Discover a Unique Holiday Shopping Experience at the Guilford Art Center’s Annual Holiday Expo

Published on November 19, 2025

From November 14, 2025, to January 11, 2026, the Guilford Art Center (GAC) will transform into a winter wonderland for its highly anticipated Annual Holiday Expo. The event promises to be a one-of-a-kind holiday shopping experience, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore and purchase handcrafted gifts created by hundreds of independent artists. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor in Guilford during the holiday season, the Holiday Expo is the ideal destination for anyone looking for unique, locally made items to celebrate the festivities.

This year, the GAC has gone all out, expanding the event to provide an even more exciting and diverse shopping experience. The Expo is the perfect alternative to traditional retail shopping, offering something truly special and personal for every gift-giver. Attendees will be able to enjoy a unique, curated shopping experience that highlights the rich creativity of local artisans.

A Bigger, Better GAC Shop for 2025

For those who have attended the Holiday Expo in previous years, the 2025 edition promises to be a grander and more immersive experience. This year, the GAC Shop will more than double in size, expanding across both the shop space and the gallery area. This means that there will be an even greater variety of handcrafted items to discover, ranging from dazzling jewelry to beautiful home décor, cozy clothing, stylish accessories, and charming holiday ornaments. Visitors will also be able to purchase specialty foods that make for perfect gifts or personal treats during the holiday season.

Each piece is meticulously handmade by independent artists and makers, ensuring that every gift is unique and crafted with care. With the wide selection of beautiful, one-of-a-kind treasures, shoppers are sure to find something that suits the taste of everyone on their list. The special care that goes into every piece makes these gifts even more meaningful, offering something truly personal that mass-produced gifts simply can’t match.

Highlighting Local Talent: The Lyme Artisans Guild Collaboration

One of the most exciting features of this year’s Holiday Expo is the special collaboration with the Lyme Artisans Guild. This partnership introduces a dedicated section showcasing the work of Guild members, who are known for their exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to preserving traditional artisan techniques. The Guild’s creations will be displayed alongside the works of other talented local artists, making this year’s Expo even more special.

The Lyme Artisans Guild is committed to promoting fine craftsmanship and ensuring that traditional methods of creating art and functional goods are passed down through the generations. Their work is a perfect fit for the GAC’s mission of supporting local artisans, and this collaboration highlights the best of what the region has to offer. Visitors will be able to purchase beautiful, locally made creations that embody the region’s artistic legacy, making this a true celebration of Connecticut’s creative talent.

Always Something New: Fresh Items Throughout the Season

Another great feature of the Holiday Expo is that new items will be arriving throughout the season, ensuring that every visit offers something fresh to discover. Whether you’re visiting early in the season or closer to the holidays, there will always be new treasures to explore and take home. This makes the Holiday Expo a perfect destination for multiple visits, as there will always be something exciting and unique to see.

To further enhance the shopping experience, the Guilford Art Center will offer personal shoppers who are available to help select the perfect gift. Whether you need help finding the ideal piece of jewelry for a loved one or are searching for the perfect home décor item, the personal shoppers are there to guide you through the Expo’s extensive collection. For businesses looking for meaningful gifts for their employees, the GAC also offers custom gift packages, allowing businesses to give unique, locally crafted gifts that will make a lasting impression.

Convenient Hours for Holiday Shoppers

Understanding the busy nature of the holiday season, the Holiday Expo will be open with extended hours to accommodate all schedules. The Expo will be open Monday through Saturday from 10:00am to 5:00pm, and on Sundays from 12:00pm to 5:00pm. These hours make it easy for both locals and visitors to take time out of their busy schedules to enjoy the beautiful displays, shop for handcrafted gifts, and experience the charm of the holiday season at the Guilford Art Center.

Whether you are an early bird looking to start your holiday shopping or someone who enjoys leisurely weekend strolls, these hours provide the flexibility to visit the Expo at your convenience. The GAC’s beautiful space, filled with holiday cheer and unique handmade items, offers the perfect setting to enjoy the holiday spirit while finding the ideal gifts for friends, family, and colleagues.

The Perfect Seasonal Destination in Guilford

The Holiday Expo at the Guilford Art Center is not just a shopping event – it’s an experience. With its focus on local artists and handmade goods, it offers an authentic alternative to the commercialized, mass-market approach to holiday shopping. The Expo gives visitors the chance to purchase items that tell a story and showcase the talents of local artisans, making each gift unique and full of meaning.

For those visiting Guilford during the holiday season, the Expo provides an opportunity to connect with the local art community and experience the true spirit of the season. And for residents, it’s the perfect chance to support local artists while finding thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gifts for loved ones.

The 2025 Holiday Expo is sure to be a highlight of the season, offering something for everyone, whether you are looking for the perfect gift or simply want to experience the charm of the season through handcrafted art. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary event, it promises to make your holiday season in Guilford truly unforgettable.