Visit local craft fairs for everyone on your holiday shopping list, including yourself.

Shopping locally is always a good idea, and the holidays provide a unique opportunity to do so with the many craft fairs happening throughout the state, whether you’re looking for unique gifts or want to treat yourself.

In the online world, so many purchases are made; take a break from the screen and spend the day browsing handcrafts, art, baked goods and more, many made by local artisans.

South Portland Holiday Craft Show
Saturday from 9:00 to 16:00, Sunday from 10:00 to 15:00. South Portland High School, 637 Highland Avenue. Societyofsouthernmainecraftsmen.org
The Southern Maine Craft Society presents its two-day exhibition at South Portland High School. The exhibit features dozens of fine arts and crafts artists, as well as raffle tables and concessions. Proceeds will benefit the South Portland High School track and field team.

Fiera de Natale
From 9:00 to 15:00. November 2. Italian Heritage Center, 40 Westland Avenue, Portland. On Facebook.
The Italian Heritage Center and its members invite you to try authentic Italian pastries. The list of more than 30 temptations includes cannoli, cookies, stuffed bread, lobster tails (baked goods) and more. The other part of the Fiera de Natale is a juried craft fair featuring a wide selection of handicrafts. Italian lunches will be available for purchase and there will also be raffles.

Lost and Found Market
From noon to 5 p.m., November 3. Brick South, Thompson’s Point, Portland, free. On Facebook And Instagram.
You’ll stroll through an ancient wonderland at Portland’s Lost and Found Market. There you’ll find dozens of vintage clothing vendors selling clothing, home goods and more as far as the eye can see. The market also features food trucks, a tintype photographer, a custom chain embroidery artist, a portrait photo booth, repairs and tailoring. Brick South Bar will be open.

Old Smith Farm Growers Market
From 23:00 to 17:00 on November 9, from 10:00 to 14:00 on November 10. Old Smith Farm, 226 Gray Farm Road, Falmouth. On Facebook
The Maker’s Market at Old Smith Farm will feature holiday decor, a variety of gifts, art and farm goods. You’ll also find a cash bar, hot cider drinks, soup, appetizers and wood-fired pizza at Milly’s Farm Shop. Happy hour with live acoustic music begins Saturday at 4 p.m.

Annual Biddeford Crafts Fair Saco Elks Lodge
From 9:00 to 14:00. November 9. Biddeford Saco Elks Lodge, 68 Ocean Park Road, Saco. On Facebook.
In addition to all the crafts, the Biddeford Saco Elks Lodge will have a card making station for kids. You can also purchase a raffle ticket to support the Maine Children’s Cancer Program. To make things even more fun, adults can try the signature Mimosa Bar and Bloody Mary.

Celtic Fair and State Street Walk
From 9:00 to 15:00. November 9. Maine Irish Heritage Center, 34 Gray St., Portland. maineirish.com
While you’re shopping at the Celtic Fair, keep an eye out for Santa Claus because he’s been known to make an appearance. The fair features offerings from several local artisans. In addition to the Maine Irish Heritage Center, other stops on the State Street Walk include 75 State Street and St. Luke’s Cathedral, all within walking distance of each other.

Producers market in the center
From 10:00 to 15:00 November 10 and 24, December 1 and 15. Brick South at Thompson’s Point, Resurgham Place, Portland. Thompsonspoint.com
Maker’s Market at the Point brings together more than 100 makers and creators at each of four shows. Almost every piece of arts and crafts you can think of will be available here, as well as gourmet food. The bar will be open and there will be several food trucks and vendors on site. Bring your own reusable bag and get ready to conquer these bustling markets.

Church Fair of St. Anne
From 9:00 to 14:00. November 16. St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 299 Main St., Gorham. On Facebook.
The St. Anne’s Church Fair offers something for everyone. Visit Grandma’s Attic for second-hand treasures, bring the little ones to the nursery, shop for knitted and handmade crafts, jewelry, candy, baked goods and greenery. If you are a morning person, breakfast will be available. Same for later lunch.

Designing the Women of Freeport
From 9:00 to 16:00. November 23. Coastal Maine Waldorf School, 57 Desert Road, Freeport, $2 suggested donation. designwoman.org/freeport
Designing Women Freeport’s wearable art exhibition features fiber creators and jewelry makers. You’ll also find objects made of glass, ceramics and wood at the exhibition, which has been running for decades.

Home for a holiday craft show
From 10:00 to 16:00 on November 29, from 9:00 to 16:00 on November 30. Scarborough High School, 11 Municipal Drive. Societyofsouthernmainecraftsmen.org
Here’s another two-day sale from the Society of Southern Maine Craftsmen. The community is home to artists and artisans who excel in many fields including fine art, glass, graphics, jewelry, leather, metal, natural materials, photography and many others.

51st Annual Bonny Eagle Craft Fair
From 9:00 to 16:00 on November 29, from 9:00 to 15:00 on November 30. Bonnie Eagle High School, 700 Saco Road, Standish. On Facebook
This fair has been held for more than five decades. Over 175 vendors will be selling a huge selection of handcrafted items.

Momentum Windham Christmas Craft Fair
From 9:00 to 16:00, November 30. Momentum, 21 Anglers Road, Windham. On Facebook.
Momentum is a community agency that provides support services to adults with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities. The third annual Christmas craft fair will feature several local makers and businesses. You can also purchase raffle tickets and take a photo with Santa.

