Holiday shoppers don’t need to book a trip to Europe to find a castle that is decorated for the holidays and overflowing with art and other hand-crafted gifts.

The Delaware County Cultural Arts Center, also known as “The Arts Castle” for its circa 1854 Anglo-Norman architecture, will usher in the holiday season with its 18th Annual Castle Arts Affair, Nov. 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Nov. 9, from noon to 4 p.m.

Admission, gift wrapping and children’s art activities are free. The center will be festively decorated and showcase more than 100 local and regional artisans with 1,000 pieces created in a variety of media, all available for purchase.

On Nov. 7, the night before the opening, the Castle Arts Affair Preview Party will be held from 6-9 p.m., featuring live holiday music and hors d’oeuvres for the guests to enjoy while they preview the holiday art sale. Reservations are required and the cost is $40 per person (includes a $20 tax deduction). 

 
This year’s “Castle Arts Affair” serves as the kick-off for a host of holiday events. In addition to a series of holiday-themed classes and workshops and an exhibit of Ohio wildlife paintings by Carolyn Heffelfinger, the center is also hosting a “Breakfast with Santa” on Dec. 13 and a “Holiday Open House” on Dec. 14.

For more information and a complete list of events at The Arts Castle, visit www.artscastle.org or call 740-369-2787.