Thanksgiving may only be two weeks away (what?) but it’s never too early to get in the spirit for the next round of holidays.

One surefire way to get in the holiday mood is to shop the bountiful markets and bazaars that pop up in local communities this time of year.

Not only is it a way to get a head start on holiday shopping, it’s also a way to lend support to local community groups in their fundraising efforts.

Artisan crafts and home baked goods are a staple of these annual events, much like they were when market bazaars were an everyday fixture in our ancestors’ lives.

Out &About will be featuring a special bazaar and market calendar through December. Here’s just a sample of what’s coming up.

Holiday Bazaars &Markets Calendar

Edmonds

Holy Rosary Women’s Association Holiday Fair: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 14 &15, baked goods, hand crafted items and “New Again” decorative holiday treasures, at Holy Rosary Parish School, 770 Aloha St., Edmonds. Info: 425-778-3197.

United Methodist Women Bazaar: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, greeting cards, handmade gifts, Christmas decorations, edible items and a silent auction, benefits UMW supported charities, at Edmonds United Methodist Church, 828 Caspers St., Edmonds. Info: 425-778-2119.

Sculptor’s Workshop holiday pottery sale: 6-8 p.m. Thursday Nov. 19, 2-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday Nov. 21, shop the unique functional and sculptural artwork by Sculptor’s Workshop members at this annual event at the Frances Anderson Center, 700 Dayton Ave., Edmonds. Info: Julie Perrine 425-774-1842.

Mill Creek

Mill Creek Christian Women’s Connection holiday bazaar &luncheon: 11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12 at the Mill Creek Country Club, 15500 Country Club Drive, Mill Creek. Silent auction, used book sale, $1 grab bags. Jeannie Bargen will speak at the luncheon and musical guest Quartet “Q4” will perform. Admission: $20. Proceeds benefit Village Missions. Reservations required by noon on Nov. 10. Info: Kristine, 425-337-6335.

Lynnwood

Christmas Bazaar &Bake Sale: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, handcrafted silver and crystal jewelry, crochet and knitted items, greeting cards and ornaments, childrens toys and bedroom art, baked goods, at Cedar Park Christian School, 17931-64th Ave. W., Lynnwood. Info: 425-742-9518.

Holiday Craft Village: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, jewelry, cards, knitted and crocheted items, fleece blankets &pillows, scarves, woodwork, ceramics, pottery, holiday decorations, soaps, glasswork, all handcrafted by EdCC students and employees, on the Edmonds Community College Campus, Triton Union Building, Room 202, 20000 68th Ave. W., Lynnwood. Percentage of proceeds benefit the College Foundation. Info: campus.edcc.edu.

Mountlake Terrace

St. Pius X Ladies Guild Holiday Bazaar:10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m.-3 p.m Sunday, Nov. 15, more than 30 vendors, bake sale, used book sale, cafe, at St. Pius X School, 22105 58th Ave. W., Mountlake Terrace. Info: 425-778-2663.

Mukilteo

Mukilteo Arts Guild 2009 Holiday ART Mart: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, art, jewelry, clothing, ceramics, wood, quilts and other gift items, at the Rosehill Community Centre, 304 Lincoln Ave, Mukilteo. Admission: Free. Info: www.mukilteoartsguild.org.

Shoreline

Seattle Shores Chorus Bazaar: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, crafts, baked goods, used books, jewelry, silent raffle, gently used household goods and a live performance by the chorus, at the Filipino American Christian Church, 14800 First Ave. NE, Shoreline. Admission: Free. Info: 206-363-8987.

Bazaar for Africa: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, NW art &crafts, new &pre-owned items, African crafts and food, baked goods, basket auction to benefit HIV/AIDS Orphans in Kenya, at Northwest Church of Christ, 15555 15th Ave. NE, Shoreline. Info: 206-364-2275.

Gentle Giving Fair: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, gift fair features local and international charitable organizations, Fair Trade products, snacks, at Richmond Beach Congregational Church UCC, 1512 NW 195th St., Shoreline. Info: 206-542-7477.

Lake Forest Park

Christmas in November: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday Nov. 14, vendors, crafts, bake sale and lunch available, at Lake City Elks, 1450 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park. Info: 206-364-1800.

Lake City Emblem Club’s Annual Holiday Bazaar: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, handcrafts, Christmas items, drawings, baked goods, lunch available for purchase, proceeds support charities, at Lake City Elks Lodge, upper level, 14540 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park. Info: 206-364-1800.

Bothell

My Friends &More Holiday Bazaar: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, more than 60 local artists, kids’ craft area, Santa arrives 1 p.m., (bring camera for photos with Santa), at the I.U.O.E. Union Hall, 18701 120th Ave. NE, Bothell. Info: 425-486-5864.

Chick n’ Coop Crafts Holiday Bazaar: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday &Saturday, Nov. 27 &28, 50 NW crafters present confections, clothing, wood, glass, stocking stuffers, collectibles, jewelry, accessories, incredible edibles, pet goodies, seasonal décor, at Bothell’s Country Village Courtyard Hall, 23718 7th Ave. SE, Bothell. Info: 206-542-6055 or chickncoopcrafts@yahoo.com.