Winterfair, Columbus Ohio's Favorite Christmas Market

For more than three decades now, residents of Columbus have done much of their Christmas shopping at the annual Winterfair. This event, held over a three-day extended weekend, is a combination of juried art festival and Christmas market place. More than 400 artists and artisans from 34 states will attend this year's event, offering their unique wares for sale to Columbus shoppers.

Visitors to Winterfair can expect to find a wide variety of arts and crafts. The artists and artisans presenting their goods work in media ranging from clay and ceramics to leather and metal to fine art prints and photography. Sharon Kokot, executive director of Ohio Designer Craftsmen, promises that "Winterfair offers a colorful, alternative shopping experience." Indeed, with the wide range of goods and prices, Columbus shoppers will be able to find Christmas gifts for everyone on their shopping lists. Best of all, gifts purchased at this sort of independent craft fair are beautiful, unique, and representative of American abilities and craftsmanship.

Those with a more practical approach to gift giving will not want to miss Winterfair. Not only do the exhibitors produce beautiful handmade and craft gifts, but many of them make items that are both beautiful and useful. At Columbus's favorite Christmas market, you can find everything from handmade wooden salad bowls to sterling silver jewelry to wonderful apparel made from recycled materials. For complete information on exhibitors, see the directory here.

Winterfair is put on by the Ohio Designer Craftsmen, a not-for-profit organization that has worked for the last 46 years to promote fine crafts in Ohio. In addition to organizing events like Winterfair, Ohio Designer Craftsmen set standards of excellence and provide educational support for Ohio's crafters. Proceeds from the admission help support exhibits and education at the Ohio Craft Museum, run by this organization.

Winterfair will be held at the Ohio Expo Center, 717 East 17th Avenue in Columbus. The easiest way to get there is to take I-71 to the 17th Avenue exit and head west. The Expo Center will be on the right immediately after the exit. This unique Christmas market will be open December 4-6. Hours on Friday and Saturday are 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM and on Sunday from noon to 5:00 PM. Admission is $7 and includes re-admission throughout the Winterfair. Children 12 and under are admitted free. For those who simply cannot wait, Ohio Designer Craftsmen will host a Winterfair weekend in Cincinnati November 27-29.