Buy Local at SF and LA Holiday Shopping and Design Crawls
Author:Lindsey ShookHoliday cheer turns into fits of holiday rage in about 45 seconds while shopping at the mall: one minute you’re buying presents, the next you’re screaming at old ladies and spanking random kids. Forget the stress-fest and shop local at one of these great design crawls and holiday block parties. Retailers will be providing entertainment and giving out free booze and snacks to make waiting in line a snap and fill you with holiday cheer. Holiday shopping crawls are a win-win—you support local merchants and you won’t get any holiday assault charges.
Los Angeles
Design Quarter Holiday Crawl
Getting in on the 2012 Design Quarter Holiday Crawl will cost you $25, but it is for a good cause and you get some swag to boot. Just drop off a new toy equal or greater to a $25 value at participating locations or register and donate online if you don’t feel like wrestling for a Tickle-Me-Transformer or whatever at the toy store. Your contribution benefits the Charitable Children’s Guild and in return you get free cocktails, tasty bites, exclusive discounts and even shuttle rides between showrooms and back to your car. When you pick up your event bracelet at Egg & Dart Home, be sure to stick around for their party! Many of the best known luxury showrooms in LA will be participating, including Janet Yonaty and Mecox Gardens; Dec. 6, 5 – 10 p.m., La Cienga Design Quarter, Los Angeles. holidaycrawl.com
Santa Monica Holiday Walk
Photo: Santa Monica Merchants Assn.
You and your family are sure to find plenty of holiday gifts at the Santa Monica Montana Avenue Holiday walk. There will be live music, promos and specials at shops like Williams-Sonoma and Quatrine, and of course Santa will be there too. There is no mention of drink specials, but if you wait in line for Santa, I’m sure you won’t mind paying full price for a few; Dec. 1, 5 – 7 p.m., Montana Ave., Santa Monica. santamonica.com
Abbot Kinney Stroll
For some family-oriented holiday fun and shopping, check out the AKB Stroll and Family Fun Day. There is going to be a real snow hill for sledding, which should give kids and grownups suffering through yet another 68-degree December a needed chill. There will be a selection of vendors at Abbot Kinney Little Market & Open Marketplace every day through Dec. 31, and the shops along the streets usually hold sales during the two events; AKB Holiday Stroll, Dec. 8, 7 – 10 p.m., Family Fun Day, Dec. 9, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. abbotkinneyonline.com
San Francisco
Hayes Valley Block Party
Photo: Quatrine
The Hayes Valley Block Party is back for its 21st year and merchants will be staying open late with food, drink, and of course, sales. If you need to rest your feet for a bit, head over to Patricia’s Green park and enjoy live entertainment from SF Conservatory Carolers and enter the silent auction. Flamenco guitarist Ryan Garcia will be playing at Zonal, and Quatrine Home Interiors is holding its annual floor sale with wine and snacks, so be sure to stop by and check it out; Dec. 7, 6 – 9 p.m., Hayes Valley, San Francisco. hayesvalleysf.org
Mission Block Party
Every Friday night in the Mission is a party, but at the 5th Annual Mission Holiday Block Party you can shop more and maybe drink a little less. OK, you don’t have to drink less (if you don’t mind risking some you-break-you-buy action) as the Valencia street shops like Gingko Furniture and Therapy, along with the galleries stay open late for parties, sales, and most importantly, free drinks; Friday Dec. 7, 5 – 10 p.m., valenciastreetsf.com
North Beach and Union-Fillmore Boutique Crawls
Dozens of restaurants and retailers will be participating in the North Beach and Union Fillmore boutique crawls. Special discounts, bites and adult beverages will be available to ticket holders, so be sure to sign up. Tickets are free for both. Guys, if you’re shopping at the North Beach crawl, stay out of the gentlemen’s clubs: your ladies will know the glitter and perfume ain’t from a Christmas tree. Click for free tickets; North Beach Dec. 7, Union-Fillmore Dec. 13
