Tis the season for crafts — and craft shows — so even if you can’t hand-knit a scarf for your Boo, you can give said Boo a hand-knit scarf. Just not from your hands. (There is always the wrapping paper for your own personal touch.) While big-ticket items have their place, it’s always nice to be able to give from the heart a little something that’s original, one-of-a-kind, and local. And when you buy directly from a craftsperson, you’re not just supporting a local small business, you’re giving an artist a real psychological boost. Here's a roundup of the pop-up sales and other holiday shopping activities we've heard about so far. More will be added as we learn of other events as the season progresses (email calendar@isthmus.com with updates).
Holiday Pop-Up Shop: Agrace Grief Support Center fundraiser thrift boutique, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, through Nov. 30, East Towne Mall, Madison. Closed on Thanksgiving. agrace.org.
Friends of Folklore Village Online Auction: Fundraiser with crafts, local food and more, bidding open from 5 p.m. on Nov. 1 through 7 p.m., Nov. 10: Fundraiser.bid/FolkloreVillage.
Fall Craft Sale: Handmade items by local artisans, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Nov. 1 and 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Nov. 2, Middleton Senior Center, Middleton. Free admission. cityofmiddleton.us/109/Senior-Center.
Midwest Vintage Flea: Vintage apparel from various vendors, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Nov. 2 (early entry at 10 a.m. ticketed) and 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Nov. 3, Garver Feed Mill, Madison. goodstyleshop.com.
FALLing into Art: Holiday art and gift vendors, 4-7 p.m. on Nov. 8 and 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Nov. 9, Camp Createability, Madison. createabilitywi.org.
Winter Art Fair Off the Square: Wisconsin Alliance of Artists & Craftspeople showcase with 135 vendors, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Nov. 9 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Nov. 10, Monona Terrace, Madison, with kids' activities, silent auction. artcraftwis.org.
Craft & Bake Sale: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Nov. 9, Burke Lutheran Church, Madison, with quilts, bakery items and lunch, more. burkelutheran.org. 608-244-8486.
courtesy St. Christopher Catholic Parish
The craft room at a past Holiday Bazaar.
The craft room at a past Holiday Bazaar.
Holiday Bazaar: Crafts, gifts, baked goods, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Nov. 9, St. Christopher Parish Center, Verona; lunch 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. saintchristopherparish.com. 608-845-6613.
Wisconsin Heights Holiday Craft Fair: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Nov. 9, Wisconsin Heights High School, Mazomanie, with 100-plus vendors. wisconsinheightscraftfair.weebly.com. 608-220-6047.
Holiday Gift Fair: Youth mission/education trips fundraiser, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Nov. 9 and 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Nov. 10, St. Ann's Parish School, 324 N. Harrison St., Stoughton, with arts & crafts, food and other vendors. stcletuspastorate.org. 608-873-7633.
Holiday Art & Craft Sale: Annual Verona Area Education Foundation fundraiser with 70+ local artisans, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Nov. 9, Sugar Creek Elementary School, Verona. Free admission. verona.k12.wi.us.
Scorpio Market: 40-plus local artists and community organizations, noon-4 p.m., Nov. 9, Wisconsin Masonic Center, Madison. Masks required. communicationmadison.com.
Dane Buy Local Holiday Auction: Annual fundraiser in support of local businesses, bid from Nov. 14-21. Link TBA at danebuylocal.com.
Polish Christmas Market: Annual Polish Heritage Club event with traditional lunch & bakery items, crafts, music & demonstrations, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Nov. 16, St. Bernard Catholic Church, Middleton. phcwi-madison.org. 608-571-5727.
Native Art Market: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Nov. 16, Arts + Literature Laboratory, Madison. artlitlab.org.
Dane County Holiday Farmers' Market: Indoor market, 7:30 a.m.-noon Saturdays, Nov. 16-23 and Dec. 7-21, Monona Terrace. dcfm.org.
