Parking is free. Parking is available around the campus of the Franciscan Life Center.  The main parking will be located on the grass field adjacent to the campus so long as the weather cooperates.  Otherwise and in addition, there will be parking across the street on Beverly Drive in Meriden, Connecticut.  There will be parking attendants that will guide you both in the field and on Beverly Drive as well as a police officer directing street and pedestrian traffic.  We ask to avoid parking on Finch Ave. directly as the road is narrow and traffic will be heavy. There is handicapped parking available on the campus.  Please make mention to parking attendant upon your arrival if special requests.  For those who are not able to walk from their car there will be volunteers driving golf carts who can assist you to get around the campus. Traffic can get heavy at times but please be patient as there will be space for everyone.

The fair operates rain (snow) or shine so please wear comfortable clothing and footwear for the season and occasion. The fair operates both indoors and outdoors throughout the Franciscan Life Center campus. Most booths are located either within buildings or heated tents outside. The Living Crèche presentations take place solely outside on a grass field.

Since the Christmas fair takes place on the campus there can be distances between booths and events. Should assistance be needed there will be golf cart transportation available for guests to take a ride to their campus destination or to their car. The campus is located in the rolling hills of Cheshire/Meriden town line so the grounds can be uneven and require movement up and down hills; however, all of the booths are accessible and on ground level.

This question cannot be fully answered without a visit to see for yourself! There are options for everyone. For a more in depth view of some of the highlighted items available for purchase, please visit the “Highlights” on the home page or view the “Booths” tab.

Most items at the fair are in demand but some have a heavier demand. Many times “edible” items such as Franciscan bread, rolls, cookies, fudge, honey and candy usually sell out so be sure to be mindful of this demand. Non-edible items such as pottery, candles, wooden reindeer, and Franciscan booth items are also very popular. Most items are sold on a first-come-basis and sell out once the full demand has been met. Christmas trees, wreaths, and centerpieces are the only items that do have order forms and can be filled at a later date and customized per your order.

Payments can be made by either cash, personal check, or credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express accepted). Each booth conducts their own payment transactions so please be mindful when deciding your preferred payment of choice.

It is difficult to list every item that the fair offers but many of the “edibles” at the fair are homemade and non-edibles are handmade in some part of the process. The booth attendants will be happy to tell you about the origins of the products and any care instructions for them.

The fair comprises a harmonious combination of items produced by both members of the laity as well as Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist (FSE) and Franciscan Brothers of the Eucharist (FBE). The Franciscan booth is sure to cover this question for you. Some of the “edibles” as the Franciscan bread/rolls and cookies come from great FSE recipes. The Franciscan pottery booth also produces beautiful pieces from both FSE and FBE members. It takes a great community of lay and religious to produce the many items at the Christmas fair.

Items are only sold on the day of the fair and there is no delivery or shipping available. Items like Christmas trees, wreaths, and centerpieces can be ordered in advance or on the day of the fair. In either circumstance, the item(s) must be picked up at the campus of the Franciscan Life Center.

Purchases are not available the day before or after the fair.  All sales are final and no returns can be made. All items must be purchased on the day of the fair and only in person, not online. The exception to this is for Christmas Trees, wreaths, and centerpieces which can be purchased by order form. Order forms will be available soon in the “Booths” section of the website under the “Christmas Trees” and “Wreaths and Centerpieces” sections.

Yes, if you make a purchase(s) for Christmas trees, wreaths, or centerpieces you may have your order placed in a holding area and be available for pickup later at the time of your departure. All items must be claimed by the end of the fair at 2:30 p.m. if placed in the holding area.

No, the Christmas fair is a one-day-only event (rain or shine!)

The Christmas fair is proud to host a very family-friendly event. In addition to participating and viewing the Living Crèche and all the sights, sounds, and “tastes” there are some booths that are directly child centric. There is a children’s grab bag booth and a children’s activities booth where Christmas crafts are made. Also, it goes without saying that Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will also be on site to meet and greet with families.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be present throughout the day to meet and greet families. Santa will be located on the patio of the Franciscan Life Center for the opportunity to be with Santa and take photographs. Families are free to take photos on their own devices with no charge or fee. Santa will need to take some breaks during the day so please be patient. He does make an appearance at the Living Crèche for the two performances too. You may catch him wandering the campus as well.

There will be two processions of the Living Crèche.  10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The presentations last approximately 15-20 minutes. The procession starts from the Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care building and moves down to the crèche setting in the grass field. Best viewing can be in front of the crèche display on the field. The procession includes angels, shepherds, kings, and the Holy Family. The story of the Nativity will be narrated along with Christmas carols sung. Children can participate to be either angels or shepherds. If interested they should visit the Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care building fifteen minutes prior to a procession. Costumes will be provided. If any questions please see any Franciscan Sister or Franciscan Brother on the day of the fair and they will be happy to assist you.

Yes, there will be live animals present. Sheep and goats specifically. They will be available to pet with the exception of during the Living Crèche performances as they partake in the living nativity themselves.

Yes, food tickets require purchase at the food ticket booth for specific food items. For a menu list please visit the “Food” tab on the webpage.

The fair has a couple hundred volunteers in order to plan and operate the day’s major event. The Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist are always open to anyone willing to help with the many different facets of the fair.  Volunteering to a specific booth, parking attendant, and helping decorate the campus the day prior are just some of the tasks available.  To learn more information please email Gretchen at gretchenr@flcenter.org.

The fair is entirely planned and operated internally by the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist and their lay volunteers with all proceeds to benefit the Franciscan Life Center and Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care programs and services. Unfortunately, no outside vendors participate at the fair.

The most special part of your participation and purchases at the Christmas fair is the ability to know that all proceeds go to benefit programs and services for the Franciscan Life Center and Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care.  The Franciscan Life Center is a licensed outpatient mental health facility with focus on marriage and family counseling.  Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care is a licensed home health and hospice agency providing clients nursing, therapy, social work, and home health aide services allowing them the ability to be cared for within their own homes.