to Expect:
Booth fees vary by size and add-ons (electricity available)
Selection is curated to match each month’s theme
Setup begins 2-3 hours before market open; breakdown immediately after close
Send a message through the official website to start your application process. Questions about booth requirements, accepted products, or fee structures are answered in the vendor FAQs.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the market run?
Once Upon a Magic Market typically runs one Sunday per month from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Special events and holiday expos may have different hours. The best way to stay updated on exact dates is following the official website and social media channels, where announcements go out well in advance.
Is parking available?
Lakeside Park in Celebration offers parking, though popular events can fill up quickly. The surrounding town center provides additional options. Arriving early—closer to the noon opening—gives you the best chance at convenient spots. Celebration is designed for walking, so parking a short distance away means a pleasant stroll through Disney-designed streets.
Are pets allowed?
Yes. The market is pet-friendly when held at open outdoor venues like Lakeside Park. Bring water and shade options for your furry companions, and keep them leashed for everyone’s comfort. The family atmosphere extends to four-legged family members.
How much does it cost to attend?
Admission is free for most events. Special ticketed experiences are clearly communicated when required, but standard market days welcome everyone without entry fees.
Merchandise prices vary by vendor and item. Handmade goods typically cost less than officially licensed Disney park merchandise while offering greater uniqueness. Food trucks price items in standard local market ranges. Most vendors accept cards, though bringing cash is recommended.
Plan Your Magical Visit Today
Getting There:
Lakeside Park, 631 Sycamore St., Celebration, FL 34747
Just minutes from Walt Disney World, inside the Disney bubble but outside the theme park gates.
Best Time to Arrive:
The market opens at 12:00 PM. Arriving in the first hour gives you the best vendor selection, easiest parking, and a chance to view everything before crowds build.
What to Bring:
Cash for vendors who don’t accept cards
Sunscreen and water for Florida sunshine
A reusable bag for your handmade treasures
Your camera for photo-ops and themed decorations
Your dog, if they enjoy outings
Stay Connected:
Follow Once Upon a Magic Market on social media for theme announcements, vendor spotlights, and event reminders. Join the community and never miss a market day.
Whether you’re a Celebration resident seeking monthly entertainment or a visitor looking to create something special during your Disney trip, the magic is waiting. No tickets required. No crowds to fight. Just sunshine, creativity, and a community that celebrates the wonder we all love.
Your next magical Sunday starts here.
