Annual Holiday Activities and Craft Fairs in the Sugar River Region: Family-Friendly Festivities to Make the Most of this Holiday Season
Annual Holiday Activities and Craft Fairs in the Sugar River Region: Family-Friendly Festivities to Make the Most of this Holiday Season
Written by Madeline Ferland on November 13, 2023
As the crisp winter air begins to settle in, the enchanting season of joy and merriment is upon us in the Sugar River Region. With the spirit of the holidays, our region offers a plethora of annual holiday and family fun activities that are sure to delight both young and old. What makes this holiday season particularly special, is the myriad craft fairs happening across six of the fifteen communities in Sullivan County, where you’ll be able to find unique and handmade treasures as well as enjoy home-cooked and baked foods. Join us in these festivities to discover the perfect blend of community, creativity, and celebration that makes this holiday season truly unforgettable.
‘Tis the Season Craft Fair – Grantham
Date: Saturday, November 18th and Sunday, November 19th
Location: Grantham Village School
Hours: 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
The ‘Tis the Season Craft Fair at Grantham Village School features an eclectic mix of handmade treasures, from fused glass and unique furniture to captivating photography and stunning jewelry. Indulge in delicious bagels and cupcakes while shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts. Lunch is available for purchase, with proceeds supporting the Destination Imagination Team. Stop by on one day this weekend for a day of holiday cheer, delectable treats, and supporting a great cause! “Tis the season, after all.
‘Tis the Season Craft Fair Flyer in Grantham. Image Credit: Grantham Village School.
Hometown Holiday Liftoff – Claremont
Date: Friday, November 24th
Location: Broad Street Park
Hours: Sit with Santa: 2 pm – 4:30 pm
Broad Street Park Lighting: 5:00 pm
Holiday Parade: 5:15 pm – 7:15 pm
Come celebrate the start of the festive season at the Hometown Holiday Liftoff procession and official lighting ceremony in downtown Claremont, hosted by the Parks and Recreation Department. Santa Claus himself is rumored to be making a special appearance for pictures. There will be jolly music, tasty food, and hot beverages. Experience the magic as Broad Street Park is illuminated, creating a warm and enchanting Christmas ambiance for all to enjoy.
Claremont’s Hometown Holiday Liftoff 2023 Flyer. Image Credit: Claremont Parks and Recreation Department.
Christmas Craft Fair – Washington
Date: Saturday, November 25th
Location: Washington Elementary School and Camp Morgan Lodge
Hours: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Sponsored by the Washington Congregational Church, this year’s annual Christmas Craft Fair will be hosted by both the Camp Morgan Lodge and Washington Elementary School as a fun-filled festival for everyone. There, you’ll be able to purchase Christmas presents for the whole family with plenty of local and handmade items to choose from. There will also be goodies, snacks, lunch foods, and even visits with Santa – don’t forget to bring your camera!
Washington Christmas Craft Fair Flyer. Image Credit: Town of Washington.
Holiday Shop and Sip – Claremont
Date: Saturday, November 25th
Location: Claremont Opera House
Hours: Artisan Market: Noon – 6 pm
Tasting: 4 – 6 pm
Pricing:
- $15
- $2 convenience fee will be added to all purchases made over the phone or in-person at the box office
- Free to Gold and Bronze Claremont Opera House members
In collaboration with the MakerSpace and the Claremont Growers Collective, the Claremont Opera House is hosting the third annual Holiday Shop & Sip – Artisan Market and Seasonal Tasting as a Small Business Saturday event. The market provides a perfect opportunity to not only support small businesses, but also to get in your holiday shopping and pick out locally unique and handmade gifts. There will also be multiple wine and beverage food pairings to be tried for those ages 21 and up.
Claremont’s Holiday Shop & Sip. Image Credit: Claremont Opera House.
