Craft shows and festivals are a great place to do holiday shopping and to get in the spirit of the season. Buy local from talented artisans, crafters, and bakers, and give unique gifts that you won’t find at a big box store. There are so many Holiday Art and Craft Festivals around Columbus going on every weekend, so there’s no need for Black Friday or last-minute Christmas Eve shopping.
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- Free and cheap events this weekend in Columbus
- Your Guide to Christmas and Holiday Events in Columbus
- Over 40 Holiday Art and Craft Festivals
- Turkey Trots and Holiday Races
- Christmas Tree Farms and Lots in Columbus
- Christmas Theater and Concerts in Columbus
- Breakfasts with Santa
- Photos with Santa
- Locations of Mailboxes for Letters to Santa
- Community Tree Lightings and Holiday Celebrations in Columbus
- Holiday Train Rides in Ohio: Santa Trains and Polar Express
- Free and Cheap Activities for Winter Break in Columbus
- Columbus Happy Hours
Holiday Art and Christmas Craft Shows for 2018
WHEN: Friday – Sunday, November 30 – December 2; 10 am – 7 pm Friday and Saturday; 11 am – 4 pm Sunday
WHERE: Ohio Expo Center & State Fair, 717 E 17th Ave, Columbus, OH 43211
WHAT: More than 400 vendors selling their art, jewelry, crafts, clothing, decorations, and more. Enjoy activities and exhibitions to get you in the holiday spirit.
ADMISSION: $7 admission, 12 and under free; return visits on all 3 days are free. The Ohio Expo center charges $5 parking.
December Christmas Craft Shows around Columbus
Annual Gingerbread Cottage Craft Show
WHEN: Saturday, December 1; 10 am – 3 pm
WHERE: Westerville South High School, 303 S Otterbein Ave, Westerville, Ohio 43081
WHAT: A fundraising event supporting the Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band and Marching Band at Westerville South High School. 100 crafters and Direct Sale vendors with Raffles, Concession Stand, kids activity table and Bake sale.
Dublin Jerome Holiday Gift and Craft Bazaar
WHEN: Saturday, December 1 from 10 am – 3 pm
WHERE; Dublin Jerome High School, Hyland-Croy Road, Dublin, Jerome, OH
WHAT: Holiday Gift/Craft Bazaar. Over 100 vendors crafting unique, hand made, professional, nicely priced items as gifts, household accessories, or personal items! Shop to your content and fill your heart with holiday spirit! Raffles, food, fun, and more!
WHEN: Saturday, December 1 from 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.
WHERE: Short North Arts District, N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
WHAT: Holiday Hop is the biggest Gallery Hop of the year. See new art exhibitions in the District’s galleries, vote for your favorite window display, and grab a drink and bite to eat while you’re out under the glittering arches. Don’t miss the Holiday Hop Pop Up Shop craft fair at The Garden Theater and outdoor performers and artists.
HollyFest at Hilliard Davidson
WHEN: Saturday, December 1 from 9 am – 3 pm
WHERE: Hilliard Davidson, 5100 Davidson Rd
WHAT: Craft show featuring homemade crafts which include floral, wood, clothing and jewelry items, and more from 118 vendors. Entertainment will be provided and you can get your pet’s photo taken with Santa at Santa Paws. Easter Seals will have a gift wrapping station for you to easily drop off your gifts and they will be all wrapped before you leave.
Admission: $5, $3 for seniors and students, children under 12 are free
Franklin Heights High School Craft Bazaar
WHEN: Saturday, December 1 from 9 am – 3 pm
WHERE: 1001 Demorest Rd, Columbus, Ohio
WHAT: Wide variety of vendors, several performances by Franklin Heights High School Band members and concessions will be available. Baked goods, beverages and sandwiches will also be available for purchase. The FHHS Holiday Craft Bazaar is an annual event we have had for more than the last 10 years, so it is well-established. We are expecting over 100 vendors this year selling a wide range of hand-made goods of all types (quilts, jewelry, candles, toys, etc). Donated vendor items will be raffled throughout the day.
ADMISSION: $1, children under 12 are free. Benefits Franklin Heights Band Boosters
VENDORS: table rental is $30 for 1 8ft table w/ chairs, $50 for 2 tables w/ chairs and $5 extra (per table) for electricity. The deadline for applications is November 25th.
WHEN: Saturday, December 1 from 11am – 3pm
WHERE: 112 Cleveland Ave Columbus, OH 43224
WHAT: Semi-annual juried showcase of works by more than 100 CCAD students and alumni. This event is THE place to find a wide range of art and design work from both the up-and-coming and the tried-and-true.
