No need to kill yourself over those Black Friday doorbusters.
The 47th annual Belsnickel Craft Show – named for the Pennsylvania German version of Santa Claus – will be held 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 24 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 25 at Boyertown Senior High School, Fourth and Monroe streets, Boyertown.
What’s special about it?The show features 140 juried artisans, many regional and state craft guild members. There’s a strict rule that they bring no commercially manufactured, resale, or imported items. Crafts include both those in the Pennsylvania German tradition, as well as modern interpretations.
Proceeds fund the Boyertown Area Historical Society’s programs; maintenance of their historic building and museum, research and genealogical library collections; and educational programs.
Like what?Among the traditional crafts on display will be woodworking and woodcarving, pottery, baskets, paper mache folk art, dolls and doll clothing, quilts and quilted items, dried flowers, tole painting, weaving, scherenschnitte (paper cutting), clay sculpture, Santas, stained glass, punched-tin art, wooden toys and Christmas items.
Is there food?Refreshments will be available.
Sounds pretty big. Do I need a ticket?
Admission is $5, children under 12 are admitted free, if accompanied by an adult.
Save the date
While you’re thinking about it, here’s 10 other special upcoming holiday shopping opportunities that we know about:
1. Christkindlmarkt: The Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem holiday marketplace offers vendors, attractions and holiday cheer weekends Nov. 17-Dec. 23 at SteelStacks in Bethlehem. See www.christmascity.org or call (610) 332-3378.
2. LOVE Park: Philadelphia’s Christmas Village returns Nov. 23-Dec. 24, with 80 vendors selling European food, ornaments and arts and crafts from all over the world. Visit www.philachristmas.com.
3. North Penn High School: the 31st annual North Penn Holiday Craft Market features 95 juried traditional and contemporary craft artists 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 18 at 1340 S. Valley Forge Road, Towamencin. Lunch will be available 11 to 3. Admission is $5.
4. Congregation Beth Or: It’s a Hanukkah bazaar 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 3 at the synagogue, 239 East Welsh Road, Upper Dublin. Browse more than 50 vendors with a selection of jewelry, clothes, crafts, sports memorabilia, toys, skincare products and more. Raffle prizes will be awarded during hourly drawings. Snack on homemade latkes and other treats available for purchase. Call (215) 646-5806.
5. Church of the Holy Spirit: A Gingerbread Craft Show is held 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 2 at 2871 Barndt Road, Upper Salford. Vendors will display an appealing assortment of crafts. Refreshments will be served all day. For additional information, visit www.churchoftheholyspirit.us or contact Cindy at cohs.events@yahoo.com.
6. St. Mary Catholic Church: The church at 40 Spring Mount Road, Lower Frederick, will host its annual Christmas Craft Show & Bazaar 5 to 9 p.m. Nov. 17 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 18. It will feature more than 50 area vendors of handmade items. Enjoy lunch or dinner in the cafe, have your picture taken with Santa in his workshop, take a chance on raffle baskets and enjoy homemade goodies from the baked goods table. There will be live entertainment throughout the event in the Parish Hall. For more information, contact Sandi at (610) 287-8156 or solzinski@churchofsaintmary.org.
7. Agnes Irwin School: The Haverford College of Craftsmen Fine Art & Craft Show is set for 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 18 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 19 at the school at South Ithan Avenue and Conestoga Road, Rosemont. Check www.haverfordguild.org and www.facebook.com/HaverfordGuildOfCraftsmen.
8. St. Patrick Church: The church at 714 DeKalb St., Norristown, will hold its annual bazaar 5 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 17 and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 18, with attic treasures, a craft booth, a jewelry booth, Christmas wreaths, baked goods, candy and of course a visit from Santa.
9. St. Paul’s Church: The church at Johnson Highway and New Hope Street, East Norriton, will holds it annual bazaar in the parish hall 5 to 9 p.m. Nov. 17 and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 18. The bazaar features Holiday Gift Boutique and crafts, raffle prizes to restaurants and stores, a Christmas Cafe, baked goods, candy, kids’ games and a Breakfast with Santa on Saturday.
10. Central Schwenkfelder Church Central Community Center: Holiday Shopping for a Cause is held 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 1 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 2. Items for purchase include blown glass ornaments, jewelry, cards, scarves, purses, bookmarks, toys and clothing. Proceeds will go to Women At Risk International, an organization that rescues and shelters women and children from human traffickers in 45 countries around the world and in the U.S. All the items at the fundraiser are made by these women. The church is off of Valley Forge Road, Worcester.
