Show Review of the Month New England Christmas Festival

September 2025, by Sunshine Artist Editor

New England Christmas Festival 
Location: Uncasville, CT 
Dates: Nov. 8-10, 2024 
Contact: Artisan Promotions, Inc. 
Website: nechristmasfestival.com 
Email: info@nechristmasfestival.com 
Phone: 561-465-3676 
Venue: 100% indoors 
Space fees: $750 to $1,450 
Exhibitors: 400 
Attendance estimate: 30,000 

COMPILED FROM FASTAUDIT REVIEWS  

The New England Christmas Festival ranked CC3 in 2024’s 200 Best list. Ninety-percent of the artists who reviewed the last four shows said they would participate in it again. 

A ceramicist who reported $6,000 in sales would return. “The management is fantastic — always helpful and on-site,” the artist said. The artist also said the crowds were great, load-in/-out was easy, and there was free parking on-site for RVs. 

One art glass artist made $14,000 at 2024’s show and described it as a well-run event, with great communication throughout the process. The artist said the atmosphere was festive and the customers were happy. 

A wood artist who had $8,900 in sales would do the show again as well. “Best advertised show I have ever done, best foot traffic and sales,” the artist said. 

An arts and crafts artist whose sales totaled around $9,600 said, “One of our favorite shows with fantastic atmosphere, crowd, and sales!” The artist is grateful for the show organizers for putting on the event and to the loyal customers. 

An artist whose mediums include ceramics, mixed media, and furniture and lighting made $14,000 and said, “Great sales and attendance, excellent marketing — one of our best three-day events.” 

One fine craft artist described it as the best they attend, saying it is well-organized, affordable, with quality vendors and great advertising and customers. This artist did not report how much was made. 

A jewelry artist who also did not say how much was made said, “The organizer of the event spends an entire year to promote the event and it shows. Amazing attendance, happy vendors, lovely Christmas spirit.” 

A photographer who had $15,500 in sales said, “I will definitely come back.” The artist said it was a well-attended show, with great sales and lots of parking for artists and customers. 

One fiber/textile/leather artist loves the show — and the people who run it — as they are around throughout the show and have answers to questions every time. “This was my 10th year and my main selling event,” said the artist who did not say how much was made at the show. 

An arts and crafts artist who reported $9,000 in sales said, “This is the best show!” 

A fiber/textile/leather artist whose sales totaled $4,500 would return, saying it was a great, well-organized event, and everyone was helpful. 

A fine craft artist who made $4,500 said, “This is my favorite show of the entire year. It is well-run, and the attendees seemed very happy to be there even though some waited 40-45 minutes to get in on Saturday. Vibe is very nice. Location is immaculate, and sales were consistent except for Sunday, which is typical of most shows anyway.” 

Sales totaled $6,300 for a wood artist who would do the show again due to it being well-run and well-advertised on social media and other platforms. 

A fiber/textile/leather artist who made $4,000 loved the show, describing it as “festive, fun, cheerful.” The artist said the organizers were fantastic, sales were great, and there was free RV parking for vendors. “I’d be happy to return!” the artist said. 

SHOW PROMOTER’S SELF‑REVIEW 

Jackie Ralston was thrilled with how 2024’s New England Christmas Festival went and said it gets better every year. “We are filled with pride for the incredible success of this year’s show featuring 350 talented craftsmen from across the country,” she said. 

Ralston, of Artisan Promotions, Inc., said they constantly receive compliments about how their festival showcases a range of affordable, unique handcrafted goods. “We send thanks as well to the attendees who supported these artisans and make this event possible,” she said. 

Attendance was estimated at 30,000. 

What Artists Said 

“Many artists shared that this was their best show of the year and even a few said best ever,” Ralston said. “They also praised our organization, marketing, and helpful staff. They said they felt part of the small-business community that visitors wanted to support.” 

What the Promoter Learned 

Ralston said while they celebrate the show’s success, they also acknowledge the large crowds presented challenges at times. “We deeply appreciate the patience and understanding of both our exhibitors and attendees. We are working to ensure 2025 is smoother,” she said. 

Best Improvement 

“This year, we increased security wanding and magnetometers for faster show access and revised the show access procedure. Our advice for other promoters is to stay flexible and in communication with facility management,” Ralston said. 

Her message to those considering this show is, “We recognize it is hard to get into this show — a big part of it is to apply early, but even more important is to provide outstanding images of your art and booth. Also make sure to write a clear description.”