New England Christmas Festival

The 40th annual New England Christmas Festival fills the 125,000-square-foot Earth Expo & Convention Center at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut, with more than 400 American artisans selling handmade crafts, seasonal decor, home accessories, fashion, fine jewelry, kids' clothing and toys, spa products and specialty foods. Hours are 9am to 6pm on Friday and Saturday and 9am to 5pm on Sunday. Tickets are $18 for Friday or Sunday, $21 for Saturday and $23 for a three-day pass (plus Eventbrite fees); children 14 and under get in free. Parking and valet are free, with the Winter Garage and Winter Surface Lot closest to the hall. Bring some cash, since some artisans don't take cards; there's an ATM in the Expo lobby. The festival is presented by Artisan Promotions, creators of the Boston Christmas Festival. For exhibitors: standard booths are $800 (10x10), $1,200 (10x15) and $1,600 (10x20), with a corner location and a digital marketing package offered as add-ons. Exhibitor applications open each year on February 1.