32nd Annual Virginia Beach Christmas Market

Dates: November 29 - December 1, 2013

Hours: Friday & Saturday 10:00 - 6:00, Sunday 10:00-5:00

Pictures with Santa - daily from 11am - 3pm

Location: Virginia Beach Convention Center, 1000 19th St., Virginia Beach, VA 23451.
Virginia Beach Convention Center Map and Directions

Admission: $7 Adults; $2 Children 6-12; Under 6 Free - One admission covers all three days. Plenty of free parking. ATM on premises. Receive 50¢ off admission by bringing a canned food donation for the Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia. Admission is free with a blood donation to the Red Cross (See the bottom of this page for details).

Exhibitor List: 2012 exhibitor list

Exhibitor Information & Application: Are you a artist or crafter?
Find out more information about our shows and download an application here or contact us.

Be sure check out this year's sponsors

Wow, what a ride it has been!  Last year we celebrated our 30th anniversary of this show. Be sure to check out the article about Events Management Group in the Sept. 2011 issue of Crafts Report. A copy of the article can be found here (PDF). 

The Virginia Beach Christmas Market features over 250 fine artisans and crafters from more than 25 states. This show was once again (since 1996) voted into the “100 Best Classic and Contemporary Craft Shows in the United States” by Sunshine Artist Magazine, America's premier show and festival guide. Featured artisans will offer fine arts, pottery, jewelry, stained glass, wood, toys, photography, fiber arts, thousands of Christmas collectibles and much, much more. Whether you’re searching for unique one-of-kind Christmas gifts, personalized stocking stuffers, or a stunning floral centerpiece for the holidays, you’ll find it all at the Virginia Beach Christmas Market.
 

 Looking for a special gift, something crafty and unique?

Do you have someone on your list that is hard to buy for? These artisans and crafters continually create high-quality, unique gifts that are sure to be a hit for years to come.

Even in these trying economic times you can find something affordable, unique and extraordinary for every taste and budget. From whimsical to country, contemporary to casual, you will find the finest collection of affordable crafts in the region, including thousands of creatively-made gifts, fresh holiday decorating ideas and one-of-a-kind Christmas collectibles.

Not just another ordinary craft show, it's a huge holiday marketplace with over twenty-five “Taste of the Holidays” specialty food vendors offering gift-packaged gourmet fare such as almond pound cakes, holiday cookies, cheesecakes, holiday seafood mixes, gourmet chocolates, Amish breads and homemade jams and jellies. These goodies are ideal for creating gift baskets, loading up Santa’s stockings and gathering hard-to-find teacher, executive and hostess gifts.

What you won't see is handouts, bailouts or recovery packages. The only lobbyists you'll see will be patrons resting their tired feet in the convention center lobby. Inspired by generations before them, these artists welcome the shift in retail buying from hype and bling to value and quality. These artists represent what America is all about. They use their hands and skills to transform raw materials into something of value that can be admired and used for years to come.

2nd Annual Craft Supply Swap

Clean out your Craft Closet and Get Prepared for a Craft Supply Swap! Join other crafters who are downsizing craft supplies and swapping for their latest needs! Bring your unwanted craft supplies to the event and swap out for what you are looking for. Each bag of supplies will allow you to scavenge for that same amount in exchange. Come early for best swapping! Yes – we will already have a good supply that we have been pulling together over the last few weeks for you to work your way through!

Bring some take some! All left over craft supplies will be donated to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

Notable New Artists and Returning Favorites

• 7 Cities Crafters– As the Va. Pilot says “Not Your Grandma's Crafts.” They are a local group of creative ladies that embrace the newest trends in crafts and fashion. In addition to their own creations they will have a "Make it, Take it" project area where customers can create their own crafty projects. And, they will be heading up the Craft Supply Swap.

• Christopher Mize - "Virginia's Wine Artist" - He is a fine artist that specializes in wine themed oil on canvas pieces that would be a great addition to any home.

• Beth Phillips from The Barking Dog brings whimsical folk art paintings in hand made frames, as well as handmade photo frames made out of old shutters.

• Christina King of TG Designs at our Va. Beach Spring Craft Market is returning with her fused glass plates, trays and dessert sets.

• Tina Goolsby of Pieces Past joins us for the first time with beautiful jewelry created from broken china and vintage silverware

• Jackie & Ed Jackson of Junk to Jem repurpose found items into shelves, garden art, wind chimes, wall hooks using old silverware, bowling balls and old china

• Dean Kuhta  - Within these magical forests and enchanted hills, you will discover artistic treasures such as fine art prints, note cards, custom name artwork, and more

• Mom & Pop’s Vermont Maple Syrup - The Gendron family has been making pure Vermont maple syrup since 1918. In addition to the syrup they have created maple drops, maple candy, maple cream, maple sugar and pancake mix

• LBC Jewelry Designs -  Since graduating from college, Lindsey Corter has been looking for a profession where she could combine her entrepreneurial spirit, her love for people, and her creative side. "This is my gift, and I've always wanted to find a way to pay it forward, not only to the women who have supported me, but to women everywhere."

• Severyn - Hand printed, hand dyed shirts decorated with original, very detailed, pen and ink drawings created by artist Severyn.

• No Yolk Art - Jane Auciello learned the art of Ukrainian egg decoration (pysanky) over 20 years ago from a friend. She now creates ostrich egg bowls and lamps, eggshell jewelry and eggshell boxes

• Audrey Hauserman Quilt Designs – Quilts!

Taste of the Holidays

Specialty food vendors will offer a “Taste of the Holidays.” Get ready for holiday festivities or create your own gift baskets with Southern Supreme fruitcakes, fudge-by-the-pound, spicy salsas, Wissie cakes and cookies, sparkling cider, festive party dips or Vicky’s delicious homemade jams and jellies. Old-fashioned Christmas caroling by the Doorway Singers will complete a weekend of magical festivities.

The Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia & The Red Cross need your help!

Times are tough, donations are down and people in need of help are numerous. Food banks are experiencing a critical shortage of supplies as donations drop and demand for free and discounted food continues to soar. The Virginia Beach Christmas Market holds a major food drive each year benefiting the Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia by offering 50 cents off admission to attendees donating cans of non-perishable food.

Last year over 8,000 pounds of food was collected during the 3-day event. And, well over 100,000 pounds of food have been collected in the last 10 years. Side Note: The tractor trailers you see on the highway carry about 40,000 pounds.

Thank you for your generous donations!  Let's break a record this year!

We will also be offering free admission to anyone that donates blood to the Red Cross. They will be on site all 3 days from 9am. - 3pm.

We hope to see you there!