Elkhorn Holiday Craft Bash

The Walworth County Fairgrounds in Elkhorn transform into a massive holiday shopping destination when hundreds of crafters and artisans fill multiple buildings with handmade gifts, seasonal decor, baked goods, and the kind of one-of-a-kind finds that make gift-giving actually personal. This is serious craft fair territory with quality vendors who’ve been juried into the show, not table after table of mass-produced items with handmade labels. You’ll find jewelry, woodwork, textiles, candles, jams, and holiday decorations alongside warm cider and seasonal treats that make browsing feel festive rather than transactional.

The bash typically happens the first weekend in November, running Saturday and Sunday with hours from mid-morning to late afternoon. Admission is minimal (usually a few dollars to support the event), parking is plentiful and free at the fairgrounds, and most vendors take credit cards though cash helps with smaller purchases. Bring reusable shopping bags since you’ll accumulate more than you planned, and wear comfortable walking shoes because the layout spans multiple buildings and outdoor vendor areas. Early November in Wisconsin can range from mild (50s and 60s) to genuinely cold (30s and 40s), so dress in layers that work for both heated indoor browsing and chilly walks between buildings.

This pairs perfectly with a Lake Geneva weekend when fall colors are peaking and the water still holds some warmth. Book a lakeside rental on Lake.com near the southern shore to split the difference between Elkhorn and Geneva Lake. Shop the craft bash Saturday, then spend Sunday morning on the water before winter truly settles in. The combination of productive holiday shopping and lakeside calm makes for a November weekend that feels both efficient and restorative, checking gifts off your list while still getting actual vacation time.