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The holidays are in full swing and you are most likely up-to-your-neck in gift shopping. The tired treks through malls and sterilized shopping excursions at department stores will leave even the most seasoned holiday gift giver a tad worn down. Where has the unique thrill of giving something singular and special to loved one when so many people are clamoring for impersonal things like the flavor-of-the-season Xbox One or Kindle Fire HD 7? While I advise you to gift me said items immediately, it’s still a shame that so many of our gift options nowadays like charm. So, for this weekend, skip the mega-retailers and digital dojos and opt for an adventure, shopping around at these blink-and-you’ll-miss-’em markets to find something special for that special someone (or even Craig, that guy who works next to you at the office).
44th Purcellville Antiques Fair
Dec. 7-8 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 250 S. Nursery Ave., Purcellville. $9 admission. If you want something with charm to spare, nothing beats a lovely antique. Shop around at this antique fair, where the items are guaranteed authentic and impressive. From country furniture, fine art to jewelry, this is a great opportunity to find a great gift that would otherwise be lost to time.
Lovettsville Chriskindmarkt
Dec. 7 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. & Dec. 8 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 16 North Berlin Turnpike, Lovettsville. $3 admission for ages 13-and-older. When you’re shopping for that perfect gift, you might as well be wildly entertained and eating delicious food while you’re at it. This traditional German Christmas festival will include musical guests, delicious German foods (dibs on all the schnitzel!) and, of course, over 20 artists and vendors from whom you can purchase a terrific holiday gift.
Fredericksburg Holiday Craft Show
Dec. 7 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. & Dec. 8 from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. 2371 Carl D. Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg. Free. Held in the Fredericksburg Expo Center, this is the venue’s biggest craft show yet, featuring ornaments, artwork, gourmet foods and even organic treats for your furry best friend’s stocking! To top it all off, if you purchase this Saturday you can have your gifts wrapped for free. Now that’s a deal.
Herndon Holiday Arts and Crafts Show
Dec. 8 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 814 Ferndale Avenue, Herndon. Free. Local Herndon residents would be wise to jump on this opportunity to pick up something wholly unique – the free admission doesn’t hurt either. Take a tour through over 70 arts and crafts vendors and chances are high that you’ll find the perfect Christmas ornament, wreath, decorations or the perfect gift for that person in your life with loves great craft.