The holidays are quickly approaching. You better get started on your shopping list soon.

The Friendship Church Christmas bazaar is a great place to get yourself headed in that direction.

"We're hoping to get everyone into the Christmas spirit," said Kay Trostle, who, along with Heather Bressi, is co-chairing Friendship Church's Christmas bazaar. "Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Christ first, and to have family and friends get together."

Friendship Church: A United Methodist Congregation will present this year's edition of its annual holiday extravaganza from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 28, throughout the church building at 120 W. Main St., New Holland. The event is free to attend and open to the public.

The Christmas bazaar will feature crafts, food and family fun. Downstairs in Friendship Church's Fellowship Hall, more than 20 vendors will make their homemade and handmade creations available for purchase.

On the main level, there will be gift baskets, a silent auction and church crafts. Also for sale on the main floor of the church will be breakfast burritos, pulled pork sandwiches, three different kinds of soups, macaroni and cheese and a variety of baked goods.

Friendship Church's book room will be open for bargain-hunting book buyers.

The church building's elevator and ramps make it entirely handicapped-accessible.

"I love to see and welcome everyone into our church," said Trostle. "In Chapel Hall, where we have our food, we have tables so you can sit in the warmth and enjoy fellowship. Bring family and friends for a great day."

From 1 to 3 p.m. in Friendship Church's Sunday school rooms, the event will offer free activities for kids, including face painting. Also from 1 to 3 p.m., Friendship Church will conduct free holiday shopping for kids in grades six and below in the sanctuary.

All proceeds from Friendship's Christmas bazaar will go toward church improvements.

"People come from all over, and many are from our community," said Trostle, a resident of eastern Lancaster County. "They come for great affordable food, unique crafts and free activities for their children."

For more than 40 years, Friendship Church has been hosting a Christmas bazaar that serves as both a fundraiser and a community outreach event.

"We've gotten the whole church involved," said Trostle.

In addition, Friendship Church will also be conducting "An Afternoon of Christmas Music Memories" from 3 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 20. The program, which will be presented by the church choir, is also free to attend.

Throughout the year, Friendship Church hosts community meals, Geri-Fit classes, crafting groups, a Bible school in the summer and triannual book sales and participates in the local National Night Out initiative.

For additional information, go to https://nhumc.us.