First Coast Cultural Center’s (FCCC) 34th annual Holiday Shoppes will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23.
Unique gifts and treasures from local, national and international artisans and vendors highlight this popular event, which offers everything from handmade and high-end jewelry and travel packages to wood carvings, clothing, sweets and glasswork.
“Holiday Shoppes is a festive shopping experience filled with creativity, community and holiday cheer,” according to Silvia Romero, senior director of operations.
Romero added that there will also be a ticketed private preview from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21, with live music (including a harpist and a guitarist), sweets from Nothing Bundt Cakes, and an entry for a Cozy Holiday Basket. Saturday and Sunday are open to all.
Shoppers will be able to purchase goods from these returning vendors and newly acquired merchants: Short Dog Jewelry Design, Venus Creations, Charleston Shoe Co., Mill Creek Boutique, Lifestyle Totes, Lavanderscork, Peruvian Accent, Makes Perfect Scents, Nothing Bundt Cakes, AmFund, Kathy’s Accessories, Soaps by Maria, JD’s Creations, Furniture by Michael Cenci, Jackie’s Jewels, Oberini Glass, Ceramics by Lani Freeman, Woodwork by Norbert Ploetz and Bread Together.
Visitors will also be able to view the Best of JAM (Juried Art Member) exhibition featuring outdoor paintings, photography and glass sculptures, which are available for purchase. This exhibition runs through Jan. 2 in FCCC’s galleries. Holiday Shoppes is located at the Cultural Center at 6000B Sawgrass Village Circle, Ponte Vedra Beach. Parking is free, and a $5 donation will be accepted at the door.
FCCC is a nonprofit organization, and some of the proceeds from Holiday Shoppes will help fund its afterschool arts education program and its Sound Connections Music Therapy (SCMT) outreach program, which reaches nearly 300 students a week in four Title 1 St. Johns County schools.
“SCMT supports students with autism and related disabilities by providing no-cost therapeutic interventions within the school setting,” according to Candice Sirak, senior music therapist and SCMT manager.
