November is an “in-between” month in Wisconsin; in-between fall and winter. The leaves are down, the harvest is done, the days are crisp, but there’s not yet snow on the ground for outdoor winter sports. What’s a person to do?
Go shopping…Christmas is just around the corner. With that in mind, November becomes “Holiday Art & Craft Show” month in Wisconsin. Seems every school PTA, church group and community center in the state hosts a show; hundreds of them across Wisconsin every weekend. Here are a few of Wisconsin’s best, or largest, or homespun, or most unusual holiday craft fairs:
November 6-8, 2009Holiday Market in Madison Alliant Energy Center, 608/278-7990www.madisonballet.orgOne of the first shows of the season, the Market is billed as a unique holiday shopping extravaganza. More than 100 vendors offer great gift ideas for the whole family including home décor, gourmet food, apparel, accessories, toys, jewelry, art and more. Benefits the Madison Ballet.
November 7, 2009Christmas Bazaar St. Germain Community Center, 715/542-2881www.st-germain.comA warm welcome awaits at this festive bazaar and craft show in Wisconsin’s Northwoods. Purchase fresh wreaths and garland, baked goods and holiday gourmet gifts. There are also activities for the kids, including a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
November 14, 2009Holiday Craft & Treasure Sale Municipal Building, Phillips, 715/339-3125www.pricecountywi.netThese folks have thought of everything; they even offer childcare while you shop. Sixty booths line the municipal center with handmade crafts, Amish baked goods, and holiday gifts. Take a break at the tea table, get your picture taken with Santa, or place a bid at their silent auction.
November 19-22, 2009Holiday Fair La Crosse Center, 608/789-495
lacrossecenter.comThis one packs the South Hall of the La Crosse Center with virtually wall-to-wall gift ideas from 125 quality crafters. Door prizes are given out every hour, every day. Santa Claus is available for photographs daily and Rudolph makes special appearances throughout the show. A La Crosse family tradition since 1963.
November 22, 2009Tinsel Trail Arts & Crafts Show Holiday Inn, Stevens Point, 715/344-3572www.spacvb.comThe Stevens Point Junior Women’s Club does a great job gathering 130 quality crafters for their annual show. Exhibitors sell hand-crafted gifts of all descriptions while holiday buyers cruise the convention center munching cookies and refreshments.
November 27-29, 2009Holiday Craft & Gift Expo Wisconsin State Fair Park, West Allis, 262/506-4114www.craftfairwisconsin.comThe Midwest’s largest indoor art, craft and gift show is a holiday tradition in the metro-Milwaukee area. More than 300 vendors sell in the Expo Center. Take in a craft demonstration, sample the gourmet food stage, or just relax with live music and wine tasting.
December 5-6, 2009Country Christmas Cookie & Craft SaleSt. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Lebanon, 920/925-3342
www.stpetersoflebanon.comThis tiny town just northeast of Watertown hosts the largest Christmas cookie and candy sale in the state. More than 130 varieties of cookies and candies sell for just $7/pound. Many craft booths display homemade gifts. Other food includes cinnamon rolls, soups & sandwiches, and a baked potato bar.