CT Kicks Off the Holidays With Craft Fairs, Historic Teas & Festivals

CONNECTICUT — Holiday craft fairs begin in earnest this weekend in Connecticut, as everyone looks ahead to gift-giving season. After all, why shop on Amazon when you can buy something from a local artist?

We have always suspected there was a pretty sizable overlap between tea lovers and fans of Louisa May Alcott's novel "Little Women," and now we're certain. The historic Lyman Homestead in Middlefield will be hosting "Spill the Tea: An Afternoon Tea," a celebration of the March sisters and their infusions, on Sunday, Nov. 17. Savvy Tea Gourmet of Madison and the Apple Barrel Farm Market in Middlefield will serve up the 19th Century menu for two seatings, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets are available online here.

While you're in the neighborhood, you may want to check out Lyman Orchards' annual Winter Lantern Festival, which kicks off Friday, Nov. 15 and will run Friday-Sunday through Feb. 9, 2025. Over 1,000 artisan-made Chinese lanterns make for a whimsical walk-through experience, bolstered by live music, food and drinks. The experience is from 5-9:30 p.m., with the last entrance at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are available online here.

Here's something different, and more than a little bit sweet: The Friends of Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park in Groton will be hosting an 18th Century Chocolate Demonstration on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 2 p.m. Guests will learn the history of chocolate in the 1700s, discover how it was made, and sample delicious homemade chocolate and hot cocoa. Best of all, admission is free, but you should register here.

It's too late for Halloween, and too early for Thanksgiving, but the absolute sweet spot for holiday markets.

The popular Ashford Area Arts Council's Holiday Artist Market is in its 8th year, and will open its doors Nov. 16–17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Knowlton Memorial Hall in Ashford.

Arts Center East in Vernon will be holding its Annual Holiday Artisan Craft Fair, showcasing the work of local and regional artists, for two weekends, Nov. 14-24. A huge variety of merch includes soaps, lotions, candles, jewelry, stationery, ceramics, wood crafts, textiles, home décor, and unique gift items. Show hours are Thursday-Friday, 1–5 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

The Stamford History Center will be holding its "Pre-Holiday Tag Sale Weekend" on Nov. 16-17, 9 a.m. — 3 p.m. Expect antiques, furniture, art, books, jewelry and more.

The Ladies Philoptochos Society of St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church in Orange is hosting its 11th Annual Holiday Festival of Trees on Nov. 16-17. The celebration features holiday treats, music, Greek cuisine, and a raffle of beautifully decorated trees, wreaths, urns, and gifts. Be sure to bring a non-perishable food item that will be given to the Connecticut Food Share.

On Saturday, Nov. 16, the women of The Lutheran Church of Madison will be holding their Christmas Craft Fair from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Visitors will find a huge spread of decorations and gifts, sure, but no one will fault you if you're only there for the baked goods sale, which includes authentic German stollen. Everything is handmade or home-baked.

Also on Saturday, the Terryville Congregational Church will be holding its Annual Christmas Bazaar from 10 a.m. — 3 p.m.