The Indianapolis Christmas Gift & Hobby Show
The holidays are all about traditions. One of my annual traditions, and how I like to jumpstart my holiday shopping, is by attending the Christmas Gift & Hobby Show.
I don’t have to travel far for this trip. The Christmas Gift & Hobby Show is held every November at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Indiana, which is less than 30 minutes from my home.
This holiday shopping extravaganza has taken place for over 70 years!
I have been attending this holiday shopping mecca for more years than I can remember! Many, many years ago I even worked at the show, back when my mom owned a craft store and had a booth there. I can recall some very long days and hard work at our rubber stamp and cross stitch booth at the Christmas Gift & Hobby Show.
Now I simply get to attend, shop, and get into the Christmas Spirit.
This year my friends Debbie and Jennie are joining me once again for some holiday shopping fun. I introduced these ladies to the show a few years back and we are excited to create some new holiday memories this year as we get our Christmas shopping started.
I can’t wait to get my Christmas spirit in full swing!
Here is an idea of what you can expect at the Indianapolis Christmas Gift & Hobby Show based on my previous trips and what I hear is in store for this year.
Tasty Treats
You can literally eat your way through the Christmas Gift & Hobby Show as there are yummy treats around every corner. There is food for sale at the concession stands, which is helpful for keeping your energy up. But with so many free samples at booths throughout the event, you can easily fill your belly, one bite at a time.
The smell from the European Almonds booth around the first bend is enough to get your mouth watering! Chestnuts…err Almonds roasting on an open fire…that’s what Christmas smells like to me!
I always have to stop by the South Bend Chocolate Company booth to visit my favorite chocolate salesman!
While I love to nibble on a sample or two, I also make sure to stock up on a couple of bags of their assorted flavors of popcorn crunch. These make great hostess gifts or just to have on hand when holiday guests arrive and you need a quick snack to share.
There are quite a few sweet treats to both nibble on and purchase throughout the event. Take home a specialty cake for dessert and coffee cake for breakfast and your whole family will be happy you attended the show!
Numerous vendors selling dip mixes are also scattered throughout the event. And who buys a dip mix without tasting it first?! From crab to dill to horseradish to bacon to hot, hot jalapeno…there is a dip for every palate. I definitely enjoy trying my fair share.
To ensure I don’t overload on carbs, I add some protein, by tasting the variety of sausages offered at several booths. I have been known to pick up a stick of the original and the jalapeno Wisconsin sausage. Then I’m ready for the season’s first spontaneous holiday gathering.
Another one of my must-visit booths each year is Nectar of the Vine.
Wine Slushies. Need I say more?!
They sell mixes in lots of fun flavors, including chocolate martini, eggnog, pumpkin spice, pomegranate, and so many more. Just add a bottle of wine or the suggested hard liquor and you have an instant party.
The mulled wine packet may be my favorite, because who doesn’t love some warm spiced wine on a cold winter night?! And with this guy selling the spice packets, I’m guessing they make a killing!
You can bet that my friends and I will also be stopping by each of the booths offering wine tasting. After sampling a few I’ll no doubt purchase a couple of bottles, which make perfect hostess gifts for all those holiday parties…if I don’t drink them first myself!
Unique Gifts
I do try to buy some things at this event each year that can’t be eaten! I’ve picked up some amazing and unique gifts over the years, both for the lucky people on my shopping list and for myself.
I snagged some awesome gifts in years past, and can’t wait to see what unique finds they have in 2022. These are just some of the noteworthy gift items I have seen at the Christmas Gift & Hobby Show over the years.
This lego Christmas village was truly miraculous! I can’t even imagine how much time it took to build, and I know I don’t have that kind of patience. But I’m sure it inspired many lego enthusiasts to purchase some of their building kits to create their own masterpieces.
The show is also always full of many engaging demonstrations, showcasing products and kitchen gadgets you can’t live without. You may just find the perfect gift for that person on your Christmas list who already has everything. From specialty food graters to fancy wine openers to knives that cut just about anything.
