The holiday gift giving season is upon us! Do you have a shopping plan?
Sure, you can shop online or brave the big box stores, but it’s more fun to hunt for that something special for someone special at one of the many holiday bazaars, gift and craft sales going on around Lake County.
If you haven’t decorated your home yet, these are the places to scout for a festive touch of “Fa-La-La.”
And did we mention treats?
Antioch
United Methodist Church of Antioch, 848 Main St., will have a Cookie Walk and Stocking Stuffer Sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. All proceeds go to charity. Enjoy their "Organ Melodies of Christmas" from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Call (847) 395-1259.
Barrington
Norton's U.S.A. 400 Lageschulte St., Barrington, will have a Christmas Open House from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 25 and Saturday, Nov. 26, and from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27. Find all the holiday trimmings from decorations and wrapping to gifts and baking items. Call (847) 382-8872.
Grayslake
A Holiday Arts and Crafts Show will be presented by Step by Step Promotions at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Rd., 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27. This annual show features over 300 booths offering handmade arts and crafts, floral, plush items, country, unique gifts, fine art and much more. Admission is $5.
The Grayslake Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market takes place from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 25 on at Center and Whitney streets. This downtown festival includes visits with Santa, sleigh rides and holiday shopping at the Grayslake Historial Museum.
The College of Lake County will host a Holiday Gift and Craft Fair from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1 and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2 at its Grayslake campus at 19351 Washington St. This event will include local crafters, entrepreneurs, photographers, artists and students to sell and buy fabulous goods.
Zurko's Antique Vintage Flea Market presents An Accent on Holiday Collectibles from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, at the Lake County Fairgrounds. Admission is $7.
Gurnee
Gurnee American Legion Post 771, located at 749 Milwaukee Ave., will have a Holiday Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3. This event includes over 40 different vendors offering a variety of items.
Hawthorn Woods
Get a jump on your holiday shopping at the Hawthorn Woods Holiday Craft Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26, at the village barn, located at 2 Lagoon Dr. A variety of unique handcrafted items and home-based businesses will be featured.
Highland Park
Amdur Productions presents Bling: The Jewelry and Gift Show, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18 and Saturday, Nov. 19, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 20. The show will be held at the Highland Park Country Club at 1201 Park Avenue West.
Island Lake
Island Lake's Annual Holiday Craft Fair will be held 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19 and Sunday, Nov. 20 at the Village Hall, 3720 Greenleaf Ave. Admission is $1. Find holiday decor and gifts from a variety of crafters. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase.
Lake Forest
The Women's Board of Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital will host a Holiday Boutique from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 17 and Friday, Nov. 18, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19 at the Lake Forest Recreation Center at 400 Hastings Rd.
Find unique gifts from dozens of vendors including designer jewelry, purses and accessories, specialty foods, clothing and books, handmade ornaments and more. Tickets are $10 or $5 for seniors and students. All proceeds benefit Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital. Call (847) 535-6111.
Lake Villa
Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 135 S. Milwaukee Ave., will hold its annual Holiday Vendor, Craft and Art Fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19, and from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 20. There will be dozens of vendors, a raffle, bake sale and cafe.
Millburn Church, 19073 W. Grass Lake Rd., presents a Holiday Craft Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3 featuring crafters and vendors.
Lamb’s Farm
The 36th annual Lambs Farm Holiday Lights Gift and Craft Fair will be held at the Arlington Park Racecourse, 2200 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights, Dec. 1 through Dec. 4. Hours are 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4.
Hundreds of vendors will offer everything from candy and jewelry to crafts and clothing. Don't forget to stop by Lamb's booth for homemade products like the famous butter cookies, chocolates and jams. Parking is $7 per vehicle.
Round Lake Beach
Enjoy an all-you-can-eat spaghetti Supper with Santa and Holiday Craft Fair at the Round Lake Beach Cultural & Civic Center, 2007 Civic Center Way, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec 1.
Volo
St. Peter's Catholic Church, 27551 Volo Village Rd., will host its 5th annual Gingerbread Art and Craft Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19 and Sunday, Nov. 20. This year there are new vendors and crafters showcasing their handmade talents and goods including bath and body products, jewlery, art work, holiday crafts, candles, food items, crocheted items and much more. Food will be available for purchase.
Zion
The Inn at Market Square, 2723 Sheridan Rd., will host the 4th annual Buy Local Vendor Show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 24. Direct sell, service, home-based, local businesses will set up tables to show the community their goods and services.