Holiday Craft Fair Shopping in Fairfield County

11/3/15 - By Cornelia Fortier

When it comes to holiday gift giving, each year I scratch my head over why our list seems longer than ever. True, there are the legions of coaches and teachers and babysitters and buddies who've gotten us through the year and smoothed out so many bumps along the way. But because I don't have Oprah's gift buying power -- no one on my list should expect a car --  and because there are only so many trays of holiday cookies I can face baking,  I turn to my default gift resource:  holiday craft fairs.  Fairfield County has a treasure trove of them. (Also check out our Holiday Guide.) Holiday craft fairs are where I love to find one-of-a-kind, handcrafted items, that are useful and decorative, as well as homemade specialty foods and treats that easily eclipse anything I can make. Oh, and another bonus of shopping at holiday craft fairs? Lots of jolly holiday spirit.

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The Ridgefield Woman's Club's 45th Annual Craft Fair, Ridgefield
Saturday, November 19
100 crafters gather at East Ridge Middle School offering a wide range of handmade items including jewelry, pottery, clothing for children and adults, hand-knitted items, photography, decorative home goods, holiday decor, delicious treats, gourmet coffees, teas and more. Shoppers can buy refreshments and a light lunch. Admission is $8, children age 12 and under are free.

The Junior League of Greenwich's Enchanted Forest, Old Greenwich
Friday, November 18- Sunday, November 20
This year marks the 40th anniversary of The Enchanted Forest, a three-day holiday fete with multiple events including a holiday boutique offering fine jewelry, decorative items for the home, clothing, toys and holiday gift items. Nearly 100 decorated trees provide a glittering backdrop and the League's Children's Giving Shop lets kids do their own shopping (Junior League docents and high school volunteers are right there as guides) without parents. Kids can choose from picture frames, candles, note cards, toys, sports items, games, gardening items, jewelry and more. Santa is also on hand while local music and dance groups perform throughout. Admission is $15, $5 for kiddos. 

The Danbury Museum & Historical Society's Annual Holiday Shoppe and Craft Fair, Danbury
Saturday, November 26 - Friday, December 23
The Shoppe and Fair, in Huntington Hall, bring together many regional artisans who create handcrafted jewelry, fashion accessories, handmade bath and body products, decorative glass, presents for pets, holiday decorations, wood-crafted birdhouses and feeders, knitted items, stationery items, ornaments, floral centerpieces, and more. The Museum's gift shop is also stuffed with holiday trinkets and treasures, including Danbury history-related pictures, hand-bound journals, books, Danburite jewelry, ornaments, and colonial toys, games, and crafts for kids. Hours are Monday - Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

St. Paul's on the Green in Norwalk's Holiday Market, Norwalk
Thursday, December 1- Sunday, December 4
The Market gathers fine gifts and crafts by some of Fairfield County’s talented artists and crafts people. Find unique holiday gifts, decorations, and collectibles, including hand-made ornaments, pottery, jewelry, unique shell creations, accessories, hostess gifts, holiday decorations and more.

Shelton Holiday Craft FestivalShelton
Saturday, December 10
Juried artisans offer up holiday wares at this fair held at the Hyatt House Hotel on Bridgeport Avenue in Shelton. Snack on baked goods (or buy them as gifts) and enter to win door prizes. The fair runs from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Admission is free. 

Photo courtesy of St. Paul's on the Green, Norwalk

Places featured in this article:


The Enchanted Forest at Hyatt Regency Greenwich

Ridgefield Woman's Club Craft Fair

Danbury Museum and Historical Society

St Paul's on the Green Holiday Market

Shelton Holiday Craft Festival