Local Craft Fairs Give the Holidays an Early Start

Holidays bring out the crafters in all of us, even if it’s just to grab something new to add to our collection. This holiday season you can get your craft fix in and around Ocean County in the weeks leading up to the holidays.

Starting even before Thanksgiving you can get into the holiday spirit by visiting several craft and holiday bazaars well into the middle of December. Get out there and shop early while filling your holiday cup with both memories and beautiful crafts.

This Weekend:

Beginning the weekend of November 19, The Church of the Holy Spirit in Tuckerton will host their Christmas Bazaar from 9 to 2. There you will find crafts, jewelry, accessories, cakes, pies, breads, and jams.

The Little Egg Harbor Township Community Center in Little Egg Harbor will help kick off the holiday season with the Annual Gift Expo and Chinese Auction from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Finally that weekend you can also visit the Christmas Craft Show at the St. Francis Community Center in Long Beach Township from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Visitors can look forward to hand painted holiday ornaments, silk flower arrangements, sea glass creations children’s hair bows and headbands, hand bags, crocheted hats, teas, chocolate covered treats, and many forms of art. There will be a Chance Auction on Saturday.

Nov. 19, Brick Township High School on Chambersbridge Road will kick off its 28th annual craft fair 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event feature holiday and timeless crafts but also a gift auction and cafe. Crafters crowd the school hallways and auditorium.

Dec. 2-4

You can start December off right by visiting the Christmas Fair at the in Toms River on Dec. 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be new arts and crafts, baked goods, ornaments, a country store, jewelry and a Chinese auction.

in Toms River has its first annual craft fair planned for Dec. 3. It'll feaure more than 80 vendors, as well as such delights as a gingerbread decorating contest.

Also on Dec. 3 over at in Beachwood: the Scholarship Craft Show, 675 Pinewald Road. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Proceeds from the will benefit a Community Service Scholarship for Alumni of TRIS.

Veterans Memorial School in Brick will host its craft fair Dec. 3, too. The event, in the school on Hendrickson Avenue, is sponsored by the school PTA. The event is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Village Lutheran Church, in Lanoka Harbor, and the Ladies Aid group is holding their annual Christmas Bazaar on Friday, December 2 from 6 to 9 p.m, and on Saturday, December 3 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The church is located at 701 Western Blvd. in Lanoka Harbor. The bazaar will have handcrafted items, baked goods, homemade candy and jams, gifts in a jar, Christmas ornaments and decorations, woodwork, knitted and crocheted items, packaged spices, handmade soaps, and so much more.  Also check out Pictures with Santa.  The kitchen will be selling refreshments both days.

Over in Seaside Park, the Tri-Boro First Aid is hosting its Christmas Bake Sale & Gift Shop on Saturday Dec. 3, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Join in on the holiday fun at J Street and Boulevard in Seaside Park.

Dec. 9-11

The following weekend, Dec. 10 and 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., join fellow craft enthusiasts at the Ninth Annual Christkindlmarkt at the Tuckerton Seaport and Baymen’s Museum. Highlights of the day include holiday crafts and gifts under large heated tents. Visitors can plan on staying the day as there will be refreshments, entertainment, vendors and children’s rides.

Did we miss an event? Email it to us at catherine.galioto@patch.com.