Take a stroll through the wares of more than 25 local artisans or bring your little one for a chat with Santa.

The Orcas Senior Center is hosting its annual bazaar over Thanksgiving weekend.

“This event supports seniors and local artisans,” said Jane Heisinger, coordinator for the Orcas Island Senior Center Advisory Committee. “What better place to start your Christmas shopping than right here at the holiday festival?”

The Holiday Festival of Arts will feature booths with such items as fine jewelry, hand-carved Santas, woodworking, felted items, glass ornaments, purses, jams and chutney, hand-bound leather journals and toffee and brittle.

The fair is on Saturday, Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $1 or a donation to the food bank. Heisinger says the event brings in a lot of food items for struggling islanders.

There will be music from Matthew Olsen’s violin students and Martin Lund at the piano and Santa’s first visit of the year. Parents are encouraged to bring cameras to capture time spent with Saint Nick. The conference room is transforming into a dining hall this year, so fair-goers can snack on bake sale items or paninis that will be grilled throughout the day.

A silent auction is offering one week in a condo in Bozeman, Mont., a Frank Loudin print, a crystal bowl and more. Raffle items are a Karen Blinn quilt, a quilted blanket by Magdalena Verhasselt and basket of tools valued at over $400. Tickets are $2 each or $5 for three.

Hundreds of shoppers come through the senior center’s doors, enjoying holiday decorations, a visit from Santa and unique island-made gifts.

“It’s really a kick-off to the holiday season,” Heisinger said.

This is one of the major fund raisers for the Orcas Senior Center. The festival traditionally brings in around $7,000 for the senior center; its other major fundraiser is Granny’s Attic in the spring.

Since 2010, the senior center has offered an “Orcas On The Go” coupon book filled with deals from island businesses. This year they printed 400 and only have around 100 left. The books are $20 and available at Jillery, Wood’s Cove, the senior center, and the Festival of the Arts. Coupons are good through May 31, and Heisinger says they make great gifts.

More upcoming fairs

Orcas Island Artisan Faire at Odd Fellows Hall on Saturday, Dec. 3 and Sunday, Dec. 4. Fair hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday.

The American Legion Auxiliary annual Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 3 at the American Legion, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Watch for more on these events in the future.