“Stuff the Truck” for Toys for Tots – Claremont
Date: Sunday, November 26th
Location: Claremont Walmart
Hours: 10 am – 5 pm
Pricing: However much you spend on gifts to donate
Make a difference this holiday season by participating in a little bit of do-gooding for the annual Toys for Tots “Stuff the Truck” event at the Walmart in Claremont. Anyone and everyone is invited to fill the semi truck by dropping off new, unwrapped toys as donations for children in need. Imagine the joy your gracious contribution can bring to a child during the holidays!
Toys for Tots Logo. Image Credit: Toys for Tots.
Tree Lighting Ceremony – Grantham
Date: Sunday, November 26th
Location: Grantham Town Building Lower Level
Hours: 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Celebrate the magic of the holiday season at Grantham’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony! All are welcome to join friends and neighbors in kicking off the festivities with caroling and the enchanting illumination of the town’s festive tree. Inside the town building, indulge in delicious snacks such as cookies and hot cocoa and engage in festive crafts. There will be fun for everyone! Don’t miss this heartwarming gathering.
Grantham’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony Flyer. Image Credit: Town of Grantham.
Winter Wonderland Craft Fair – Claremont
Date: Saturday, December 2nd
Location: Claremont Senior Center
Hours: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Get ready for a cozy and crafty day at the Winter Wonderland Craft Fair! Come spend time with the stupendous local crafters who will be showcasing their creations. Join in the fun with a basket raffle, 50/50 draw, and tables on tables of cookies for those with a sweet tooth. And, of course, plenty of shopping awaits!
Claremont Senior Center Winter Wonderland Craft Fair. Image Credit: Madeline Ferland.
Holiday Craft Fair – Lempster
Date: Saturday, December 2nd
Location: Lempster Community School
Hours: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
The 5th Annual Holiday Craft Fair at the Lempster Community School will have many holiday activities and opportunities, and everyone’s invited! There will be booths featuring homemade gifts of quality craftsmanship and warm friendly vendors. If you come early enough, you’ll be able to catch breakfast. And if you decide later in the day is better, then you’ll be delighted with some lunch foods. Either way, come for the food and stay for the crafts!
Lempster Holiday Craft Fair. Image Credit: Madeline Ferland.
Holiday Craft Fair – Goshen
Date: Saturday, December 2nd
Location: Olive G Pettis Memorial Library
Hours: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Step into the festive spirit at the annual Holiday Craft Fair, happening at the Goshen library. There will be many locally crafted treasures and numerous talented vendors showcasing their handmade delights. From unique gifts to beautiful decorations, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss the highlight of the event – their famous cookie walk, where you can indulge in a wonderful array of homemade treats.
Holiday Craft Fair Flyer at the Olive G Pettis Library. Image Credit: Goshen Town Hall.
Winter Holiday Party – Claremont
Date: Thursday, December 7th
Location: Claremont Savings Bank
Hours: 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Pricing: However much you spend on gifts to donate
Everyone is invited to the annual Winter Holiday Party, a festive gathering taking place at the Claremont Savings Bank this year. Catering will be from the Common Man! In the spirit of giving, attendees are encouraged to bring a gift to donate to the Sullivan County Humane Society. Consider contributing pet food, treats, toys, and other products to bring joy to our furry friends during the holiday season. Come with friends, family, and fellow community members for an evening of good cheer, delectable food, and the joy of giving back.
Claremont Savings Bank Holiday Party Flyer. Image Credit: Greater Claremont Chamber of Commerce.
Holiday Craft Fair – Charlestown
Date: Saturday, December 9th
Location: Cobb Co. Arena Games
Hours: 9 am
For a festive day of holiday shopping and community spirit, make sure to visit Cobb Co. Arena Games’ first-ever Holiday Craft Fair! Local vendors will be showcasing and selling their unique crafts and products, offering a variety of choices for your holiday shopping. There will be an exciting raffle and giveaway during the event. While you shop, indulge in the delightful refreshments and food available for purchase. There are over 10 local vendors registered, from crafty merchandise to deliciously filling treats.