SHOW BENEFITS: $7-$10 admission funds student scholarships, and sales proceeds go directly to the artists. $25-$30 admission allows entry at 9 am for first look at the art.
Made LOCAL Marketplace Holiday Show
WHEN: Saturday, December 1, 11am-6pm
WHERE: Bridgewater Banquet Center, 10561 Sawmill Pkwy, Powell, OH 43065
WHAT: Over 100 local vendors featuring arts and crafts, apparel, jewelry, gifts, food, and more, on two different floors.
WHEN: Sunday, December 2, 2018, 2pm – 8pm
WHERE: Schiller Park, Columbus, Ohio1000 City Park Ave, Columbus, Ohio 03046
WHAT: Handmade vendors with unique and fun gift options with one-of-a-kind jewelry, stationery, clothing and accessories, leather goods, art prints, ceramics, knitwear, pet accessories and much more. This Market is a new addition to the already long established German Village Lights Festival. German Village Lights brings in thousands of attendees from all over the state
Holiday Market presented by SideBySide Columbus (link to be updated)
WHEN: Saturday, December 8, 2018 from 10 am – 1 pm
WHERE: Dublin Recreation Center, 5600 Post Rd, Dublin, Ohio 43017
WHAT: Over 30 Gift exhibitors including homemade items, crafts, gifts, raffles, stocking stuffers, baked goods, silent auction items and more! Family-friendly.
ADMISSION: Free
Holiday Craft Fair with Superhero Santa
WHEN: December 8 from 11 am – 4 pm.
WHERE: Packrat Comics, 3864 Lattimer St, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
WHAT: Holiday/pop culture/superhero craft fair. Get free pictures with our very own Spider-man Santa, Silk & The Ghostbusters, make a holiday craft, and leave a letter in the Dear Santa Mailbox (if you include a self addressed stamped envelope you will get a customized reply). Plus, shop local vendors to get through your shopping list!
Not Your Mama’s Last Minute Shopper’s Market
WHEN: Saturday, December 15, 2018, 1pm – 6pm
WHERE: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 555 N High St, Columbus, Ohio 43215
WHAT: Handmade vendors with unique and fun gift options with one-of-a-kind jewelry, stationery, clothing and accessories, leather goods, art prints, ceramics, knitwear, pet accessories and much more. Original NYMCM in the Short North made to accommodate all the last minute gifts on your list. Over 75 amazing hand selected Makers bring you the best in Handmade.
Ohio Made Holiday: Last Chance Holiday Shoppe
WHEN: Saturday, December 15, 2018 from 10 am – 2 pm
WHERE: Grove City Brewing Company, 3946 Broadway, Grove City, Ohio 43123
WHAT: This SMALL event will feature 10 handmade Ohio vendors in an environment where you can both drink local and shop local for those last minute gifts.
Columbus Winter Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show
WHEN: Sunday, December 16, 10am – 4pm
WHERE: Makoy Event Center, 5462 Center St., Hilliard, OH 43026
WHAT: This large show will feature artists and crafters selling their original handmade items. Admission is $3 to the public, children under 12 are free!
SHOW BENEFITS: A portion of proceeds will benefit local non-profit, Hope Hollow
More Upcoming Christmas Events in Columbus
October Holiday Art and Christmas Craft Shows around Columbus (2018)
WHEN: Friday, October 12, 2018 7pm – 10pm (and Nov 9, Dec 14)
WHERE: 400 West Rich St. Franklinton
WHAT: Locally made artisan crafts, gifts, and goods, as well as art openings and food
WHEN: Saturday, October 13, 2018 9am – 2pm )
WHERE: Westerville North High School, 950 County Line Rd, Westerville, Ohio 43081
WHAT: Lots of vendors and crafters, plus a costume contest at 10 am.
WHEN: Saturday, October 13, 2018 10am – 2pm )
WHERE: Watkins Memorial High School, 8868 Watkins Rd SW, Pataskala, Ohio
WHAT: Large craft fair, All proceeds benefit Watkins Memorial Athletics.
