By Sally Woods

The holiday season is almost here, and Kernersville is ready to celebrate in style with one of the region’s most beloved traditions, the annual Kernersville Arts & Crafts Guild Christmas Store!

For those who are unfamiliar, the Kernersville Arts & Crafts Guild is a vibrant community of artists and makers right here in our town and the Triad, and each year, they transform a local storefront into a magical Christmas wonderland. But it is not just locals who enjoy the Christmas Store. Over 35 years, the store has attracted visitors from neighboring cities and even out-of-state holiday shoppers who have heard about its charm and high-quality craft. For many, a trip to Kernersville during the Christmas season is not complete without stopping by the store, often making multiple trips!

Mark Your Calendar!
The Kernersville Arts & Crafts Guild Christmas Store will open its doors on Friday, November 29, and welcome the community through December 22. The store’s hours are from 10am – 6pm Monday through Saturday and 1 – 5pm on Sunday. Be sure to mark your calendar and plan to visit and bring a friend or two! You never know what treasures you will discover.

More Than Just Shopping – It is an Experience
The store is a true showcase of craftsmanship, with an incredible variety of items that highlight the talents of local artisans. Looking for a unique Christmas ornament? You will find displays full of handcrafted decorations that you cannot find anywhere else. Need a unique gift for that hard-to-shop-for friend or family member? Browse through handwoven scarves, artisanal soaps, and stunning jewelry pieces that are as individual as the person you are shopping for. If you are decorating your own home, you cannot miss the selection of wreaths, candles, bows, and other festive décor.

You will also find beautiful woodworking pieces—think elegant cutting/charcuterie boards, decorative bowls, and children’s toys. For a touch of delicate artistry, look no further than the hand-carved eggs, each a miniature masterpiece. Glass artisans bring vibrant, colorful works, from fused glass ornaments and décor to intricate stained glass sun-catchers. If you are drawn to fine detail, the mosaics on display will captivate you with their meticulous designs and vibrant hues.

Fiber arts lovers will be in heaven with an array of knitted, sewn, embroidered, cross-stitched, and crocheted items, from cozy scarves and quilts to charming plushies and bowl cozies. The store also features modern techniques like laser-cut designs, such as finely detailed wooden decorations and puzzles. Shoppers can also explore handmade cards, and a variety of unique art pieces created with acrylic pours, alcohol inks, and resin, offering stunning and abstract designs perfect for any space.

If jewelry is what you are after, you will be spoiled for choice. The Christmas Store features a wide selection of jewelry, from classic beaded pieces to elegant wire-wrapped stones, metal art, and polymer clay and resin designs, each offering a unique twist on wearable art. For those who enjoy holiday traditions, the iconic ceramic Christmas trees—each lovingly crafted by hand—are always a crowd favorite, bringing nostalgia and charm to any home.

Shop Small, Support Local
Each artist brings their own flair and personality to their work, so no two items are the same. Whether it is the way a pottery glaze catches the light, the fuzzy texture of a soft sculpture, or the fine details of a piece of jewelry, every item has a story. And when you shop at the Christmas Store, you are not just purchasing a gift–you are supporting local artists who pour their passion into their craft.

Local artists often rely on events like this to showcase their work and sustain their craft, and with each purchase, you are helping to ensure that Kernersville’s creative community continues to thrive. It is a feel-good shopping experience–not only will you walk away with beautiful, handcrafted items, but you will also know that you have made a meaningful difference in your own backyard.

“People love the Christmas Store because they know they will find something unique,” says a long-time Guild member. “It is not like shopping at a big-box store. Here, every item is special, and you can meet the person who made it. That personal connection is what keeps people coming back.”

This holiday season, experience the warmth and charm of the Kernersville Arts & Crafts Guild Christmas Store. After all, there is something truly magical about giving (and receiving) a gift that was made with care, right here in our community.

For updates and a sneak peek at samples of the artistry available in the Christmas Store, visit the Guild’s Facebook page at facebook.com/TKACG. To learn more about the Guild, visit the KACG website at thekacg.com.