Holiday Shopping Fair brings festive air and gifts to South Florida Fairgrounds

Photo by Holiday Shopping Fair

Finding a gift that feels personal is part of the pleasure of holiday shopping. At the Holiday Shopping Fair, that search comes with holiday music, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a chance to meet the artists and small-business owners behind the merchandise.

The two-day indoor fair returns to the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center at 9067 Southern Blvd. in West Palm Beach on Nov. 14 and 15, bringing together artwork, handcrafted goods and other gifts.

For organizer Kathy Gilbert, creating a holiday atmosphere has been part of the event’s purpose from the beginning. Local artists and crafters join vendors from other parts of Florida for a weekend of gift shopping, holiday music and festive displays.

“We really theme the whole festival, so it feels like you’re walking into a winter wonderland when you come in,” Gilbert says. “There’s inflatables, Christmas- and holiday-themed inflatables everywhere. We have Santa and Mrs. Claus visit us daily.”

Visitors may encounter artificial snow flurries as they arrive. Inside, holiday tunes accompany the browsing.

Shoppers can expect clothing, jewelry, candles, soaps, artwork, plants, crocheted items, jams, jellies and dips.

The appeal, Gilbert says, is both the selection and the opportunity to support small businesses.

“It’s finding something unique that you’re not going to find in a big-box store somewhere or online,” she says. “So that’s why I love it.”

This year’s offerings are expected to include vintage, recycled and upcycled items. Gilbert says a couple of new vendors will bring primitive décor, adding another style for shoppers to explore.

The vendors also contribute to one of the fair’s most popular traditions: hourly door prizes.

Visitors can register when they arrive. Tables display donated merchandise, and winners choose from the prize selection.

“I can’t tell you how many people are so happy,” Gilbert says. “They’re like, ‘I never win anything. I just won.’”

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for free photos from noon to 2 p.m. both days. Food and snacks will also be available.

Admission is $7, and children 10 and younger are free. Parking is free. Saturday visitors who want to return Sunday can have their hands stamped for re-entry.

For more information, visit the Holiday Shopping Fair website.