Craft Bazaar at Leap of Faith Dance Company
WHEN: Saturday, October 20, 2018 10am – 3pm
WHERE: 355 Cherrington Dr. Westerville, Ohio 43081
WHAT: There will be a variety of crafts, handmade items and vendors
WHEN: Sunday, October 21, 2018 10am – 4pm
WHERE: Delaware County Fair, Delaware Ohio
WHAT: Join lots of local crafters and artists to kick off your holiday shopping! Over 100 different LOCAL crafters/artists to shop from! Admission is FREE– However, we will have donation boxes for Safe Harbor. So please bring a non parishable item- or 5!
Westerville Central Arts & Crafts Show
WHEN: Saturday, October 27, 2018 10am – 3pm
WHERE: Westerville Central High School – 7118 Mount Royal Ave, 43082
WHAT: Creative market showcases over 120 independent artist and craftsmen with a wide selection of jewelry, woodworking, ceramics, stained glass, metal works, homemade and natural foods, photography and wall art, children’s items and much, much more! Admission is $3.00 and all proceeds help fund the educational needs of our students
WHEN: Saturday, October 27, 2018 10am – 4pm
WHERE: The Point at Otterbein University, 60 Collegeview, Westerville, Ohio 43081
WHAT: In addition to all the handmade items for sale from local vendors, attendees will also enjoy tours of The Point and a food truck. All proceeds benefit Otterbein and Westerville community members in need during the holiday season. The Craft Bazaar is sponsored by the Otterbein University Staff Assembly.
November Holiday Art and Christmas Craft Shows around Columbus
WHEN: Friday, November 2, 2018 (3:00 pm-7:00 pm) and Saturday, November 3 (9:00 am-2:00 pm)
WHERE: Linworth Childrens Center, 7070 Bent Tree Blvd
WHAT: 60+ vendors/crafters selling unique items, raffle prizes, lunch and bake sale, silent auction and themed baskets.
FREE activities for children on Friday from 5 pm to 7 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 12 pm.
EVENT BENEFITS: All proceeds benefit the LCC Scholarship Program.
Holiday Craft & Gift Show at Worthington Christian Village
WHEN: Saturday, November 3, 2018 from 9 am – 3 pm
WHERE: Worthington Christian Village, 165 Highbluffs Blvd., Columbus, OH 43235
WHAT: Handmade crafts and items, bake sale, opportunity drawing, nuts and candy sale, and free hourly drawing. No admission fee.
EVENT BENEFITS: Money raised at the show will be used towards purchasing a new bus for the residents.
Annual Mark Twain Craft Bazaar 2018
WHEN: Saturday, November 3, 2018 from 10 am – 3 pm
WHERE: Westerville North High School, 950 County Line Rd, Westerville, Ohio 43081
WHAT: Over 150 unique artists from throughout Ohio and welcomed 2000 patrons last year. All items are beautifully hand crafted.
WHEN: Saturday, November 3, 2018 from 9 am – 3 pm
WHERE: Church of the Resurrection’s Ministry Center, 6300 E Dublin Granville Rd, New Albany, OH 43054-8592
WHAT: 70+ Crafters, plus door prizes, raffles, bake sale, homemade chocolates & cafe.
Come Shop, buy our Homemade Chocolates & Buy a Chance at 100.00 Cash. $1.00 admission (Enters you in a door prize chance)
WHEN: Friday, November 9, 7pm – 10pm (and Dec 14)
WHERE: 400 West Rich St. Franklinton
WHAT: Locally made artisan crafts, gifts, and goods, as well as art openings and food
WHEN: November 9-10
WHERE: Hollywood Casino Columbus, 200 Georgesville Rd, Columbus, Ohio 43228
WHAT: Featuring over 80 vendors, this is the Holiday event you won’t want to miss. There will also be an opportunity to meet Santa during the Market.
Back by popular demand, get your VIP Tickets for an exclusive shopping experience from 9AM – Noon.
Clintonville Arts Guild Holiday Show
WHEN: November 9-11, 2018
WHERE: Whetstone Park, 3923 N High St
WHAT: Free parking and entry. Includes over 50 artists, a gallery, silent auction for charity, and door prizes.
EVENT BENEFITS: A portion of the proceeds will go to the Whetstone Community Center. During the event, the Guild also hosts its annual Art Supply Drive. Shoppers can donate unused/excess art supplies (non-toxic, in good condition) for distribution to the Whetstone Community Center, the Clintonville-Beechwold Resource Center, and Columbus public schools. (No frames, please.)
Our Lady of Victory Holiday Bazaar
WHEN: Saturday, November 10, 2018 from 9 am – 3 pm
WHERE: Parish Life Center, 1559 Roxbury Rd, Marble Cliff
WHAT: Holiday bazaar and craft show with delicious Italian food, soups, sandwiches, and bake sale. Features cash raffles, white elephant sale, and more.
