Festival of Lights Offers Unique Gifts from Local Artists

It’s that time again for an artists fair extraordinaire. This weekend arts and crafts makers will converge on Greenbelt to kick off its Festival of Lights.

Festival-goers can buy unique handmade arts and crafts for holiday gifts, including pottery, jewelry, wood working, fine arts, stationery, handbags, textiles, spa products and more.

Many of the artists and crafters are Maryland locals from cities such as College Park, Riverdale Park, University Park, Laurel, Silver Spring, Takoma Park, Ellicott City and Greenbelt — of course.

Santa Claus will start things off on Friday night when he helps light the holiday tree. Afterward the Greenbelt Museum will offer free tours of its historic home, decorated for the season.

A juried art and craft fair will take place Saturday and Sunday. Festival-goers will also get a chance to attend free workshops, where they can learn how to make evergreen wreaths and paper tiles.

Check out the City of Greenbelt’s website for the full list of artists and crafters who will take part.

Keep in mind, there's free parking in and at the .

Weekend Schedule

FRIDAY

Holiday Tree Lighting: The tree lighting will take place on the front lawn. The festivities begin at 7 p.m., and the Recreation Department will provide complimentary cookies and hot chocolate. Don't forget Santa will be in Greenbelt to help light the tree — and see who's being naughty or nice. The Greenbelt Concert Brass Choir and other community groups will be performing as well.

Greenbelt Museum 2011 Open House: The open house will begin following the tree lighting. The Greenbelt Museum will offer free tours of — sparkling with holiday decorations. Visitors can also sip warm cider and stop by the gift shop, which will have vintage style toys for stocking stuffers. The last tour starts at 8 p.m. Check out the museum’s website for more details or call 301-507-6582.

SATURDAY

In the Greenbelt Community Center
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Greenbelt Festival of Lights Juried Art and Craft Fair
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Festival of Lights Café open
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.: Free paper tile workshop
3 p.m. – 5 p.m.: Live music with Harp 46 (world jazz)

SUNDAY

In the Greenbelt Community Center
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Greenbelt Festival of Lights Juried Art and Craft Fair
11 a.m. – 4 p.m. : Festival of Light Café open
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.: Free workshop: make an evergreen wreath
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.: Live music with the Alexandria Kleztet

Go to the City of Greenbelt's website and scroll down a short way for a list of Festival of Lights events throughout the holiday season or you can call 301-397-2208 if you have questions.