We are still working on this guide! Contact us if you have fiber festivals to add.
Key takeaways
- December has very few dedicated fiber festivals—the season winds down after November
- Fibers of Faith retreat in New Hampshire offers an intimate December gathering
- Local yarn shop holiday events and trunk shows fill the gap left by larger festivals
- December is ideal for planning your 2027 festival calendar and registering for early events
- Virtual knitting events and online communities keep the fiber connection alive through winter
December 2026 events
Fibers of Faith Knitting Retreat - December 3-6
Location: Singing Hills Christian Camp, Plainfield, New Hampshire
Website: singinghills.net/knitting
One of the few dedicated fiber events in December, the Fibers of Faith retreat offers a peaceful multi-day gathering for knitters and crocheters at a camp in rural New Hampshire. The retreat format—away from daily distractions, surrounded by fellow fiber enthusiasts—creates space for focused crafting, community, and creative renewal.
New Hampshire in early December may already have snow on the ground, adding to the cozy retreat atmosphere. Bring your works-in-progress, start new projects, and enjoy the kind of uninterrupted crafting time that's hard to find during the busy holiday season. All handwork is welcome—knitting, crochet, spinning, weaving, whatever feeds your creative spirit.
Local yarn shop holiday events
While major festivals are on hiatus, your local yarn shops are in full holiday mode. December is prime time for:
- Holiday trunk shows: Many shops host indie dyers for one-day trunk shows, giving you access to exclusive colorways and meet-the-maker experiences
- Gift knitting workshops: Quick-project classes focused on finishing gifts before the holidays
- Knit nights and holiday parties: Social knitting events with festive themes
- Year-end sales: Some shops offer clearance events to make room for new spring inventory
Supporting your local yarn shop during the holidays is one of the best things you can do for the fiber community. These small businesses are the backbone of the crafting world, and holiday purchases help them thrive through the quieter winter months. If you're looking for the perfect gift for a fiber lover, hand-dyed artisan yarn never disappoints.
Virtual and online events
The fiber community doesn't hibernate in December. Online events keep crafters connected:
- Knit-alongs and crochet-alongs: Many designers and yarn companies launch holiday KALs and CALs
- Advent calendar events: Fiber advent calendars from indie dyers, plus daily online challenges
- Ravelry groups: Active year-round with gift project inspiration and technique help
- Instagram fiber community: Holiday hashtag events and maker features
Plan your 2027 festival season
December is the perfect month to map out your fiber festival calendar for the coming year. Here's what to do:
Early registration events
Some 2027 events open registration in December or January. Watch especially for:
- Vogue Knitting Live NYC (typically late January)
- Shetland Wool Week 2027 (registration often opens early in the year)
- Destination retreats that have limited capacity
Budget planning
If you attended multiple festivals in 2026, review your spending to budget realistically for 2027. Factor in admission fees, travel costs, accommodation, and your yarn budget. Some fiber lovers set aside a monthly "festival fund" to spread costs throughout the year.
Skill building
Use the winter months to work on skills that will make your 2027 festival experience richer. Learning to evaluate fleece quality makes sheep-and-wool festivals more rewarding. Practicing color selection skills helps you make confident purchases at vendor booths. Our guide to caring for hand-dyed wool will help you maintain everything you bought this year.
Frequently asked questions
Why are there so few December fiber festivals?
Several factors converge: holiday travel commitments make attendance unpredictable, venue costs are higher during the holiday season, and most fiber lovers are focused on finishing gift projects rather than shopping for more yarn. The fiber festival season naturally follows agricultural cycles too—shearing season peaks in spring and early summer.
What's the next big fiber festival after November?
January 2027 brings fiber festivals back with events like Vogue Knitting Live NYC, the Delmarva Wool and Fiber Expo, and the Sunkissed Fiber Festival in Florida. Check our January 2027 guide for the full lineup.
How do I find local yarn shop events in December?
Follow your local yarn shops on Instagram and Facebook, sign up for their newsletters, and check their websites for event calendars. Many shops also post events on Ravelry. December is when LYS events really shine—smaller, more personal, and full of holiday spirit.