No. 1 in Classic & Contemporary Craft Shows - Old-Fashioned Christmas in the Woods

August 2025, by Angie Landsverk

People from more than 30 states attend Old-Fashioned Christmas in the Woods each October. This event in Columbiana, Ohio, is once again the top Classic & Contemporary Craft Show in Sunshine Artist’s annual 200 Best. 

“We feel very honored and humbled by our selection of No. 1 again for Contemporary Crafts. This is the fourth time we were selected No. 1 since 2020, in addition to No. 2 All-Time Favorite in 2021 during the COVID-19 year,” said Ken McGaffic. “This would not be possible without the cooperation of everyone involved, from our outstanding staff to the incredible lineup of crafters and food vendors. We are thankful to God for the opportunity He’s given us over the many years to be part of this amazing event.” 

McGaffic and his wife, Linda, started the show in 1994. Its wooded setting is the home of the Shaker Woods Festival.  

The couple approached Sam and Sue Ferguson — the founders of that festival — and asked if they would consider leasing them the location in the fall for a Christmas festival. “They readily agreed, and we were off and running,” McGaffic said. “The Shaker Festival has a fine reputation with crafters, as well as the public, so the Christmas show had a great foundation that was already established.” 

Old-Fashioned Christmas in the Woods was successful from the start and has grown since then. “We now have more than 230 crafters, as well as 20-plus food booths and three stages of entertainment. The wooded setting with unique wooden booths makes it a magical setting for our event,” McGaffic said. 

It is a juried event. Applicants must submit pictures of their products (or the product itself), photos of their costume and setup, a list of other events they exhibit at, and background information. 

There is no jurying fee. They are always looking for unique, quality products. Buy and sell are not accepted. 

The artists and crafters are the show’s focal point. “We always inform our entertainers that Christmas in the Woods is a craft show that has entertainment, not an entertainment event that has crafters. This commitment to the crafters has been reflected in the continued success of the show,” he said. 

In addition to Christmas items like ornaments and decorations, the show features traditional crafters, such as potters, woodworkers, blacksmiths, leather crafters, and more. “We attract those who like craft shows and many come as well for the great food. We are proud of the fact we offer a wide variety of food, from freshly made donuts and apple dumplings to chicken pot pies and homemade soups and everything in between,” McGaffic said. 

Participating crafters are offered a full week to set up and prepare, with parking adjacent to the wooded setting. “The crafters can pull right up to their booths (that are permanent wooded structures) with their vehicles to unload and pack up,” McGaffic said. “We also have a day after the show to break down, so they don’t have to deal with the congestion that naturally occurs right after an event like this.” 

Through the years, the venue’s level pathways have been graveled. Acres of parking are adjacent to the grounds, with a shuttle service available. 

“For convenience, we have three entrances where attendees can buy tickets. After 30 years, we have become a tradition for many who plan their vacation days and reunions with family and friends around our dates, McGaffic said. 

For those thinking about applying, he said unique is the key word. “We would love to see more old-fashioned crafts, such as basket weavers, carvers, and silversmiths apply. Interesting enough, in the days we live, this is unique in our eyes,” McGaffic said. 

He noted that each year, there is a percentage of crafters who do not return due to retirement, health situations, family event conflicts, or because it did not work out. “We would suggest to apply for the show even if you were turned down in the past. We limit the number of crafters in each medium so our crafters can maximize sales,” McGaffic said. “If a crafter was not accepted when applying, it may not reflect on the quality of their crafts, but that the medium was full.” 

Attendees wait all year to attend Old-Fashioned Christmas in the Woods. It has become a shopping tradition for thousands, so many attend despite bad weather. 

“This past year, the weather was exceptionally good, which helped to contribute to a fantastic turnout. On the marketing side, we haven’t taken our foot off the pedal to promote the event,” McGaffic said. “We utilize traditional media, including television and billboards, as well as social media. Our marketing spend has not waned over the years.”