Craft Fairs and Events

Top 10 FREE Virtual Christmas Craft Events that You Need to Attend!

The nights are getting darker, the temperatures are getting colder and trees have shed all of their golden leaves, which can only mean one thing – Christmas is upon us!

Unfortunately this year we’re missing out on typical Christmas traditions such as taking the kids to Santa’s Grotto, shopping til you drop and of course, attending Christmas markets.

All hope is not lost, though. Many markets and fairs, craft fairs in particular, have been tech-savvy and have moved online for 2020. Crafters are also hosting a variety of video workshops so that you can pick up a new skill in Lockdown 2, or even create a handmade gift for a loved one. In this piece, we’re rounding up our top 10 FREE virtual Christmas Craft events to enjoy from the comfort of your own home, so get a mince pie and mulled wine at the ready and get crafting!

Cockpit Makers Market – from 26th November

Cockpit Arts will be introducing a huge amount of creatives new to the crafting world who have created stunning products. 150 makers from London will present exclusive items and experiences available nowhere else. The event will also feature online studio tours and workshops.

Ludlow Medieval Christmas Fayre (Saturday 28th – Sunday 29th November, FREE apart from workshops)

Ludlow Medieval Christmas Fayre normally sees 18,000 people descend on the South Shropshire town for a weekend of arts and fun. The event is run by a mother and daughter independent company who have been involved for 20+ years.

This year the event will go virtual, with a series of Fayre favourites being shown on the event website along with ticketed interactive workshops which will have limited places. Workshops include:

-Christmas wreath making
-Create your own mini medieval book
-Create your own papercraft medieval 3D castle
-Create your own medieval stitch notebook

And many more!

Etsy Made in Cumbria Christmas Market (Saturday 28th – Sunday 29th November)

The Etsy Made in Cumbria team has been given the opportunity by Etsy themselves to collaborate on a virtual Christmas Market! The event will feature various makers based in and around Cumbria. Buy unique gifts for your friends and family and support small businesses!

Brown Paper Festival (Saturday 5th December)

Brown Paper Festival is the place to find an inclusive range of incredible handmade businesses, creative inspiration and community spirit. Each virtual festival involves a day full of shopping, friendly faces, food and will have some music thrown in too!

The next festival is taking place on Saturday 5th December and will feature over 35 incredibly talented small businesses. Take a look at the site today and sign up to the mailing list for more information.

The Big Virtual Christmas Craft Fair (Saturday 5th December)

The Big Virtual Christmas Craft Fair is brought to you by Virtual Craft Fair UK. The event will feature UK crafters, artists and creatives with their beautiful products. What a great way to do your Christmas shopping from the comfort of your own home whilst supporting small businesses!

24 Days of Merry Making (1st – 24th December)

Get the kids involved with crafting with Michaels‘ 24 Days of Merry Making, suitable for children aged 3 and upwards. There will be free Zoom classes every day to keep your little ones occupied in the lead up to Christmas. Classes will teach you how to make the following:

-Create with Clay: Mythical Creatures and Dinosaurs
-Pom Pom Advent Calendars
-Build a Winter holiday LEGO model (held by a professional LEGO master model builder!)
-Snowman Christmas Countdown clocks

Homemade Christmas Crafts (Wednesday 2nd December)

In this free workshop from Earthology, learn how to make Christmas cards, crackers, and candle holders using recycled materials. Either order recycled materials online or use your own (think toilet roll holders for Christmas crackers!).

The 40 minute workshop will be running from 12:30pm-1:10pm, so it’s a great one to attend on your lunch break, take notes and then craft later in the evening!

Christmas Wreath-Making Workshop (Wednesday 2nd December)

Jo Jackson from Telford & Wrekin Council will be holding a relaxed workshop to show you exactly how to make your very own wreath! This event is open to crafters of all levels. Please note that materials will not be provided, so bring your own (details of what you need are listed on the event page).

Lantern Decorating Workshop (Friday 4th December)

The dark nights are coming, so light up your house with these beautiful lanterns after this free lantern decorating workshop run by the Northern Ireland Rural Women’s Network. Kelli Johnston, Founder and director of Let’s Craft NI, is a strong believer that taking part in creative activities can reduce stress and anxiety, helps keep our brain active, and is great for our overall health and well-being. She will be leading the workshop, demonstrating how to create beautiful festive adornments on a budget for your home.

Creative Activism Festive Fun Workshop (Monday 7th December)

Leeds Methodist Mission will be holding this social session which will involve discussions around how we can make better choices this festive season and also thinking about how we can encourage brands to offer more choices that are better for our world.

The session will be about crafting something to send to a business you are thankful for – e.g. your favourite zero waste shop or independent local market! Take part with a mince pie and drink in hand for a fun evening of crafting and reflection.