The vast Thanksgiving meal is behind us, and the future looks festive and bright! Illuminated as much by the LA sun as by the twinkling holiday lights that traditionally appear after the day of thanks, there is no doubt that the winter holidays are swiftly approaching and it’s time to venture out into the world.

Here are some city happenings that we are excited about for this long weekend; as usual, there is no shortage of events in our fair town, for which we are very thankful indeed!

SHOP LOCAL
Support Los Angeles artists and crafters while doing your holiday shopping by purveying the annual Handmade LA marketplace , held at the Craft & Folk Art Museum this Saturday and Sunday. Expect to have a wide choice of handmade gifts and get the added bonus of meeting the artists behind the goods.

Post Studio’s Isac Placemats are inspired by the iconic parallel lines of Shibuya Crossing.

On Sunday, Smorgasburg launches their Holiday Market in Downtown LA this Sunday –  in addition to delicious treats there will be vendors offering handcrafted presents. The holiday market will occur every Sunday from December 3-17, the official launch on November 26 will feature flash sales and specials from 10 to 11AM so get there early.

SNOW DAY LA
Venture into a snowy wonderland mood without leaving town: head to Elysian Park to partake in whimsical winter pleasures such as tubing and skating over at Snow Day LA. Sounds incredible? We live in a magical city.

LACMA
One of the best museums in California, LACMA offers a wealth of programming at any given time. With its many pavilions and lush outdoor spaces, the museum feels like a miniature city, replete with activities for every hour of the day. Begin your visit by contemplating the incredible Marc Chagall exhibit, dine on gourmet farm-to-table cuisine at Ray’s & Stark Bar and conclude your experience with – Friday Jazz at LACMA series: a veteran saxophonist and arranger Kim Richmond and his septet will pay homage to the classic works of Herbie Hancock and Joni Mitchell along with songs from Richmond’s latest recording, Inner Spirit.

Chagall: Fantasies for the Stage | LACMA

ENCHANTED: A FOREST OF LIGHT
Get a luminous start on the sparkling Holiday Seasons by visiting the stunning light installation at Descanso Garden, Enchanted: Forest of Light. An annual event, this year’s display is especially striking and enrapturing, a breathtaking exposition with a multitude of atmospheric effects, light sculptures, and uplit trees. Meander, discover, and be enchanted…

SOMETHING DIFFERENT
Combine love of the ocean with art and fashion, and travel beachside to take part in “Tailor Made: A Pop-Up Alterations Shop with Frau Fiber” at Camera Obscura Art Lab at 1450 Ocean, where artist Frau Fiber presents a pop-up alterations shop providing mending, alteration and tailoring services. The twist: each customer spins the Wheel of Wages to determine the cost of service. The wheel is divided into countries that produce the bulk of our fast fashion garments.

STAYCATION
If you feel perfectly cozy where you are, a new TV show, Godless, caught our eye. Set in 1884 in Colorado, in a town run by women, it sounds like an innovative feminist take on a classic Western plot. The miniseries are said to be spellbinding, and those that liked Downton Abbey will enjoy the appearance of Michelle Dockery. Here’s to more popcorn and snug, relaxing evenings!