Seasonal Shopping: 5 Events Where You Can Find Unique Holiday Gifts
You've made your list, checked it twice. But you may rethink your gift ideas when you visit these special shopping events around town! Throughout November and December, you'll find unique presents at craft fairs, art showcases, pop-up shops and special sales all over central Arkansas.
Nov. 14
Fall Craft Fair and Used Book Sale at Grace Lutheran Church: Shop items from 25 artisans and vendors, offering everything from jewelry to soup mixes and baby items to Christmas decorations. The Used Book Sale features hundreds of paperback and hardback fiction, cookbooks and crafts books, mostly for $1. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 14. For info: (501) 240-4035. Entry FREE!
Museum School Sale at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds: Take a walk through the Arkansas Arts Center Museum School Sale where guests find original artwork, handcrafted items and one-of-a-kind holiday gifts. All items are made by students or faculty members of the Arkansas Arts Center Museum School. The Member's Only Preview Party is 6-9 p.m. Nov. 13. General sale: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 14. For info: (501) 372-4000, ArkansasArtsCenter.org. Entry FREE!
Nov. 15
Holiday Open House at Pleasant Ridge Town Center: Welcome the holidays with carriage rides, refreshments, beautiful store window decorations, visits with Santa and plenty of sales! 1-4 p.m. Nov. 15. For info: (501) 225-7807, PleasantRidgeTownCenter.com. Entry FREE!
Playaway Gift Shop Open House at Arkansas Children's Hospital: Start your holiday shopping at this tax-free shopping event. Special guest, Mallory Hardin Brooks, will read to the children. Plus, families can enjoy Arkansas Festival Ballet performances, choir performances, exciting deals in the Playaway Gift Shop and a chance to meet the Holiday Card artists at a reception in the Train Room at 3 p.m. 1-4 p.m. Nov. 15. For info: (501) 364-1209, ARChildrens.org. Entry FREE!
Nov. 19-21
Dazzle Daze at Conway Expo Center: Shop 'til you drop at this three-day shopping extravaganza featuring specialty shopping in one location. Merchants from around the country offer gourmet food, holiday items, jewelry, children's items, women's clothing and accessories, art, men's items, home decor and more. In addition to shopping, attendees can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and register for prizes. Girls Night Out is 6-9 p.m. Nov. 19 ($30); general shopping is: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Nov. 20; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 21. $5 general shopping tickets. For info: DazzleDaze.com.
Nov. 20-21
38th Annual Holiday Craft & Gift Sale at Jacksonville Community Center: Purchase original works of art and unique gifts from Arkansas artists and vendors from surrounding areas. Handmade creations include woodwork, paintings, jewelry, holiday decor and more. Concessions available. Bring a new, unopened, unwrapped toy for free admission, as part of the first annual toy drive. $2, children ages 12-18 are $1. Sales dates: 2-8 p.m. Nov. 20 & 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 21. For info: (501) 982-4171, CityofJacksonville.net.
Nov. 27-Dec. 6
Holiday Pop Up Shop at StudioMain in SoMa: The Green Corner Store and artist Erin Lorenzen will present this second annual pop up shop in SoMa. This year's lineup includes Julie Holt and Beth Lambert pottery, Robinson Lane Designs and Bella Vita Jewelry, T-shirts and holiday decorations from ELL, knitwear and accessories from Xela design and holiday treats from Stone's Throw Brewery and Loblolly Creamery. Click here to see the full list of participants. Hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., and 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sun. Nov. 27-Dec. 6. For info, click here. Entry FREE!
Nov. 28
8th Annual Celebration of Lights & Light the Night Sale at The Promenade at Chenal: A special sale event with hot cocoa and giveaways spreads holiday cheer! Santa has special helpers this year, the Ice Princess, Snow Queen and Olaf the Snowman, who will take pictures with fans and help with the lighting of the tree and display at 5 p.m. Stop by the fireplace for free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 3-5 p.m.! For info: (501) 821-5552, ChenalShopping.com. Entry FREE!
