Get a head start on holiday shopping at craft fairs
Even though Thanksgiving is still weeks away, stores are already gearing up for holiday shopping. If you want to get an early start on your list you can make sure to get some unique gifts while avoiding the malls by taking your family to one of these local crafts fairs.
Autumn Arts Fair, The Odeum, 1033 N. Villa Ave., Villa Park, www.hpifestivals.com
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 20 and 21, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 22, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 23
Admission: $8, $7 for seniors, free for kids under 10
More than 500 crafters from 30 states travel with this fair. Along with plenty of art for adults to browse, there are gifts for kids including illustrated children's books, felt dolls with clothing and accessories and lots of clothing, fleece hats, mittens, scarves and jewelry in children's sizes. Entertainers also travel with the artists so you'll see stilt walker, singers, jugglers, a ventriloquist and a bluegrass band performing if you need a break from shopping. There's also a wide variety of food options in the Odeum's food court and a free wine tasting area with bottles for sale in case you find something you like.
Christmas at the Mill Fine Artisan Boutique, Graue Mill and Museum, 3800 York Road, Oak Park, (630) 920-9720; www.grauemill.org
Hours: Nov. 21-23
Admission: $6 Friday, free Saturday and Sunday
Graue Mill closes for the season in November but reopens for this weekend to host 18 artists along with volunteers selling gifts and Christmas items. You can browse weaving, stained glass, jewelry, pen and ink drawings as you wander through the grounds which are decorated for the holidays including several trees from local preschoolers. Santa will also be there from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day so kids can get their pictures taken and share their wish lists. Friday there is also a wine and cheese reception.
18th Annual Holiday Arts Fair, The Robert T. Wright Community Gallery of Art, College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake, (847) 543-2240; gallery.clcillinois.edu
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 22, 1 to 5 p.m. Nov. 23, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 24 and 25
Admission: Free
While the fair has been going on for a while, many of the 40 local artists are new for this year's fair. True to its name some of the items are holiday themed, with some artists making ornaments. But mostly it's a great place to get small gifts including sculptures, bead jewelry, candles and knitted sweaters from South America.
Holiday Lights Craft & Gift Fair, Arlington Park Racecourse, 2200 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights, (815) 878-2728; www.holidaylightsfair.com
Hours: 1 to 9 p.m. Nov. 7, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Admission: $6, free for kids under 15 and $6 per vehicle
The people behind Chicagoland Kids Expo are behind this fair, which runs for the first time this year. You can browse more than 100 booths of handcrafted wares sold by local artists along with crafters from around the country. You'll find everything from jewelry to candles and clothing. There are also some booths specifically geared towards kids including custom CDs and clothes for children and dolls.