Delaware craft fairs to hit up for holiday gifts and last-minute Christmas shopping
If your New Year's resolution was to stop Christmas shopping at the last minute — you've come to the right place.
Part of the stress of holiday shopping is feeling like your gift isn't special enough.
That's why we've spotlighted a number of craft fairs in Delaware where you should be able to find unique presents that aren't available at every major box store.
Of course, some of these craft shows also are good for procrastinating shoppers, too.
Holiday Craft & Vendor Festival, Dover
Here’s a chance to support Small Business Saturday at the Holiday Craft & Vendor Festival. The event features crafts, free coffee, Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Admission is $5 or five nonperishable food items that will be donated to local food pantries.
Modern Maturity Center (1121 Forrest Ave., Dover) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25. Visit modern-maturity.org or call (302) 734-1200.
Dover High School Holiday Craft Fair
Creators of all kinds will share their talents at the Dover High School Holiday Craft Fair. The craft show is held in the gym, cafeteria, hallways and corridors on the first floor.
Dover High School (1 Dover High Drive, Dover) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 25. For more info, contact Emily O'Brien at emily.obrien@capital.k12.de.us.
Falls Arts and Crafts Show, Bethel
The 2023 Fall Arts and Crafts Show in Bethel is yet another opportunity to find cool gifts for loved ones (and yourself). The fair is held inside at Bethel Community Hall, and outside in the field across the street from the Hall.
Bethel Community Hall (7769 Main St., Bethel) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25. Visit bethel-historical-society.weebly.com or call (302) 858-3840.
Urban Artist Exchange's Holiday Market, Wilmington
Shoppers will find crafts, refreshments and tunes at the Urban Artist Exchange's Holiday Market event. (Guests can also bring new socks, gloves, scarves and hats of any size for donation to the Friendship House in Wilmington.)
According to Cityfest Wilmington's Facebook page, confirmed vendors for this event include:
Dare2BDifferent$5Bling
Pink All Day Jewelry
Luxury By Lesly
Scentsy
Crystal’s Custom Creations
Uniquebitesbyaimee
Whipped Willow Deodorant
Author - Unveiling the Secrets
Hybrid Bakery
De tus Raicess
Fatima Nicole Soap
Sadiqa’s Unique Custom Handbags
CDJNourish
Tastefully Simple
Paula’s Dekor and More
16th and Walnut St., Wilmington from 5 to 9 p.m., Friday, Dec.1. Visit facebook.com/CityfestWilm or call (302) 576-2136.
Holiday Celebration & Market at Glasgow Park, Glasgow
Not only can you buy gifts here, you can also make a craft. The Holiday Celebration & Market at Glasgow Park is two days and offers additional excitement with live performances, refreshments, a holiday train ride and more. Festivities are held at Glasgow Park Bank Barn and Frazer House.
Glasgow Park Bank Barn and Frazer House (2275 Pulaski Highway, Glasgow Park, Glasgow) from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, and Saturday, Dec. 9. Visit newcastlede.gov or call (302) 395-5555.
Milton Holly Fest
Over 85 juried artisans, entrepreneurs, vendors will be on tap around town for the Milton Holly Fest.
Gift seekers can visit H.O. Brittingham Elementary School, Milton Fire Department and Milton Public Library. People can also check out the Milton Arts Guild's annual holiday display on Federal Street, the Milton Garden Club’s fresh greenery holiday sale on Union Street, and more.
There's free parking and shuttles at Dogfish Head Brewery (park back in left parking lot) and Brittingham School.
Kids can visit Santa Claus with free face painting at Brittingham Elementary.
H.O. Brittingham Elementary School (400 Mulberry St., Milton) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. Visit historicmilton.com, or facebook.com/MiltonDelawareChamber or (302) 684-1101.
Brandywine Holiday Festival of the Arts, Wilmington
There will be 150 local artists and artisans from Brandywine Holiday Festival of the Arts that want to make you happy this holiday season. Offering everything from paintings to sculptures and pretty much everything in between, this big show can certainly be a one-stop shop for you.
Chase Center on the Riverfront (815 Justison St., Wilmington) from 11 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, and Sunday, Dec. 17. Admission is $5. Free for kids under age 12. Visit brandywineholiday.com.
Holiday Art Market, Newark
Who said craft shows were limited to only one or two days? The Newark Arts Alliance flips the script with its Holiday Art Market. The market fair is ongoing until Dec. 30 and offers items from a dozen featured artists. Shopping is available Tuesdays through Sundays.
The list of featured artists include:
Maureen Coughlan, stained glass, fused glass
Sarah Dressler, scarves, tie dye linens and accessories, fiber dolls, ornaments
Eleanor Fink, beaded jewelry
Carole Fox, ceramics
Anne Hessel, crocheted animals/toys/wearable, fine art
Karen Hornor, beaded jewelry
Wendi Jacobs, fused glass, photography
Made by Kasumi, Kasumi Mukai, polymer clay jewelry, wind chimes
Precious Sudz, Simone Brown, handmade soaps, body butters
Alyssa May, handmade paper goods, stationery
Mary Jane Tyrie, fused glass
Karen Yarnall, fine art, prints, ceramics, ornaments
Newark Arts Alliance (276 E. Main St. #102, Newark) until Saturday, Dec. 30. Hours are noon to 4 p.m. Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays; and noon-7 p.m. Thursdays. Visit newarkartsalliance.org or call (302) 266-7266.
If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters.
More Delaware holiday stories
Christmas parades in Delaware, Philly: Cool events to warm hearts this holiday season
Where's Santa in Delaware? Here's where to find Mr. Claus in 2023
Can't-miss holiday light displays: In Delaware & Philly region
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: These Delaware holiday craft shows make Christmas shopping easier
