The holidays are coming and its that time of year when we all need to make our lists and check them twice. Holiday shopping can be a nightmare, especially for the novice shopper who doesn’t understand the difference between Black Friday and Blue Moon. But there are relatives and friends who deserve to be recognized with a token gift, and the Harvard Square Holiday Craft Fairs may be just the answer to your holiday shopping needs.
The annual fair is housed in the First Parish Unitarian Church located at the corner of Church Street and Massachusetts Avenue, better known to the locals as Mass Ave. The location is especially convenient for apartment dwellers housed in Allston apartments, Boston University housing, Fenway apartments, Boston College housing, Brighton apartments and Northeastern University apartments. With several shopping dates and plenty of craft vendors, the Harvard Square Holiday Craft Fairs could become your one-stop shopping extravaganza this year.
Vendors selling unique wares include native New England crafters and world traveling importers. These original and affordable gifts are displayed within the confines of the church building and in the outside courtyard area. Though the dates of the fairs vary each year, it will typically be open to the public a dozen or so days during the month of December. This means affordability, convenience and just plain fun all under one roof and sky.
The shopping experience is unique in a host of ways. It is typical Harvard Square style with music blaring, energy bouncing and people bumping into friends old and new. The gift items are anything but run of the mill. In many cases, the crafter or artist is the exhibitor, so shoppers can put a face with a talent. This also opens the opportunity for asking questions and possibly negotiating special orders for a special someone on your holiday gift list. Unique one-of-a-kind items are the norm as opposed to the exception. This experience is nothing like a day at the mall – this is live energy, good karma and rare finds. So put aside any stereotypical visions you might have about performing the holiday shopping chore. This is a walk in the park – literally.
Last year, the Harvard Square Craft Fairs celebrated 25 years of this gathering of crafters. From handmade jewelry to hand-thrown pottery to carved wood, you simply cannot walk away without finding a few must-have items. Those who appreciate true craftsmanship will be mesmerized by the array of colors, textures and art mediums from which to choose. And somehow, the atmosphere also tends to bring out a little bit of the artist in every one of its visitors. Be prepared to walk away with not only purchased gift items, but a renewed sense of creativity.
This year’s annual fair dates are as follows:
Saturday and Sunday, December 3rd and 4th
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 9th, 10th and 11th
December 16th through the 18th
December 20th through the 24th
On Saturdays, the fair is open from 10 am to 7 pm, and on Sundays the hours are from 12 noon to 6 pm. Weekday hours are from 11:30 am to 7 pm.
A sampling of this year’s offerings include beaded, glass and vintage jewelry, stoneware pottery, fleece for adults and children, cards, prints, calendars, novelty t-shirts, photography, bath and body products, candles, pewter, glass, wovens, chocolates, jams, woolens and honey. The variety and number of items means you can cross off every person on your receiving list including family, friends, professors, your manicurist and the little old lady who keeps your cat when you go out of town.
Don’t miss the Harvard Square Holiday Craft Fairs. It is an event to be remembered and revisited often. Happy holidays!
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