Santa's Helpers: Craft/vendor market, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Nov. 16, Bowl-A-Vard Lanes, Madison, with raffle for Toys for Tots. facebook.com/events/s/5th-annual-santas-helpers-craf/326557300150399.
Native Art Market: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Nov. 16, Arts + Literature Laboratory, Madison. artlitlab.org.
Holiday Market: Noon-4 p.m., Nov. 17, The Boneyard, Madison, with dog/pet-themed vendors, dog food/supply drive and pet photos (to benefit WisCares), food trucks. madisonboneyard.com. 608-216-8865.
One Eyed Cat
A plate depicting a dog surrounded by cats in sunglasses.
Holiday Market: Works by local artists, Nov. 22-Dec. 28, River Arts on Water, Prairie du Sac, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday. Closed Nov. 28, Dec. 24-25. river arts inc.org.
Sauced: Market with 40 local vendors, music by DJ Dudley Noon, 5-10 p.m., Nov. 22, Garver Feed MIll, Madison. Free admission. saucedmarket.com.
Art at the Wright Place: Annual arts & crafts sale featuring 50 regional artists, 6-9 p.m. on Nov. 22 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Nov. 23, First Unitarian Society, Madison. Free admission. fusmadison.org/artfair.
Fall Bake & Vendor Sale: 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Nov. 23, Sons of Norway Mandt Lodge, Stoughton. sonsofnorway5.com/lodges/details/18-Mandt-314.608-873-7209.
Holiday Craft Fair, Book Sale and Bake Sale: Friends of Waunakee Public Library fundraiser with 70-plus vendors, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Nov. 23, Waunakee Intermediate School, Waunakee, with concessions, container raffle. waunakeepubliclibrary.org.
Baraboo Holiday Fair: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Nov. 23, Baraboo Arts Banquet & Convention Center, Baraboo, with 60-plus vendors, music by Ted Hawkins, food, silent auction & raffle (to benefit Bullies & Friends Pet Rescue). facebook.com/people/Baraboo-Womens-Fair-And-Holiday-Super-Sale/100063715381643.
courtesy Sennett Community Winter Craft Market
Booths at the 2023 Sennett Community Winter Craft Market.
Sennett Community Winter Craft Market
Sennett Community Winter Craft Market: Sennett Middle School PTO benefit with 65 vendors, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Nov. 23, Sennett Middle School, Madison. facebook.com/pages/Sennett-Middle/1558776474339999.
Holiday Bazaar: Local vendors, bake sale, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Nov. 23, Monona United Methodist Church, Monona, with lunch starting at 11 a.m. facebook.com/mononaumc.
Tenney Winter Art Market: 16 Madison-area artists, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Nov. 23, Tenney Park, Madison. jdeloya4@gmail.com.
Holiday House Bazaar: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Nov 23-24, Monona Community Center, Monona. mymonona.com.
Tandem Press Holiday Open House: With print sale, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Nov. 23, 1743 Commercial Ave., Madison, with printmaking demos 11 & 11:45 a.m., 12:30 p.m. tandempress.wisc.edu.
Autumn Craft Fair: School fundraiser, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Nov. 24, Three Angels Christian School, Monona, with Santa visit 11 a.m.-1 p.m., music, raffle, bake sale. 3angelsschool.org.
Cutting Edge Night Market: Art & crafts from students, plus music, refreshments, 4-7 p.m., Nov. 26, Edgewood College-Washburn Heritage Room, Madison. edgewood.edu.
Art & Craft Fair: With lunch, bake sale, raffle, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Nov. 30, VFW Post 7591, Madison. facebook.com/VFWPost7591.
GSAFE Quilt Auction: "Together" theme, Nov. 27 through 9 p.m., Dec. 3, at e.givesmart.com/events/Bww.
Downtown Holiday Open House: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Nov. 29-Dec.1, State Street/Capitol Square area, Madison, with trolley rides, music, merchant special activities & sales. visitdowntownmadison.com.
