(Last UPDATED 11/27/2022) Description of the annual Crocker Holiday Artisan Market which showcases over 100 local and regional artisan’s just in time for your holiday shopping. NEW: See 2022 “Revisited” below.
The annual Crocker Holiday Artisan Market, held at the Scottish Rite Center on H Street, is a collaboration between the Crocker Art Museum and the Creative Arts League of Sacramento. 2017 was the first year that I attended the Crocker Holiday Artisan Market – which features over 100 local and regional artists. After attending that first year I could understand why many Sacramento residents make a point of attending this event annually.
A wide variety of unique items for sale can be found on display, making the event a great place to shop for yourself or to pick up holiday gifts.
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About the Venue & Event
The Scottish Rite Center is quite large – the perfect venue for an event of this size. The large parking lot makes it easy to find a parking spot as attendees rotate between arriving and departing.
I was very impressed during my first visit, and in subsequent visits, with the organization of the event. Event organizers clearly know what they are doing!
As to cost – The $8 adult entry fee for Crocker Art Museum and CALS members is reduced to $6, the fee for students and seniors over 65 is $7, and the cost for children under 12 remains $0 (free).
Children also have the opportunity to have a picture taken with Santa or to stop by the face-painting station. Judging by the children I saw on my last visit the face-painting station appears to be very popular.
In addition to admiring (and perhaps purchasing) the curated selection of goods, attendees have the opportunity to enter a drawing to win a variety of prizes, catch a bite to eat, and to have their purchases gift wrapped.
I enjoy slowly making my way around the venue, taking my time as I look over booth after booth of hand-crafted items for sale, and chatting with some of the artists.
Another bonus – each room of booths features a rotation of musicians (guitar, hammered dulcimer, harp, recorder, etc.) which adds to the ambiance.
When making the rounds of the booths, be sure to have your raffle card stamped at each of the four stamping stations, and deposit it before your head home.
Creative Arts League/Crocker Art Museum Connection
Purchases made at the event support both local artists and the work of the non-profit Creative Arts League of Sacramento. The Crocker Holiday Artisan Market is one of two major fundraisers for the League. To close the circle – among other things the Creative Arts League of Sacramento provides support for certain select exhibitions at the Crocker Art Museum.
To Sum Up
Every imaginable medium is represented – ceramic, fiber and clothing, glass, gourmet food, metal, mixed media, painting, photography, sculpture, and wood creations – among others. As one would expect, the quality and craftsmanship are exceptional. I for one plan to make this an annual event! I hope to see you there.
Enjoy art and crafts festivals? See related blog post: Sacramento Arts Festival
Crocker Holiday Artisan Market Revisited
(11/27/2022) This weekend a friend and I visited the Artisan Market on Saturday – and both of us made headway on Christmas holiday shopping.
This year there were a few changes to the event, all of which were improvements. First of all, the ability to purchase tickets online was added this year. Plus, the tickets purchased were good for all three days of the market!
Secondly, specific lines were added at the entry to move things along. There were separate lines for: tickets purchased online, cash, and for those who wanted to use a credit card at the door.
As usual, the quality of the goods available for sale were top notch and varied, making for a wonderful shopping experience.
UPDATES
(10/19/2022) Mark your calendar! The Crocker Holiday Artisan Market will be held November 25, 26 and 27, 2022. I hope to see you there!
(8/13/2020) The Creative Arts League has created an Artisan Directory of the artisans who participate in the annual Crocker Holiday Artisan Market. It will come as no surprise that the 2020 event has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, you can still support local and regional artisans and do your holiday shopping online! Click on the link to check out the Creative Arts League’s Holiday Artisan Market Directory.
Comments on the Crocker Holiday Artisan Market?
Have you attended the Crocker Holiday Artisan Market in the past? What has been your experience? What comments would you add?
Crocker Holiday Artisan Market Snapshot:
- Scottish Rite Center, 6151 H Street, Sacramento, CA
- Hours: Friday 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Admission: Crocker & CALS Members $6; Seniors (65+) & Students $7; Adults $8; Children (under 12) free
- Free parking, Large lot
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I am one of those Sacramentans who go every year, and this year did not disappoint. My favorite I think are the scarves made from old Japanese kimonos. I have at least four of them now from different years!
I did spend some time looking at the silk scarves and they were beautiful. Thanks for your comment!