Get a Jump on Black Friday: Fall Holiday Craft Shows This Weekend

by Sherell Williams

The holiday season is coming up fast, and some retail stores have already started advertising deals on all of the usual popular items such as TVs and tablets.

Retail stores aren't the only places to shop for gifts. Craft and holiday fairs are a great way to support to local businesses and individuals while providing your loved ones with handmade, unique gifts.

Here’s a look at some of the craft bazaars in Northern Virginia this weekend.

7th Annual Christmas Craft Bazaar

When: Saturday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Annandale United Methodist Church, 6935 Columbia Pike, Annandale
Admission: FREE

There will be more than 35 artists, crafters and vendors selling a variety of items, such as handcrafted jewelry, ornaments, glass art, fabric art and more. The historic Little White Church and museum will be open to the public for free tours where visitors can learn about the history of Annandale and Northern Virginia. Additionally, there will be a used book sale and bake sale.

21st Annual Holiday Happenings Craft Show
When: Saturday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: W.T. Woodson High School, 9525 Main St., Fairfax
Admission: FREE

The show will feature 100 exhibitors who will sell items such as: jewelry, fiber arts, wood items, photography, pottery, holiday collectibles and more.

3rd Annual Robinson Marketplace 
When: Saturday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Robinson Secondary School, 5035 Sideburn Rd., Fairfax
Admission: FREE

Hosted by the Robinson Secondary School Parent-Teacher Student Association (PTSA). There will be several craft vendors selling handmade items. Entry is free, but there will be a raffle and silent auction, so visitors are encouraged to purchase raffle tickets online.

2013 Holiday Bazaar and Craft Fair
When: Saturday, Nov. 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Centreville United Methodist Church, 6400 Old Centreville Rd, Centreville
Admission: FREE

More than 75 vendors will sell purses, towels, jewelry, aprons, tote bags, soap, clothes, lighted wine bottles, Kenyan gift boxes and more.

Vienna Women’s Club Holiday Bazaar
When: Saturday, Nov. 9 from 9:30 a.m.  to 4 p.m.
Where: 127 Center St. S, Vienna
Admission: FREE

More than 76 crafters and vendors will sell handmade items and goods. There will be a member’s bake sale, children’s activities, and breakfast and lunch items for sale. All proceeds will help provide scholarships to students of Vienna area schools.

20th Northern Virginia Christmas Market
When: Friday, Nov. 8 and Saturday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, Nov.  10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Dulles Expo Center - South Hall, 4368 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly
Admission: $8 for adults. Children under 12 get in free. Bring a canned food donation for the Capital Area Food Bank and receive $1 off admission.

Exhibitors will sell jewelry, ornaments, bottle art, dog treats, scarves, paintings and more.

2013 Artisan Holiday Market
When: Saturday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Charles Barrett Recreation Center, 1115 Martha Custis Dr., Alexandria
Admission: FREE

Local artists and vendors will sell handmade bags, gourmet cakes, body butters, bath salts, African sculptures, holiday decorations, candles and more.

Potomac Green Annual Holiday Bazaar
When: Saturday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 44499 Oakmont Manor Sq., Ashburn
Admission: FREE

Vendors will sell handmade crafts such as jewelry, pet accessories, knitted animals, photography prints, soap, candles, crochet hot bads, holiday ornaments and more. There will be door prizes throughout the day.