Madison Makers Black Friday Market: Local makers and vendors pub crawl, noon-5 p.m., Nov. 29, The Deliciouser, Giant Jones Brewing Co., Hotel Indigo, Imaginary Factory, Old Sugar Distillery, State Line Distillery, The Sylvee, Vintage Brewing-Capitol East and Working Draft Beer, Madison. madisonmakersmarket.com.
Art at the Depot: Annual open house featuring local artists, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Nov. 30, 931 E. Main St. 608-256-3979.
Shop Small This Fall: Benefit for OccuPaws Guide Dog Association, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Nov. 30, Dodger Bowl, Dodgeville, with vendors, raffle. occupaws.org.
courtesy Glitter Workshop
Patrons at a Holiday Craftacular.
A past Holiday Craftacular event.
Holiday Craftacular: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Nov. 30, Garver Feed Mill, Madison, with 50 local artists, food vendors, activities. facebook.com/glitterworkshops.
Winter Market: Vendors, music and more, noon-5 p.m. Saturdays, Nov. 30-Dec. 21, Black Business Hub, Madison; Black Santa visits on Nov. 30. ulgm.org.
Dark Holiday Bazaar: 1-5 p.m., Dec. 1, Crucible, Madison, with local artists and vendors, entertainment, and Krampus visit. cruciblemadison.com.
AFA Holiday Shoppe: Arts for All Wisconsin artists, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Dec. 4 & 11, Advanced Employment, 6515 Watts Road, Madison. artsforallwi.org.
Sip and Shop: 3-7 p.m., Dec. 5, Chazen Museum of Art-Lobby and Cafe. chazen.wisc.edu.
Christkindli Market: Christmas-themed vendors, music, Santa visits, sleigh rides, 3-7 p.m. on Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Dec. 7 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Dec. 8, downtown New Glarus. swisstown.com. 608-527-2095.
Trollidays Schoolhouse Market: 4-8 p.m., Dec. 6, District #1 Old Schoolhouse, Mount Horeb. mounthorebchamber.com.
The Art of the Season: Artwork and gifts, hot chocolate, 4-7 p.m. on Dec. 6 and 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Dec, 7, Camp Createability, Madison. createabilitywi.org.
Dane Arts Holiday Pop-up Market: Local artists, Dane Arts calendar and poster available, 4-8 p.m., Dec. 6, Aubergine, Madison. danearts.com.
Sip & Glow: A King Street Holiday: 6-9 p.m., Dec. 6, 100 blocks of King and South Pinckney Streets, Madison, with holiday market, music by Eric De Los Santos, Wend O'Lynn, strolling Santa, ugly sweater contest, business specials. A portion of proceeds donated to YWCA Madison. visitdowntownmadison.com.
Fair Trade Holiday Festival: Annual event, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Dec. 7, Monona Terrace, Madison, with artisan food, clothing, arts & crafts from around the globe. fairtrademadison.org.
HolidayFest: Madison Parks annual event, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Dec. 7, Warner Park Community Recreation Center, Madison. cityofmadison.com. 608-245-3669.
Holiday Craft Fair: DeForest Area Music Boosters fundraiser, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Dec. 7, DeForest Middle School, DeForest, with 80 vendors, music, concessions, bake sale. facebook.com/deforestareamusicboosters.
Holiday Toy Consignment Sale: Hosted by Lil’ Badger, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Dec. 7 and 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Dec. 8, Monona Community Center, Monona. Free admission; a portion of proceeds benefits Monona Parks & Rec Youth Scholarship Fund. Consignment info: lilbadgerconsignmentsale.com.
Holiday Art Market: WayForward Resources (formerly Middleton Outreach Ministry) fundraiser, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Dec. 7 and 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Dec. 8, Food Concepts Inc., Middleton. wayforwardresources.org. 608-826-3408.
