The booths sold a wide variety of items, including everything from specialty soups and bread to glass wind chimes; there was truly something for everyone. 

"I like supporting local artisans and stuff," computer science freshman Zara Husain said. "I also like to make art on the side so it’s cool to see and support these local artists."

All of the vendors in attendance were local artists who put a heavy emphasis on high quality handmade products, meaning there was absolutely no resale or wholesale items being sold by the booths — making this the perfect place to help support local small businesses and shop for holiday gifts. 

"My freshman year I was coming here to study for finals, and I was just confused on why there was a large crowd," social issues and policy junior Avery Carroll said. "I shopped around and ended up finding a cool gift for my mom. I’ve just come back every year since then."

The show is hosted the weekend before finals begin in early December and attendance from the community was high. The number of advertisements spread out across campus caught the attention of students looking for a small break.

"We saw the banner on Grand River which is what inspired us to come," Husain said. 

Juniors Carroll and Naomi Egger were among the many students shopping for a perfect holiday gift and escaping the stress of finals. 

"I always get a gift for my mom and my siblings here," Carroll said.

"She (Carroll) told me about it, and so I’m also looking for gifts for my family and friends," international relations and criminal justice junior Naomi Egger said.

This event is not only a beloved community tradition, but serves as a fundraiser for the UAB. All of the vendor and booth fees go directly to the UAB, which is a group that is dedicated to hosting mostly free events for students in order to help build a tight knit community on campus. In the past these events have included everything from roller skating to movie screenings and craft making. 

The UAB also hosts a Spring Arts and Craft show which is significantly larger than its winter counterpart. Having around 250 booths and about 40,000 patrons in attendance, it is held on the MSU Union Grounds. For the upcoming year the dates are yet to be released but typically coincide with the East Lansing Arts Festival in late May.