Holiday Craft Fairs

Orange County shines during the holiday season, doesn’t it? City streets are decorated, the trees bloom with lights, and everything seems just a bit more cheerful… even if there’s no real snow.

The holidays are fun, but they’re also a whirlwind of shopping, baking, planning, preparing… and did we mention shopping?

Yeah, shopping is pretty much inescapable during the holiday season. Gifts, decorations, food… you’re going to have to shop for it. Your usual retail store is a great resource during the holiday season, but it isn’t the only one out there. There are plenty of places that offer unique gift ideas, let you shop in nice communal spaces, and bring the excitement back to holiday shopping.

Yep. We’re talking about craft fairs.

It’s worth pointing out that craft fairs are the way to go if you’re a believer in the SoCal sustainable/local ethic. Shopping with a local crafter means that your purchase goes to directly support that person and their family, and you get to take home a one of a kind item that’s sure to please.

Holiday craft fairs aren’t just about shopping. They’re also a great way to spend an afternoon… listening to holiday music, browsing unusual gift ideas, chatting with nice folks, and even sampling unique foods from local food trucks or food vendors. And unlike most retail stores, most holiday craft fairs are dog-friendly (if your four-legged shopping buddy can handle the crowds).

During the holiday season, Orange County has craft fairs for everybody… from church-based holiday boutiques to cultural touchstones like Christkindlmarkt or massive holiday bazaars with over 100 vendors.

So what are you waiting for? Here’s our list of OC Holiday Craft Fairs so that you can go have fun while you get your shopping done!

Christkindlmarkt – Christmas Bazaar

Dec. 1^st 2019
M3 Live Anaheim Event Center, 2232 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim CA
A traditional German Christkindlmarkt at the German Cultural Center in Orange County. More than 40 arts and crafts vendors will be available for your shopping pleasure. If you’re looking to try traditional German food or have a need to shop where you can enjoy a beer garden, this is the craft fair you’ve been waiting for!

Nutcracker Craft Boutique

Nov. 15^th from 9 AM to 6 PM through Nov. 16^th from 9 AM to 4 PM
Brea Community Center, 695 Madison Way, Brea CA
$2 admission fee (kids 12 and under are free), and all proceeds go to support the center’s youth and family programs.
Over 250 vendors displaying handicrafts, holiday gifts, food and collectibles.
Stop for lunch in Food Alley.
Sorry, no strollers are allowed.
Babysitting is available at $2.50/hour through Kidwatch.

Sugar Plum Arts &Crafts Festivals

Thurs. Nov 7^th through Saturday, Nov. 9, 9 AM – 5 PM
OC Fair and Event Center, 88 Fair Dr. Costa Mesa, CA.
This craft fair specializes in handcrafted art, holiday crafts and accessories, including magical accessories for your garden.

Village Christmas Craft Fair

Sat. Nov. 16^th at 9 AM
Village Bible Church, 126 Buaro St., Garden Grove, CA
Free admission and free parking.
Over 40 vendors will be displaying their unique handmade items – woodcraft, jewelry, toys and more – and there’s live music from 11 AM to 2 PM. Every attendee gets a free raffle ticket, and raffles are called every 20 minutes. Hot lunch is available for purchase, and the youth group will even wash your car at their car wash fundraiser!