Holiday Shopping: Area Craft, Boutique, Vendor Shows (Updated)

DES MOINES, IA — The mad dash is on: We're quickly approaching the six-week mark until Christmas and that means time is limited when it comes to squeezing in all the holiday activities, from buying and preparing the Thanksgiving meal to decorating homes and writing the obligatory holiday cards and letters. Let's give it a more positive spin: there are seven weekends left until Christmas. Feel less rushed?

For those who like to put unique, custom-made and even kitschy gifts under the tree, there are a number of churches, community centers, schools and even bigger venues hosting pop-up shopping events.

Here are some antiques, craft and vendor shows coming up in the Des Moines metro area — and to jump-start your weekend, the first one is tonight:

Jammin' in Johnston, 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 9 at Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center, 5291 Stoney Creek Court. The second annual event will include more than 40 Johnston Chamber member restaurants and businesses with handcrafted holiday decor and hundreds of gift items. Music, food and beverages.

Junk Jubilee Jingles Show, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 10 and 11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Varied Industries Building, Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines. Antique and vintage relics, decorative items, accent pieces, furniture, clothing, jewelry, rusty and shabby finds, architectural, automotive and agricultural, salvage, repurposed items, artistic creations, signs, books, toys, vintage Christmas decorations, and everything else you can imagine. Admission is $8 for ages 15 and older; a special $25 early bird price allows shopping from 8 to 10 a.m. Friday and is good for Saturday or Sunday.

40th Annual Beaverdale Holiday Boutique, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 10, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 11 at Holy Trinity Catholic School, 2926 Beaver Ave. Find one-of-a kind artwork, jewelry, textiles and glassware from more than 110 artisans. Purchase delicious homemade baked goods, including butter braids, pies, breads, cookies and candies. Enjoy wine and appetizers on Friday evening; soups, sandwiches and desserts available on Saturday. Admission $4 ages 13 and older.

Acanthus Lodge Holiday Craft Show, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 11, 4133 Urbandale Ave. Local crafters.

Sip n Shop Local Crafters’ Boutique, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 11 at The Studio, 6571 University Ave., Windsor Heights. Handmade finds, free wine and snacks.

Jordan Creek Holiday Craft & Vendor Show, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 11, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 12 at 101 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines. More than 40 exhibitors and direct sellers. Features a Saturday Fun Zone noon to 4 p.m. with face painting and fun photos for the kids.

Winter Indoor Downtown Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 17-18 and Dec. 15-16 at Capital Square and Kaleidoscope at the Hub, Downtown Des Moines. Shop for locally grown meats, greenhouse produce, baked goods and gift items from more than 130 vendors, plus real wreaths and fresh-cut Christmas trees.

15th Annual Des Moines Arts and Crafts Show, 5 to 9 p.m. Nov. 17, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 18 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 19, Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines. More than 325 vendors with thousands of unique handmade items. Admission $7 ages 11 and older.

East Village Holiday Promenade, 5 to 9 p.m. Nov. 17. The 16th annual holiday kickoff event in Historic East Village, starting at 605 E. Court Ave. Free horse-drawn trolley rides from 6 to 8 p.m., strolling carolers, ice skating, and city tree lighting at Brenton Plaza, with Santa on hand from 6 to 6:30 p.m., then he heads to LifeServe Blood Center until 8 p.m. Extended shopping hours and treats at most area stores.

Giving Thanks Craft and Vendor Show, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 18 at Grimes Community Center, 410 S.E. Main St. Area crafters and home business vendors.

Market Day Black Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 24 at Capital Square Atrium, 400 Walnut St,. Des Moines. Nearly 70 vendors will have art, clothes, jewelry, kitchenware, ceramics, toys, and more. Hand-selected quality items, original artists and collectors from Des Moines, Iowa City, Minneapolis, Chicago, Omaha, Kansas City and beyond.

Legit Local Market, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 25 at Lotus Moments Event Center, 2134 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines. Celebrate Small Business Saturday with "legit" local small businesses providing handmade, local goods, vintage and more. Live music, food, adult beverages, door prizes to morning's first shoppers. www.legitlocalmarket.com. Admission$3 ages 14 and older.

Christkindlmarket Des Moines, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 1-3 at Cowles Commons Downtown, 221 Walnut St. The German-inspired holiday market features food, music, gift vendors and more in a marketplace-themed holiday event.

Very Merry Craft and Vendor Show, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 16 at Grimes Community Center, 410 S.E. Main St. Crafters and vendors.

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