Holiday and craft shows in Northern Virginia

As Thanksgiving arrives, even though these days retailers seem to be promoting seasonal gifts and other promotions earlier and earlier each year, Friday has traditionally kicked off the holiday shopping season.

For the most part, this holds true with seasonal holiday and craft shows in Northern Virginia. There are a variety of specially scheduled events to shop at over the next few weeks.

Vienna Art and Craft Show

Sponsored by the Northern Virginia Handcrafter's Guild, the show has been running for over 30 years. The craft shows traditionally take place in November with the big event on Thanksgiving weekend, features dozens and dozens of artisans. For directions and more information, see the official website.

Alexandria 

Alexandria’s Holiday Market annual event takes place in Old Town, it is designed to be similar to a European Festival, much like those in France or Germany. There will be a variety of vendors and live entertainment. This event is recurring throughout the season. For more information please see the official website. There is literally tons to see and do in Old Town, one of my favorite places to go this time of year, as I noted in a post last week.

Also in Alexandria, in the Del Ray District, will be the 19th Annual Del Ray Artisans Fine Art & Fine Craft Holiday Market. This event features a number of local artisans sharing their handmade products. It all takes place at the Del Ray Artisans gallery, located at the Nicholas A. Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Admission is free.

Tysons Corner Center Holiday Market

A newer event, this German-themed market takes place at the Tysons Corner Center. I haven't been here yet and I'm not sure if it's going to become an annual event but it has been held at least a couple of times. Past promotions indicated the market is an outdoor event and features more than 20 exhibitor booths. There has been a lot of revamping done (presumably coinciding with the phase 1 of the Silver Line Metro opening in the summer of 2014) and the new space includes an ice skating rink, outdoor seating, fire pits, and live entertainment. There has also been a beer garden and other fun events.

McLean Holiday Crafts Show

For over 30 years, this holiday craft show features over 70 artisans with various specialties from across the United States. This event has previously taken place the first weekend in December. The McLean Community Center is located at 1234 Ingleside Ave. McLean, Virginia.

Dulles Expo Center: Sugarloaf Craft Festival

Over in western Fairfax the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival is taking place at the Dulles Expo Center. An annual event that now features over 300 exhibitors, I've found it to be very kid-friendly. Exhibitors typically include local and nationally known artists, many provide live demos. There is also food available and live music, along with entertainment for the kids. There is usually an admission fee associated with this event. See official website for more details.

Holiday Fine Arts and Craft Show (Leesburg)

This annual event takes place in early December at the Ida Lee Park Recreation Center. Featuring more than 90 local and regional artisans, there will be a variety of wares. Saturday's hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday's from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

The rec center is located at 60 Ida Lee Dr. NW in Leesburg. Historic Leesburg is a fun place to visit during the holidays, there are a lot of events going on with much to see and do throughout the season, including a parade.

Falls Church Annual Holiday Gift & Craft Show 

Also taking place the 1st weekend in December is the Falls Church Annual Holiday Gift & Craft Show. Featuring over 50 exhibitors selling handmade items, baked goods and more. Past events have taken place at the Falls Church Community Center, located at 223 Little Falls Street. There is a fee of $1 per person (all weekend shopping pass), kids under 12 are free. There is also lunch with Santa available, but you'll need reservations.

These are a few events going on in the region this year, if I come across more, I'll continue to post them. Tomorrow I will be posting about Washington D.C.'s seasonal markets.

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy shopping!