Of course, the show is full of every kind of Christmas decoration imaginable. I have a penchant for anything featuring a red truck with a Christmas tree mounted on top, and I’m never disappointed in the selection at the Christmas Gift & Hobby Show!
Many specialty boutiques also show off their stylish duds. Scarves, jewelry, leggings, fuzzy socks and so much more, not to mention bedazzled sweatshirts. I’m sure there’s someone on your shopping list who would just love one!
Call me crazy, but one of my favorite booths to visit every year sells discounted holiday paper plates and napkins. I love to stock up on festive tableware for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s parties. And you can’t beat the prices!
My best find ever was a gift I bought myself several years ago. A portrait from It’s a Wonderful Life (my all-time favorite Christmas movie) signed by Zuzu, or rather Karolyn Grimes, herself!
Holiday Cheer
Aside from all the shopping and eating, what I love most about this event every year is that it really gets me into the holiday spirit!
In the middle of the expo hall is an enormous live Christmas tree. And at its base, you can find the jolly man himself.
Santa poses with wide-eyed children and listens to many Christmas wishes over the 5-day event. I’m pretty sure several adults also take this opportunity to get a word in with St. Nick!
If you don’t have time to sit on Santa’s lap, just look for Santa’s mailbox and you can send your Christmas list directly to the North Pole.
Young and old alike will enjoy watching the North Pole Express Train chug around the track through a winter wonderland. Don’t miss seeing this 24-by-12-foot display and marvel at the meticulous details.
Nothing gets me in the holiday mood like Christmas music! And I’m in the camp that says Christmas music is perfectly acceptable in November. So I love hearing all the familiar holiday tunes while I shop.
There is even a stage where performers showcase their holiday dancing, singing, and other musical talents. Shoppers get a chance to rest their tired feet and enjoy some top-notch performers of all ages.
I doubt we are the only ones who like to snap Christmas selfies at the show!
Don’t miss the Pixie Gypsy, an adorable camper that has been decorated and turned into a mobile photo booth. This is another great photo op and the perfect setting for fellow travel enthusiasts. Here is a shot I snapped of last year’s decked-out camper.
This year there is even a ladies’ night (Wednesday) and a Hero’s Day honoring veterans (Friday). Check out the event’s website for special deals and treats on each of these days.
Show Details and Tips
As a self-proclaimed Christmas Gift & Hobby Show expert, I want to share some of my wisdom and tips gathered over the years.
The event is held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Indiana. Be prepared to pay for parking. This year the parking fee is $10 onsite, but if you buy advance parking passes online by November 8 they are just $8.
Attend with a couple of friends and carpool, and the parking fee doesn’t seem so bad! They even offer shuttles from the parking lot, which are especially helpful on the trip back to your car when you are laden with all your purchases.
Leave your coat in the car and forego the bulky purse. But do bring a small rolling cart. Trust me, after you make a few purchases your arms will get tired from lugging bags. This is a marathon, not a sprint!
The event runs from Wednesday through Sunday, November 9-13, 2022. I prefer to take a day off of work so I can attend during the day on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday. I’m not the only one who knows about and loves the Christmas Gift & Hobby Show so crowds can get huge, especially on the weekend.
Tickets to the Christmas Gift & Hobby Show cost $14, but if you get tickets online prior to the show they are just $12. Several local newspapers and mailers also include discounts leading up to the event and sometimes you can find a buy-one-get-one-free sale prior to the start of the event.
I found a fabuous deal on tickets through Groupon this year so check there too!
Will I see you at the Christmas Gift & Hobby Show this year? I’d love to hear where you get your holiday spirit and cross things off your Christmas shopping list!
However you choose to do your holiday shopping, I hope it is a festive adventure!
Wherever the road takes you, make it a joyous journey,
Traveling Tanya
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