Whether you’re looking for a handmade craft, a scarf, an ornament, a book, jewelry, art, food, hand-sewn quilts, or vintage home items, there’s no better place to find the unique thing you’re looking for than at a craft fair or holiday market. These festive shopping fairs and markets pop up all over Sacramento at this time of year and frequently include live music, hot cocoa, or special parades, Santa visits, or other events. If you’ll be out shopping for friends and family anyway, you might as well make it a little more fun than long lines at the mall–and bring home something handmade or one-of-a-kind while supporting local artists and businesses. Check out any of these craft fairs or holiday markets to find that special something.
Crocker Holiday Artisan Market 2014
Nov. 28-30, hours vary, Sacramento, Scottish Rite Center. Over 100 artists and their original works include fine and functional choices of glass, textiles, ceramics, paper, painting, sculpture, jewelry and more. More info at crockerartmuseum.org.
Dicken’s Street Fair
Nov. 29, Elk Grove, Streets of Old Town Elk Grove. Shop both the local shops in Old Town Elk Grove and the craft and vendor booths that line the street. The day includes people dressed in mid-19th century garb, live music, food vendors, and a parade of lights in the evening. More info at oldtownelkgrovefoundation.org.
Indian Arts and Crafts Holiday Fair
Nov. 28-29, 10am-5pm, Sacramento, State Indian Museum. In honor of Native American History Month, Native American artisans from all over California will offer unique, hand-crafted items such as jewelry, basketry, pottery, hand-painted gourds, dolls, holiday ornaments, and more. More info at parks.ca.gov.
Sacramento Holiday Craft Faire
Dec 5, 11am-7:30pm, Sacramento, Sierra 2 Center. Local artisans and jewelers provide an array of crafts, art, jewelry, and more. To make it more fun, a food truck will be on site 11am-2pm, Santa and Mrs. Claus 1-3pm, and Santa’s Elf 5:30-7pm. More info at sierra2.org.
47th Annual Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair
Dec. 6, 8am-4pm, Folsom, Sutter Street. Enjoy the festively decorated streets of Old Folsom and purchase quality arts, crafts, and gifts. Local shops are also available for perusing or mosey on over to the outdoor ice skating rink for a fun break from shopping. The day includes live music, carolers, face painting, and more. More info at historicfolsom.org.
36th Annual St. John’s Craft Fair
Dec 5-7, hours vary, Carmichael, St. John’s Parish Hall. This is a big one! What started as a small craft fair has grown into a premier holiday event with over 150 vendors. In addition to traditional crafts, the fair also has available vintage and antique items, specialty foods and wines, home and garden décor, clothing and accessories, hand knit scarves, quilts, journals, art, watches, and holiday items, just to name a few. The list is practically endless, but find more at stjohnev.com.
Holiday Craft Fair and Book Sale
Dec. 6, 9am-3pm, Roseville, Maidu Community Center and Maidu Library. Buy books and crafts in one stop! The craft fair includes home decor, art, pet items, knitted and quilted creations, jewelry, unique crafts, specialty items, and gourmet foods from over 140 vendors. Stroll on over to the library for a selection of used books. More info at roseville.ca.us.
Christmas in the Village
Dec. 6, 12pm-6pm, Fair Oaks, Fair Oaks Village/Plaza Park. More of an all day event than just a craft fair, Christmas in the Village will have arts and crafts available for purchase in addition to the Fair Oaks Village shopping, a special show in the Amphitheater, an old fashioned Christmas parade, caroling, and a Christmas tree lighting in the evening. More info at fairoakschamber.com.
Old Town Country Christmas
Dec. 13 & 20, 5-9pm, Auburn, Streets of Old Town Auburn. Crafters, artists, and Old Town Auburn merchants will have a variety of unique holiday gifts available at this two-weekend, evening event. The fair also includes food, entertainment, and pictures with Santa. More info at oldtownauburnca.com.
Holiday Antique Faire
Dec. 14, 6:30am-3pm, Sacramento, W-X Freeway. The Sacramento Antique Faire gathers over 300 vendors under the freeway at 21st and X every second Sunday of the year. You’re bound to find the perfect vintage gift while browsing the seemingly endless number of tables in this December version of the faire. More info at sacantiquefaire.com.
6th Annual Handmade Holidays Party & Craft Fair
Dec. 20, 11am-5pm, Sacrmento, Beatnik Studios. Beatnik Studios brings together 34 of the “coolest and craftiest” vendors to sell all local and handmade clothing, hats, jewelry, pottery, body products, art, and toys. There will also be live music, on-site baristas from Insight Coffee, food from Mama Kim’s, and special holiday drinks and snacks. More info at facebook.com.
Photo courtesy of Beatnik Studios