The Crafty Fair: Indie artist showcase with 150-plus vendors, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Dec. 7 and 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Dec. 8, Goodman Community Center, Madison. thecraftyfair.com.
Holiday Market: Gift vendors, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Dec. 8, Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Monona. aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org. 608-221-0404.
Jolly Holiday Vendor & Craft Fair: Benefit for OccuPaws Guide Dog Association, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Dec. 8, Prairie View Middle School, Sun Prairie, with 100-plus vendors, raffle. occupaws.org.
MSCR Pottery Sale: Annual fundraiser, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on Dec. 12-13, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Dec. 14 and 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Dec. 15, Madison School & Community Recreation-West, 7333 West Towne Way, Madison. mscr.org.
Very Merry Holiday Fair: 60 artisans, refreshments, noon-6 p.m. on Dec. 13 and 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Dec. 14, Baraboo Arts Banquet & Convention Center, Baraboo. theverymerryholidayfair.com.
Christkindlmarket: Makers and other vendors, 3-7 p.m. on Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Dec. 14 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Dec. 15, Seven Acre Dairy, Paoli. christkindlmarketpaoli.com.
Holiday Crafts & Cookies: Dar al-Kalima College (Bethlehem) fundraiser, 9 a.m.-noon, Dec. 14, Memorial United Church of Christ, Fitchburg. facebook.com/FitchburgMemorialUCC.
Wisconsin Women of Color Network Scholarship Fundraiser: Annual event, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Dec. 14, Clarion Suites, 102 E. Rusk Ave., Madison, with arts & crafts vendors, silent auction, brunch ($45; $15 ages 8-12; RSVP by 12/11: wwocninc@gmail.com).
Holiday Bazaar: Arts & crafts, baked goods, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Dec. 14 and 1-4 p.m., Dec. 15, S.S. Morris African Methodist Episcopal Community Church, Madison. facebook.com/ssmorrisamechurch.
courtesy FEED Kitchens
Displays of food items in a commercial kitchen.
The FEED Kitchens Holiday Bazaar, 2019.
FEED Holiday Bazaar: FEED Kitchens food vendors, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Dec. 14, FEED Kitchens, Madison. feedkitchens.org.
Mini Crafty Fair: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Dec. 14, Goodman Community Center-Ironworks, Madison. thecraftyfair.com.
Nerd Made: Madison Holiday Market: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Dec. 14, Wisconsin Masonic Center, Madison. facebook.com/people/Nerd-Made-Madison/61555230783507.
Garver Holiday Market: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Dec. 14 and 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Dec. 15, Garver Feed Mill, Madison. facebook.com/events/1600636247333281.
Holiday Pop-up Sale: JustDane's Just Bakery & Porchlight Products items, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Dec. 14, Storefront for Success, 1704 Thierer Road, Madison. porchlightinc.org.
Holiday Black Bazaar: Madison Black Chamber of Commerce event featuring artisan vendors, 2-6 pm, Dec. 14, Orpheum Theater, Madison. facebook.com/MBCofC.
Teen/Tween Winter Makers' Market: 2:30-4 p.m., Dec. 14, Monroe Street Arts Center, Madison. monroestreetarts.org.Christmas by the Creek: OccuPaws fundraiser, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Dec. 15, Lodi Elementary School, Lodi, with about 100 vendors, concessions, raffle. facebook.com/OccuPawsGuideDogs.
Madison Vegan Holiday Pop-Up: Food and product vendors, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Dec. 15,Goodman Community Center, Madison. facebook.com/madison.vegan.popup.
The Big Gay Holiday Market: Vendors, food carts, entertainment & more, 6-10 p.m. on Dec. 20 and 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Dec. 21, Alliant Energy Center-Exhibition Hall. thebiggaymarketllc.com.
Christmas Craft Fair & Cookie Walk: Benefit for OccuPaws Guide Dog Association, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Dec. 22, Windsor Elementary School, Windsor, with 40-plus vendors. occupaws.org.
Most recent update: Dec. 11.