Britton Elementary Holiday Craft Show
WHEN: Sat, November 10, 2018, 9 am – 1pm
WHERE: Britton Elementary School, 4501 Britton Rd, Hilliard, OH 43026
WHAT: Over 50 handmade crafters, vendors, raffles and more
EVENT BENEFITS: Britton Elementary PTO
Granville Music Booster Bazaar and Craft Show
WHEN: Saturday, November 10, 2018 from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
WHERE: Granville High School Commons Area, 210 New Burg St., Granville, OH 43023
WHAT: Shop from over 30 vendors while listening to the Granville Marching Band, Ensemble Groups and Choir Ensemble’s.
EVENT BENEFITS: Granville K-12 Music Booster
WHEN: Saturday, November 10, 2018 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
WHERE: Bridgewater Banquet and Conference Center,10561 Sawmill Pkwy, Powell, Ohio 43065
WHAT: Santa’s Secret Workshop, where Santa goes to give his elves a break!
WHEN: Saturday, November 10, 2018 9am – 3pm
WHERE: Thomas A Edison Intermediate School, 1240 Oakland Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43212
WHAT: Features a wide variety of items from independent artisans as well as local businesses. Shop, enjoy a bake sale or take a chance on a raffle.
EVENT BENEFITS: Grandview Heights K-3 PTO
Darby HS Athletic Booster Craft Show
WHEN: Saturday, November 10, 9am – 3pm
WHERE: Hilliard Darby High School, 4200 Leppert Rd, Hilliard
WHAT: Craft show featuring gift baskets for raffle, concessions, and pictures with Santa.
EVENT BENEFITS: Hilliard Darby Athletic Boosters
St. John Neumann Holiday Craft Bazaar
WHEN: Saturday, November 10, 9am – 2pm
WHERE: St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 9633 E. State Route 37 Sunbury
WHAT: Wide assortment of handmade Christmas craft items, delicious baked goods and a variety of food items, as well as baskets for raffle.
EVENT BENEFITS: Fundraiser for the women’s club
Grove City Holiday Craft and Gift Bazaar
WHEN: Saturday, November 10, 9a-4pm and Sunday, November 11, 10a-4pm
WHERE: Grove City High School, 4665 Hoover Rd, Grove City
WHAT: Over 175 unique vendors, as well as homemade Breakfast and Lunch served daily; $2 Admission, Seniors $1, kids under 12 free. See Facebook page for vendor details
EVENT BENEFITS: Grove City High School Band
Bethel Int’l United Methodist Women Craft Marketplace
WHEN: Saturday, November 10, 9am – 3pm
WHERE: Bethel International United Methodist Church – 1220 Bethel Road Columbus
WHAT: Over 100 vendors displaying and selling their handmade items, silent auction with items from local merchants and many other community organizations. The youth will host a bake sale and there will be a homemade lunch provided by the United Methodist Women at a minimal cost. $1 admission
EVENT BENEFITS: Admission goes to United Methodist Missions; including women’s healthcare, human trafficking and children’s needs.
WHEN: Saturday, November 10 from 11 – 7 p.m.
WHERE: Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 N High St, Columbus
WHAT: Alternative craft fair featuring hip, handmade items by local indie artists, crafters, and designers. There will be make and take stations so you can DIY, as well as giveaways, swag bags, and raffles will happen throughout the day. Cash bar available
The Annual TWIG Bazaar benefiting Nationwide Children’s Hospital
WHEN: Sunday, November 11, 10am – 3pm
WHERE: Ohio Expo Center Fairgrounds Lausche Building, 717 East 17th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211 United States
WHAT: More than 200 tables of handmade crafts with traditional and unique items that include: home décor, seasonal items, children’s collectibles and many other holiday gift ideas at this huge event.
ADMISSION: Free admission! Early admission passes available for $25 donation to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and will allow you to shop before the bazaar opens to the public. Ohio Expo Center charges $5 parking fee.
EVENT BENEFITS: Nationwide Children’s Hospital
WHEN: Saturday, November 16-17, 2018 6pm – 9 pm, 9am – 3pm
WHERE: Franklin County Fairgrounds, Columbus, Ohio 43119
WHAT: Shop all 65 booths and make one payment for all your purchases. This show features a multitude of hand crafted options for the holiday season.