Art on the Hill
18:00–21:00 December 6 from 10:00 to 17:00. December 7 from 11:00 to 16:00. December 8th. East End Community School, 195 North St., Portland. seaportland.org
The East End Artists Society has presented Art on the Hill for many years. The cafeteria, gym and several hallways are filled with local and regional producers. Offerings include paintings, ceramics, home goods, soaps, woodworking products, candles, pet supplies and more. There is also a café serving snacks, coffee, pastries, soups and more.

Maine College of Art and Design Holiday Sale
17:00–21:00, December 6, from 10:00 to 17:00, December 7. Maine College of Art, 522 Congress St., Portland. meca.edu
Maine College of Art students, alumni and faculty, as well as select community members, will be seated across multiple floors for the annual holiday sale. The works of dozens of artists and craftsmen are on sale. If you get there on a Friday night, it will also be the First Friday Art Walk, which means the whole area will be jumping.

46th Annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Show
From 9:00 to 16:00 on December 7, from 10:00 to 15:00 on December 8. Italian Heritage Center, 50 Westland Ave., Portland. unitedmainecraftsmen.com
The Italian Heritage Center will be the headquarters of a huge annual fair that attracts dozens of talented artists and artists. The show is presented by United Maine Craftsmen, which means you’ll be tempted by high-quality offerings from seasoned professionals.

Holiday crafts and gourmet food market
From 9:00 to 14:00, December 7. 217 Main Community Music Center, 317 Main St., Yarmouth. On Facebook
The Yarmouth Farmers’ Market is an elaborate craft and gourmet food market with 23 vendors. There will also be live music throughout the day.

Yule Fair
From 8:30 to noon. December 7th. First Congregational Church, 167 Black Point Road, Scarborough. On Facebook.
You will love the Christmas market. Filled with baked goods, candy, crafts, jewelry, gently used Christmas items, greenery, quilts and more, this fair packs everything in in 3.5 hours.

Holiday Craft Fair
From 9:00 to 15:00. December 7th. North Yarmouth Academy Grammar School, 148 Main Street, Yarmouth. nya.org
More than 60 artisans and artisans will be on hand with a variety of offerings including art, photography, jewelry, candles, soaps, blown glass, woodwork and more. Lunch and treats from the New York City Art Department will be available at the café.

Odd Fellows Bazaar
From 10:00 to 15:00. December 7th. Odd Fellows Hall, 651 Forest Ave., 2nd floor, Portland. www.woodsfordcorner.org
Friends of Woodfords Corner presents Odd Fellows Bazaar, a colorful holiday craft fair with plenty of handmade gifts to choose from. More than 30 suppliers will be created. Vina Ann’s Restaurant will also be there with a variety of snacks.

Jolly Maker Market
12:30–16:30, December 8. Broadway Bowl Maine, 725 Broadway, South Portland. On Facebook.
Many manufacturers will be gathered for your shopping pleasure just above the Casco Bay Bridge in South Portland. Head to Broadway Bowl Maine to spend the day browsing and purchasing gifts, all of which can be paired with a mimosa or Bloody Mary. If you need to play a string or two, knock yourself out (and a few pins) before heading home.

Brown School Craft Fair
From 9:00 to 14:00. December 8th. Frank E. Brown Elementary School, 37 Highland Avenue, South Portland. On Facebook.
Twenty local artisans will be on hand for sale. Handmade items range from jewelry, embellishments, knitted clothing, stuffed animals, home decor and artwork. Considering that the event is being held at a school, there is a good chance there will be some kind of bake sale.

Trinity Christmas Market
From 8:30 to 14:00. December 8th. Trinity Episcopal Church, 508 Forest Ave., Portland. www.woodfordscorner.org
At the Trinity Christmas Market you can buy greenery, wreaths and other holiday decorations. There will also be a wide selection of handmade crafts and fiber arts on display. jewelry, books and birdhouses, as well as candy, baked goods, cookies, soups, jams, pickles and much more. Rumor has it that Santa will stop by for a selfie.

Christmas craft fair
Sunday from 10:00 to 15:00. December 8th. Stone Mountain Arts Center, 695 Dugway Road, Brownfield, $2, free for children 12 and under. stonemountainartscenter.com
When you arrive at the Christmas Craft Fair at Stone Mountain Arts Center, you’ll find Santa directing traffic and parking cars. Step through the threshold of the barn and you’ll find yourself in a holiday dreamscape: two beautifully decorated rooms filled with artisans, makers and others offering unique gifts. The Queen Post Cafe bar will be open, as will the restaurant’s kitchen, which features an extensive brunch menu. Don’t forget that this is a music venue, so you’ll likely hear a few tunes.

Designing Women Portland
From 9:00 to 16:00. December 14. Ocean Avenue School, 150 Ocean Ave., Portland, suggested donation of $3. designingwomen.org/portland
Designing Women Portland began in 1991 and continues to thrive. You’ll find a variety of fine arts and crafts from local women who work in several mediums including fine art, clay, jewelry, fiber, glass and more. Proceeds from food sales and admission tickets are donated to participating non-profit groups.

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