Jenny Lamothe
It’s that time of year again, time to make a list, check it, well, probably much more than twice, and get in the holiday spirit. Luckily, there are amazing Christmas craft shows and sales, allowing you to see what’s new and unique, support local artisans and charities, and knock a few names off that list.
November 17, 18 and 19
Christmas may still feel too far away, but if you are itching to get the season started, head out this weekend for a wide variety of events to choose from.
With Nov. 18 bringing the arrival of Santa for the Greater Sudbury Santa Claus Parade, why not start the day with a stop by the Amberwood Suites Christmas Craft Show from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at 1385 Regent Street? Or, head out to The Montessori Christmas Craft Show, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Montessori School of Sudbury.
Saturday also brings the R.L. Beattie Christmas Craft Fair, also from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., where there will not only be lovely goods on offer, but a chance for you to donate items for the “Bags of Love” to be sent to the Ronald McDonald House Family Room at Health Sciences North. For more information on what to bring to donate, visit R.L. Beattie Christmas Craft Fair on Facebook.
A lovely drive will bring you to three shows for the weekend, starting with the 38th annual Lake Penage Rendezvous Craft Show, hosted by the Penage Road Community Centre (968 Penage Lake Road.) Beginning Nov. 17 and running from 4-9 p.m. and continuing Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., it’s a perfect time to secure one of their beautiful calendars depicting the area’s scenery, and enjoy it yourself.
Also in your travels is the École Publique De La Découverte Craft Show on Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at 1450 Main Street in Val Caron. The very next day, you can head over to Immaculate Conception Catholic Elementary School (1748 Pierre Street) for the Christmas Fair from 12-4 p.m.
The Once Upon a Christmas Craft Show takes over Capreol Arena on Nov. 18 from 10 p.m. to 4 p.m. The show will offer ‘SWAG’ bags for all, a penny table, and door prizes to be one.
On Nov. 19, visit The Christmas for Kenya Craft Show at Centennial Arena in Hanmer. In support of the Heart of Ruth Mission, the show will feature performances by Happiness is Dancing dancers, and more than 30 vendors.
Still want more? November 24, 25, and 26
On Nov. 24, The Indigenous Student Circle, a Sudbury-based group dedicated to ensuring a positive experience for university students of First Nation, Metis and Inuit Ancestry, will be hosting an Indigenous Art Sale featuring beadwork, artwork and once-of-a-kind pieces from 5-9 p.m. All are welcome to visit the show in the Round Room of the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre at Laurentian University.
Nov. 25 and 26, enjoy more than 80 vendors as Confederation Secondary School invites you to “Think Homemade” at their Christmas Craft and Gift Show, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.
The Salvation Army of Sudbury invites you to its annual tea, sale and silent auction. Your $5 ticket, available at the door, gives you free refreshments, the chance to find that special gift, as well as a bake sale, a white elephant table, hourly silent auction, and door prizes.
Wait … there’s still more: December 1, 2, and 3
St. Charles College is hosting its fourth annual Christmas Vendor Event on Dec. 2, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., and its $2 admission fee allows you to view the wares of interesting vendors, with the proceeds going back to the school to help with student’s needs.
On Dec. 3, it’s the Caruso Club’s Christmas Craft Show in the lower hall from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. with vendors, face painting, a silent auction and free photos with Santa. You’ll have even more fun knowing your admission and activity proceeds will be going to support Sudbury’s NEO Kids Foundation.
Not done yet: December 8, 9, and 10
It’s the Countdown to Christmas, happening at Walden Arena on Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can visit with Santa, look at beautiful crafts and gifts, and then stop by and see Granny Cookie, who is selling fresh-baked cookies in support of the Walden Food Bank.
Also on Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is the Shkagamik-Kwe 3rd Annual Craft Market, held at the SKHC Community Centre, 105 Elm Street. This is your chance to give beautiful and authentic Anishnabek crafts to your loved ones, and support local Indigenous artists.
Still not done: December 15, 16, and 17
If you’ve left you shopping until the last minute – don’t worry! There are still shows for you to visit. Find what you need at the Markets North Christmas Vendors Market, Dec. 17 at the Lexington Hotel on Brady Street, featuring gift wrapping by donation through volunteers from Our Children, Our Future. Then, head a bit further along Brady Street (really, one parking lot over) to the Steelworkers Hall for Sudbury’s Holiday Shopping Expo, featuring almost 60 vendors.
There are so many interesting and unique gifts just waiting for you at one of Sudbury’s craft shows and sales. Not only can you can support your local economy, but your thoughtful finds are guaranteed to make everyone on your list feel loved.
Jenny Lamothe is a freelance writer, proof-reader and editor in Greater Sudbury. Contact her through her website, JennytheWriter.wordpress.com.