Holiday Craft Fair Flyer. Image Credit: Cobb Co.
Holiday Craft Fair and Children’s Christmas Corner – Newport
Date: Saturday, December 9th
Location: Newport High School Gymnasium
Hours: 9 am – 2 pm
Pricing:
- For the Children’s Corner – $5 per child or $20 for 4+ children
All kids and families are welcome to attend the seventh annual Holiday Craft Fair and Children’s Christmas Corner sponsored by Sullivan County Cares, a nonprofit organization dedicated to sending active duty military members care packages. Not only will the Craft Fair have many homemade crafts, jellies, and other special gifts, the Children’s Corner will have plenty of gifts to be picked out for each child’s family members. The gifts will also be fully wrapped! There is something for everyone at this joyous event.
Holiday Craft Fair Flyer. Image Credit: Sullivan County Cares.
Children’s Christmas Corner Flyer. Image Credit: Sullivan County Cares.
Holiday Craft Fair and Cookies with Kris Kringle – Springfield
Date: Saturday, December 9th
Location: Springfield Town Hall and Howard Memorial Methodist Church (Meeting House)
Hours: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Cookies with Kris Kringle: 10:00 am – noon
The Springfield Rec Committee is hosting their annual Holiday Craft Fair at the historic Meeting House, where all are welcome and there will be many cookies to be decorated, handmade crafts and items to be bought, and lots of holiday fun to be had. You’ll even get to spend some time with jolly ol’ Kris Kringle himself!
Springfield Festive Christmas Craft Fair Flyer. Image Credit: Springfield Parks and Recreation Department.
Christmas Tree Lighting – Charlestown
Date: Saturday, December 9th
Location: Silsby Free Public Library
Hours: 6:00 pm
The Silsby Free Public Library in Charlestown is hosting their annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, where Santa Claus will be lighting the tree! The activities will take place both inside the library and outside, such as cookie decorating, live music, treats, take-home crafts, holiday cheer all around. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to take part in this festive community event.
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Flyer. Image Credit: The Silsby Free Public Library.
Family Christmas Movie Night – Washington
Date: Saturday, December 9th
Location: Washington Town Hall
Hours: 6:30 pm
Nothing like some good ol’ family and friends time by enjoying a movie during the holiday season! Come gather with your loved ones at the Washington Town Hall for a family-friendly showing of the tale of the Grinch, and his infamous stealing of Christmas. There will be delightful treats such as hot chocolate, cookies, cupcakes, and popcorn.
Merry Grinchmas! Holiday Movie Night in Washington Flyer. Image Credit: Town of Washington.
‘Twas Just Before Christmas – Newport
Date: Saturday, December 9th
Location: Newport Opera House Association
Hours: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Chili Walk: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Identified by Kearsarge Magazine as one of the area’s best offerings for the holiday season, The Newport Area Chamber of Commerce’s “‘Twas Just Before Christmas” event is one you really don’t want to miss. All are welcome to enjoy the family fun seasonal festivities at the Newport Opera House. The kiddos with their Passports to Santa (provided for free) will be able to collect stamps from participating businesses along Main Street, and after filling the passports, will get to meet Santa on the stage in the opera house for a free picture. Also happening will be the annual Chili Walk, hosted by the Newport Recreation Department. Face painting, a bonfire, horse and wagon rides, hot chocolate, crock pot food, a bake sale, and crafts and letters to Santa are just some of the activities and things to look forward to
‘Twas Just Before Christmas – A Magical Night in Newport Flyer. Image Credit: Newport Area Chamber of Commerce.
Will you be attending any of these festive holiday events? Let us know! Follow us on Instagram and like us on Facebook for up-to-date Sugar River Region events and happenings. Be sure to check our Events Page for annual events and activities in the Sugar River Region.