WHEN: Saturday, November 17, 2018, 10 am – 2 pm
WHERE: Oak Creek Elementary School, 1256 Westwood Dr, Lewis Center, Ohio 43035
WHAT: Shop small for the holidays with 50 local makers and support the Oak Creek Elementary School PTO. While you shop, the kiddos can look for gifts on their own at our Secret Santa shop!
WHEN: Saturday, November 17, 9am – 3pm
WHERE: 1861 Gantz Rd, Grove City, Ohio 43123
WHAT: Shop 50+ handmade and Direct Sale Vendors, and Scholastic Book Fair, plus food and raffles! If you would like to participate as a vendor, please email harmonptacraftshow@yahoo.com.
SHOW BENEFITS: James A. Harmon Elementary PTA
Howliday Bazaar and Pet Photos with Santa
WHEN: Saturday, November 17, 2018, 10am – 3pm
WHERE: Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center, 4340 Tamarack Blvd, Columbus, OH 43229
WHAT: Feature holiday decorations, dog-themed ornaments, baked goods, and handmade crafts. Purchase an ornament from the Giving Tree for your pet, in memory of a pet or a person, or to honor one of the Shelter dogs. For a donation, your pets can get photos taken with Santa or a winter scene.
SHOW BENEFITS: Medical and surgical care for sick and injured Shelter dogs.
WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, November 17-18, 2018, 10am -5pm
WHERE: Lausche Building, 717 E 17th Ave, Columbus, OH 43211
WHAT: Holiday market featuring 150 artists and crafters with unique, handcrafted items….pottery, folk art, paintings, stained glass, jewelry, photography and much, much more. Admission is $6, Free return admission on Sunday. Children 12 and under are free. Parking is $5.
Ohio Made Holiday Market Black Friday Edition 2018
WHEN: Friday, November 23, 2018 from 10 am – 2 pm
WHERE: Grove City Brewing Company, 3946 Broadway, Grove City, Ohio 43123
WHAT: Shop small from local high quality Makers. Free parking; free admission
WHEN: Saturday, November 24, 9am – 6pm and Sunday, November 25, 10am – 4pm
WHERE: Ohio Expo Center Bricker Building, 717 East 17th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211 United States
WHAT: This large show will feature aisles upon aisles of over 800 booths with one-of-a-kind antiques and collectible items available for sale.
ADMISSION: Free, $5 parking
Not verified for 2018
Junk Bash Vintage Boutique Holiday Show – NO SHOW LISTED FOR 2018
WHEN: November 8 and 9, 2019; Friday 10am – 6pm and Saturday 10am – 6pm
WHERE: The Ohio Expo (inside the newly built Cardinal Hall), 717 E 17th Ave, Columbus, OH 43211
WHAT: If you love everything rusty, dusty, handmade, repurposed, vintage, awesome, then Junk Bash Vintage Boutique is for you! Where vintage enthusiasts come to party & shop, this one of a kind marketplace celebrates the gritty, callused hands of our makers and purveyors and lauds the lifestyle led by vintage enthusiasts. Check out Elbow Grease designated exhibitors offering demo’s and showcasing the latest and greatest in DIY tools and supplies. Visit booths to learn tips of the trade, ask questions and grab samples.
ADMISSION: $8 per person, per day. Ages 14 and under free. Cash or check at the door; online tickets subject to $2 fee per order. The Ohio Expo will collect a parking fee of $5.
Festivus and 400 West Rich’s Holiday Market
WHEN: details tba for 2018
WHERE: 400 West Rich St. Columbus
WHAT: Annual holiday celebration with studio events gallery exhibits and some of Columbus’s finest local musicians, artisans and food vendors. Details tba
Annual Holiday Glass Art Sale
WHEN: dates tba for 2018
WHERE: Glass Axis, 610 W Town St, Columbus, OH 43215, United States
WHAT: Find your winter glass needs from ornaments to snowmen from numerous local glass artists. We will be offering glass making classes where you can make your own blown glass ornament or winter-themed bead. Glass classes will be offered at a special discount rate during the duration of the Holiday Sale.
I’m not affiliated with any of the markets. If you want to find out about vendor information, I suggest you click on the links in the article and see if you can find out who to contact. I do know that many of them fill up with vendors earlier in the year, so you may find limited space. Good luck!
My wife makes ornaments and I was wondering if we could get applications to participate in some of the Arts and Crafts fairs in the Columbus, Ohio area. We also need to know details, such as the entry fee and what facilities (tables, outlets) are available. If you can provide contact telephone numbers, that would be great as well.