Dec. 3
Bernice Garden Tree Lighting and SoMa Holiday Open House at Bernice Garden: Start Decemer with caroling by neighborhood school choir groups, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, warms snacks and drinks, shopping in South Main’s many shops, and good holiday cheer. 5-8 p.m. Dec. 3. For info: (501) 410-3938, TheBerniceGarden.org. Entry FREE!
Shopping Event at Museum of Discovery: Shop at the MOD gift shop for holiday gifts! Extras include giftwrap, drinks and snacks. MOD members receive 15 percent off of purchases. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 3. For info: (501) 396-7050, MuseumOfDiscovery.org. Entry FREE!
Dec. 4
ACCESS Gardens & Ceramics Holiday Sale at ACCESS Schools: Set your alarm and rise early to get the best of ACCESS ceramics. Shoppers will find platters, bowls, mugs, coasters and more colorful pieces created by ACCESS students. The once-a-year sale begins at 7:30 a.m. and ends when the items sell out. 7:30 a.m. Dec. 4. For info: (501) 217-8600, AccessGroupInc.org. Entry FREE!
Dec. 4-6
Arkansas Craft Guild’s 37th Annual Christmas Showcase at the Statehouse Convention Center: This holiday shopping extravaganza features quality art and fine crafts, both traditional and contemporary, by members of the Arkansas Craft Guild and their guests. More than 100 artists offer a unique array of fine handcrafted work, including pottery, woodworking, fiber art, glass, photography, jewelry, gourmet foods, and more. Free admission 8-10 a.m. Dec. 5. and 6-8 p.m. Dec. 4. Show hours are: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 4, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 6. $5. For info: (870) 269-4120, ArkansasCraftGuild.org.
Dec. 5
Conway MOPS Shop at University Church of Christ in Conway: Stop by this holiday shopping event to find unique products offered by local vendors. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 5. For info: (515) 556-9372, MOPS.org/Conway-MOPS. Entry FREE!
Holiday Open House and Living Gift Market at Heifer Village in Little Rock: Experience Heifer with a festival of sights, sounds and tastes of the holiday season. Make an international holiday-themed craft, snap a pic in a photo booth with a Heifer Ranch animal, warm up with a hot drink, and decorate delicious cookies. Guests can support the mission of Heifer by purchasing an animal for a family in need and complete your holiday shopping at Shop@Heifer. 10 a.m.-2 a.m. Dec. 5. For info: (501) 907-8800, Heifer.org. Entry FREE!
Dec. 12
Mistletoe Madness in Downtown Conway: Shop 'til you drop at a Christmas shopping extravaganza that offers art, jewelry, home decor, clothing, toys and foods from more than 40 local merchants. Special holiday incentives from participating merchants. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 12 For info: (501) 548-9950, DowntownConway.org. Entry FREE!
Winter Market at Two Rivers Park: Team Etsy Little Rock gathers its talented artists and vendors for the first annual Winter Market at Two Rivers Park! Etsy artists (as well as other vendors) will be on site for all of your handmade, vintage, and local holiday shopping needs. You'll also find food trucks, a beer garden, Santa and more! All proceeds of the event itself will benefit Two Rivers Park. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 12. For info, click here. Entry FREE!
Dec. 12-13
Holiday Open House & Living Gift Market at Heifer Ranch in Perryville: Stroll through the show barn, decorate cookies, find unique gifts in our international gift shop and support the work of Heifer International. Warm up with hot drinks and light snacks and enjoy a roaring bonfire. Snap a pic at a photo booth with an animal, too! Two dates: 5-8 p.m. Dec. 12 & 3-6 p.m. Dec. 13. For info: (501) 889-5124, www.Heifer.org. FREE!
Dec. 19
5th Annual Holiday Crafts Open House at Plantation Agriculture Museum State Park: The museum opens its grounds and buildings to the public for shopping, making handmade crafts, sipping hot mulled-apple cider or coffee, and nibbling on homemade treats. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 19. Free for main event; $2 per craft or $14 per family. For info: (501) 961-1409, ArkansasStateParks.com/PlantationAgricultureMuseum. Entry FREE!