Who doesn’t love an old-fashioned church Christmas fair? At parishes across the Diocese of Maine, volunteers work long hours to plan and orchestrate these annual events, which offer a festive alternative to standard holiday shopping. Bring your gift list and stop in at one or more of the following fairs for handmade and vintage items, baked goods, holiday decor, and more!
Saturday, Nov. 14
Trinity Church, Saco, 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Holly Berry Fair: crafters, books, cookie walk, pre-loved treasures, baked goods, jewelry, kids table, puzzles, luncheon, and more.
St. Ann’s, Windham, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Christmas Fair: fresh balsam wreaths, crafts, gift baskets, Christmas décor, cookie walk, meals to go, seasonal greens, books, games and puzzles, jewelry boutique, homemade baked goods, and more.
St. Peter’s, Portland, 9 a.m. – 3 pm. – Annual Holiday Fair: handmade crafts, baked goods, jams and jellies, jewelry, stone sculptures, wood carvings, lunch.
Friday, Dec. 4
St. Columba’s, Boothbay Harbor, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Boothbay Region Garden Club Annual Holiday Festival and Winter Market: themed decorated trees, sweet shop, gift baskets, nature’s handmade gifts, ornaments, and more. Proceeds support local student scholarships and numerous environmental and community projects.
Saturday, Dec. 5
St. Francis by the Sea, Blue Hill, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Christmas Fair and Empty Bowls Event featuring the Gingerbread Café, baked goods, centerpieces, gifts and treasures, jewelry, and fine crafts. Buy a handmade soup bowl handcrafted by potter-in-residence David McBeth and enjoy homemade soup in support of feeding hungry neighbors.
St. Martin’s, Palmyra, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Christmas Crafts Fair followed by a turkey pie supper.
St. Bart’s, Yarmouth, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Christmas Fair: Find something special for everyone on your list, including handcrafted gifts, jewelry, scarves, bags, books, beautiful wreaths and holiday greens, and more! Stock up on homemade baked goods, fudge, and gourmet frozen foods, browse the silent auction, and discover treasures to make your holidays merry and bright. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Episcopal Relief & Development and the Maine Council of Churches.
St. Paul’s, Brunswick, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. – 90th Annual Christmas Fair: All proceeds go to Maine nonprofits.
St. Mark’s, Waterville, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Christmas Fair: Enjoy delicious baked goods and lunch from the Heritage Kitchen. Check out the silent auction, or the book, gift, or jewelry tables. Pick up a handmade gift (for yourself or someone else!) at the craft area. Bring the kids and make a free mini-gingerbread house to take home with you!
St. Mary’s, Falmouth, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Sparkles Annual Christmas Fair: Guild Room treasures, makers boutique, jewelry, knitting corner, bake sale, cookie walk, St. Mary’s Kitchen goodies.
Trinity Church, Portland, 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Trinity’s Christmas Fair: featuring wreaths and other Christmas decorations, white elephant, jewelry, fiber arts, candy, baked goods, pickles, jams, books, puzzles, records, CDs, ornaments and more! Food truck 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Santa visits 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Free reusable shopping bags and complimentary wassail for all visitors.
St. Columba’s, Boothbay Harbor, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Boothbay Region Garden Club Annual Holiday Festival and Winter Market (see Friday, Dec. 4)