The Christmas holiday shopping season starts in earnest Friday. Here's some alternative shopping ideas, courtesy area arts and crafts fairs that will be held over the next few weeks. Click here for the latest fairs and festivals.
Thanksgiving Native American Arts & Crafts Market
When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 27-29.
Where: 1959 San Xavier Road.
What to expect: The Pablo Band, Gerti & the TO Boyz, and dance groups. Free.
Details: 573-4007.
Native American Indian Heritage Month Social and Indian Craft Market
When: Noon to dusk Nov. 27-28; Noon to 5 p.m., Nov. 29.
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Where: Sheraton Tucson Hotel & Suites, 5151 E. Grant Road.
What to expect: Works by artisans, demonstrations of dance and song, traditional food samplings, and children's activities.
Details: usaindianinfo.com
34th Annual Cowboy Christmas Arts & Crafts Show
When: Nov. 27-28
Where: Graham County Fairgrounds in Safford.
What to expect: More than 50 vendors will be on hand.
Details: 1-928-428-5990.
Green Valley 7th Annual Gourd Art Festival
When: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, Dec 4 and Saturday, Dec. 5.
Where: Green Valley Village Mall at I-19 and Esperanza Ave.
What to expect: This festival is sponsored by the Valley Gourd Patch of Green Valley and held in conjunction with the Green Valley Village Mall Holiday Spectacular.
Nordic Fair
When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5.
Where: Streams in the Desert Church at 5360 E. Pima Street.
What to expect: The fair highlights Scandinavian culture and crafts items handmade by members of several heritage organization, and authentic foods, as well. Frikadeller and red cabbage will be served, along with Aebleskivers cooked fresh and hot. Homemade cookies will be available for sale.
Details: 795-1932.
Far Horizons East Annual Arts and Crafts Bazaar
When: 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 5.
Where: 7570 E. Speedway.
What to expect: Shop for handmade gifts; refreshments available.
Details: 296-1112
45th Annual La Fiesta de Tumacacori
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6
Where: Tumacácori National Historical Park, off of Exit 29 on Interstate 19, 45 miles south of Tucson.
What to expect: Celebrating the many cultures associated with the Santa Cruz Valley, traditional creations of all the cultures including 50 food and craft booths, continuous live entertainment on stage and children’s activities and a Mariachi Mass.
Details: www.nps.gov/tuma
Voyager RV Resort
When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec 9.
Where: 8701 S. Kolb Road.
What to expect: Do your holiday shopping and choose from many unique gifts, art, crafts, household items, homemade food, baked goodies, breads, wood and metal items.
Art Attack Az Holiday Arts and Crafts Festival
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday Dec. 11-12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13.
Where: Albertson's Center, 7300 N. La Cholla Blvd.
Christmas on Main Street in Benson
When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12
Where: Along Benson's Main Street.
What to expect: Street vendors, local entertainment, a visit from Santa from, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Christmas Light Parade at 6:30 pm.
Details: bensonvisitorcenter.com or bensonchamberaz.com
8th annual Mercado Holiday Bazaar
When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 18-19, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20.
Where: Mercado San Agustin, 100 S. Avenida del Convento.
What to expect: This family-friendly bazaar features more than 50 vendors selling high quality gifts. Kids can hang out at the cookie decorating table while parents shop.
Details: mercadosanagustin.com
