As Halloween comes to a close and Thanksgiving is right around the corner, many holiday and craft shows will soon be arriving in Northern Virginia. Many take place in November, it will continue into December right up until Christmas.
Every year there is usually a nice variety of specially scheduled events to shop at during the holiday season in the region:
Northern Virginia Christmas Market
This year marks this event's 22nd year. The show will be held at the Dulles Expo Center in western Fairfax County from Nov. 13 - Nov. 15. Admission for adults is $8 and children under 12 are free. Attendees to the show can receive $1 off the admission price if they bring a canned food donation to be given to the Capital Area Food Bank. For information on vendors, please see the show's website.
City of Fairfax Parks & Recreation Department Holiday Craft Show
The City of Fairfax holds its annual Holiday Craft Show on Nov. 21 and Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Now in its 29th year, the community event continues to grow, according to the website. Artisans from across the United States will be present selling a variety of specialty items. Admission is $5 per day or $8 for both days. Children under 18 are free. This event takes place at Fairfax High School, located at 3501 Rebel Run.
Thanksgiving Art and Craft Show
Sponsored by the Northern Virginia Handcrafter's Guild, the show has been running for over 30 years. This year the show has a change of name and a change of venue. Formerly known as the Vienna Art and Craft Show, it has been moved from Vienna to the Spring Hill ReCenter in McLean.
This year's craft show takes place from Nov. 27 to Nov. 29 and will feature over 80 artisans. Admission is $5 with free return and free parking (kids under 12 are also free). Show hours for Friday and Saturday are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday's hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It all takes place at 1239 Spring Hill Road, McLean, Va. For more information, see the official website.
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| Alexandria's Holiday Market (2012) |
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 during every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Dec. 4 to Dec. 23.
Additionally, the market will be open during the weekdays leading to Christmas. 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 an earlier post.
Also in Alexandria, in the Del Ray District, will be the 20th Annual Del Ray Artisans Fine Art & Fine Craft Holiday Market. This event features a number of local artisans sharing their handmade products. This market will be held over three weekends: Dec. 4-6, Dec. 11-13 and Dec. 18-20. 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
Now in its 3rd year, this German-themed market will take place at the Tysons Corner Center. I haven't been to this one, but promotions indicate the market is an outdoor event and will feature more than 20 exhibitor booths. There has been a lot of revamping done (presumably coinciding with the expansion of the Silver Line Metro in July 2014) and the new space includes an ice skating rink, outdoor seating, fire pits and live entertainment.
In years past there was a beer garden and other fun events. Can’t seem to find specific information just yet, but it looks as if it will take place from Nov. 19 through Dec. 24, 2015, not certain on the hours. Will update if I get more information.
McLean Holiday Crafts Show
Now in its 33rd year, this holiday craft show features over 70 artisans with various specialties from across the United States. This event takes place from Fri., Dec. 4 to Sun., Dec. 6. Admission for adults is $5 (good for all three days) and children under 12 are free.
The McLean Community Center is located at 1234 Ingleside Ave. McLean, Va. More information about the types of vendors and show hours can be found on the official website.
Holiday Fine Arts and Craft Show (Leesburg)
This year's annual event takes place from Dec. 5 to Dec. 6 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. Admission and parking to this show are free.
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 dozens of exhibitors selling handmade items, baked goods and more. This year's event takes place at the Falls Church Community Center, located at 223 Little Falls St. on Sat., Dec 5 and Sun., Dec. 6. 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.
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| Image credit: Provided to me in 2009 by event coordinator |
Dulles Expo Center: Sugarloaf Craft Festival
On the western side of Fairfax County at the Dulles Expo Center will be the annual Sugarloaf Crafts Festival. This one seems to be growing every year. It now features over 300 exhibitors. Exhibitors typically include local and nationally known artists, many provide live demos. There is also food available and live music, along with entertainment. This year's event will take place from Fri., Dec. 11 to Sun., Dec. 13. I wrote about this event recently – I’ve been to this one and found some interesting items. It’s very kid-friendly too.
Happy Thanksgiving and happy shopping!
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