Holiday shopping. Whether this is a phrase that makes you giddy with excitement or freeze in terror, a great way to kick off the holiday shopping season this year is the Holiday Open House on Larchmont Boulevard set for Small Business Saturday. Held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving—November 25th—the event will showcase the best that local businesses have to offer in a festive atmosphere.

According to Dr. Tim Gogan, a local dentist who is in charge of the event on behalf of the Larchmont Business Association, there has been some variation on a Holiday Open House on the boulevard since 1965, but this year marks the third annual event tied with Small Business Saturday.

Gogan said the streetscape will be decorated with 120 red bows, garlands and colorful banners.

“We’ll have a trolley from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. that’s going to circle around Larchmont Boulevard continuously between 1st Street and Melrose Avenue with eight stops,” said Gogan. “The Ebell Carolers will sing on the trolley as well as stroll the street.”

Gogan added that Santa himself will make an appearance at the Wilshire Rotary Christmas Tree lot located between Beverly Boulevard and Melrose Avenue.

Edie Frère, owner of Landis Gifts and Stationery, said that many store owners will be offering special Small Business Saturday promotions and surprises.

“It’s a wonderful occasion to come to Larchmont with your family to shop and get your gifts wrapped, said Frère. “It’s fun.”

Unlike the long lines for parking at other shopping meccas, Frère pointed out that parking near Larchmont shops is easy.

“There is fabulous parking,” she said. “In addition to street parking, there’s an underground lot by Rite Aid.”

Beyond enjoying the festivities and finding great deals, shoppers who attend Small Business Saturday will be supporting the mom and pop stores that make the boulevard the unique and charming place that it is. Frère said that several of the stores have a long history on the street and it’s a tradition they would like to continue.

“The people who are on this street love this community,” she said, “and they want to stay here forever.”

By putting the power of their dollars into these establishments, shoppers can help ensure that Larchmont remains, as Frère put it, “flourishing, wonderful and friendly.”

Here are just some of the special sales and promotions you can expect to find on Small Business Saturday:

ALEGRIA BAZAAR— Paula Carlotto, owner of Larchmont’s first crystal store, will guide visitors toward the crystals and essential oils that will help them “evolve, move blockages and be successful in their lives.” Gifts for any size budget will be offered, including a “super sale rack” with items from the Organic Cotton clothing line and scarves from Italy. Refreshments will be served to celebrate the holiday weekend.

ALEXANDER DAAS—This optical store will be celebrating Small Business Saturday with a “huge” sale in conjunction with its Anniversary Sale. Every eyeglasses frame in the store will be on sale.  With buy more, save more incentives, shoppers can find savings on frames up to 75% off.  A gift with purchase will be available throughout the day.

LANDIS GIFTS & STATIONERY— Along with refreshments and music, artist Sally Jacobs will be on-hand from 12:00 p.m. to 2 p.m. to sign her 2018 calendars that feature vegetables from local farmers’ markets. In addition, a number of gift baskets that include items from Agraria and Lafco candles, Simon Pearce glassware, Embossed Graphics and other purveyors of fine gifts will be on display. As of November 4th, shoppers will receive—with a purchase of $25 or more—a ticket to enter a drawing for the basket of their choice. The drawing will take place on November 25th at 4 p.m. On Sunday, Olivia from Plume + Pulp will provide complimentary calligraphy on purchased gift tags from 11:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. Choose between the person’s name, “to and from,” or your own message up to 9 characters.

LANDIS’ LABYRINTH TOY SHOPS—This duo of toy shops will celebrate Small Business Saturday with a “Huge-Monumental-Colossal Crazy Aaron Prize!”

Customers could win the “Ginormous, Gargantuan, Gigantic one POUND Crazy Aaron Thinking Putty Tin!”  Tip to the savvy: Customers get an extra chance to win if they share a photo of the shop on Facebook/ Instagram and tag the store.

PICKETT FENCES—This clothing and gifts boutique will be hosting a trunk show with Gjenmi Jewelry.

SHOPAHOLIC SAMPLE SALES—Selling an ever-changing array of designer apparel at discount prices, Shopaholic Sample Sales will run their annual “Thanksgiving Thrifty Thirty” sale for the entire weekend, from Friday-Sunday after Thanksgiving.  Most items in the store will be priced at $30.

VILLAGE HEIGHTS—This gift boutique will offer special one-day only discounts and will be serving Holiday sweets and ‘“cheer”.

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