This Thanksgiving Weekend, Shop Small on Larchmont Boulevard

‘Tis the season to be bombarded with ads for “doorbuster” sales. While elbowing your way through the hordes may have its charms for some, there is a much more relaxed and enjoyable way to find the perfect gift at a great price. On November 30^th, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the businesses of Larchmont will celebrate their annual Holiday Open House and Small Business Saturday.

The event, sponsored by the Larchmont Business Association, will span from Melrose Avenue to 1^st Street, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Shoppers can look forward to some favorite traditions of the Holiday Open House, which has run in some form since 1965. At noon, Santa Claus will arrive on a fire truck at the Wilshire Rotary Christmas tree lot and listen to the wishes from kids of all ages until 3 p.m., and there will be a free trolley to transport shoppers up and down the boulevard.

Participating stores will celebrate in a variety of ways. Some will host special appearances of artisans, others will sponsor contests, or offer refreshments, while still others will offer discounts and promotions. Overall good cheer will be enhanced across the boulevard with live music provided by the faculty from the Rhodes School of Music.

The Holiday Open House coincides with the tenth annual Small Business Saturday. Falling on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, this nation-wide celebration was established by American Express to encourage shoppers to support small businesses and to recognize how vibrant small businesses affect their communities. According to the company’s website, for every $1 spent at a small business, an average of $0.67 stays in the community.

David Rhodes, the founder of Rhodes School of Music, and head of the event, said that Larchmont business owners care deeply not just about their businesses, about their role in the community.

“A small business is only as good as the community it serves,” said Rhodes, “and finding ways to support that community is good for everyone.”

Here are some of the special sales and promotions you can expect to find during the Holiday Open House:

ALEGRIA BAZAAR

1281/2 N. Larchmont

At Alegria Bazaar, a purveyor of spiritual arts and crafts, there will be

Blessing Boxes, unique handmade jewelry, and a small pop-up featuring Argentinian artist, Male Kelsey. Cups of cheer and chocolate cookies will be served from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

DR. PILATES

418 N. Larchmont

As part of their holiday sale running from November 29^th– December 3^rd, Dr. Pilates

is offering 15% off Private, Stretch, Yoga, and Meditation classes or a package of 55 group classes for $999, plus 25% off all products (in store only).

ERIN MCKENNA’S BAKERY

236 N. Larchmont

With every purchase, this gluten-free, vegan and kosher bakery will be giving out Buy-One-Get-One coupons good for a donut at a future visit.

LANDIS GIFTS & STATIONERY

138 North Larchmont

From 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., two artists will be on hand to show their remarkable work. Sally Jacobs, a member of the American Society of Botanical Artists and a member of the TAG Gallery at Bergamot Station where she exhibits regularly, will show calendars and kitchen notepads featuring her drawings and paintings. Mae Hirota, an artist who can turn a ball of clay into an exquisite faux strawberry, will be presenting her cupcake Christmas decorations. The ornaments are from her beautiful and hyper-realistic “fake food” collection available through her company, Faux Sweets. Bubbly drinks will be served.

PICKETT FENCES

219 N. Larchmont

Enjoy a holiday sip and the rustic charm of this lifestyle boutique with a curated jewelry trunk show.

RHODES SCHOOL OF MUSIC

215 N. Larchmont

The school is offering $50 off the first month of music lessons if students enroll before January 15^th. Give them a call at 323-522-4888 for more information or to sign up.

TRINA TURK

212 N. Larchmont

Melding together “classic American design with a California confidence,” this Larchmont post of the clothing designer will offer 40% off outerwear and 25% off everything else.