Merced County’s most wonderful time of the year? A guide to craft fair season
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Merced County and Mother Lode host holiday events.
- Events feature local artisans, handmade goods, food vendors, classes and Santa.
- Most fairs offer free or low-cost entry.
Why wait until the last minute to get your Christmas shopping done when you can hit any of several events early – and support local artisans at the same time?
That’s right, time has flown again, and it’s holiday craft fair season in the greater Merced County and Mother Lode regions.
Several festive options are planned — here’s a look at just some, in chronological order:
Carnegie Artisan Market – Nov. 6: More than 40 vendors with items including art, jewelry, candles, woodworking, leather goods, fabric art, accessories, holiday ornaments and more. 5-8 p.m. Carnegie Arts Center, 250 N. Broadway, Turlock. Free entry. carnegieartsturlock.org.
Stanislaus County Fairgrounds Holiday Market — Nov. 8: Vendors, free kids crafts, food, complimentary mimosas. Photo opportunity with Santa. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Stanislaus County Fairground floriculture area, 900 N. Broadway, Turlock. Free entry. 209-668-1333.
Holiday Craft Fair – Nov. 8-9: Crafts for sale including handmade items, wreaths, kitchen decor, scrapbooking supplies and more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. Lake Don Pedro Hacienda, 5182 Fuentes de Flores, La Grange. Free to enter. 831-214-2314.
Crafty Chicks Holiday Market – Nov. 22: More than 65 indoor vendors with gifts, artisan foods, decor and more. There also will be a craft class. Food trucks available. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Calaveras County Fairgrounds, Angels Camp. $3 entry. craftychicksroadshow@gmail.com.
Hilmar Holiday Expo – Nov. 23: Local vendors for shopping, food vendors, raffles, more. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Hilmar Grange Hall, 8188 CA-165. www.facebook.com/thehilmarholidayexpo.
Hometown Crafters Christmas Faire – Nov. 28-29: Featuring local artisans and crafters. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. Sonora Opera Hall, 250 S. Washington St., Sonora. Hometowncrafterssonora@gmail.com.
Santa Day 2025: Toy Drive & Holiday Vendor Fair – Dec. 6: The event presented by Merced CHP offers photos with Santa, free holiday crafts and hot chocolate. There will be vendors featuring local makers and small businesses. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Starbucks, 1640 Bell Lane, Atwater. Free with unwrapped toy to donate. 209-356-6608.
Holiday Boutique – Dec. 6: Holiday shopping, handmade items, sweets, treats, coffee and more. Pictures with Santa. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Lopes Barn, 17409 Cotton Road, Los Banos. Free to enter. www.instagram.com/hashbrown812/p/DPw2FuXEmK3.
Christmas Tree Lighting and Craft Fair – Dec. 6: Craft and food vendors will be available during the event. Pictures with Santa Claus, fire truck rides, live music and more. 4-8 p.m. Newman Downtown Plaza, 1328 Main St. Free. 209-862-3200.
Christmas Market – Dec. 20: Food and handcrafted goods from local vendors. Noon-5 p.m. Corbin Cash Distillery, 3133 Hull Road, Suite B, Atwater. 209-446-0117.
