Saturday, November 21
Learn how to improve the creative process through meditation and other contemplative exercises.
Where: The Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art, Van Nuys
Time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday, November 22
Meet master carver Jacobo Angeles Ojeda. Enjoy demonstrations of carving, painting and embroidery and admire colorful folk art, rugs and embroidery.
Where: Autry National Center, Los Angeles
Time: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Over 70 display cases showcase a wide array of exotic gemstones. Rock polishing demonstrations, kids activities and gem dealers will be available. www.oxnardgem.com
Where: Oxnard Performing Arts Center, Oxnard
Time: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday, November 26
Where: Belmont Plaza Pool, Long Beach
Time: 8 a.m.
Avoid dirty dishes and hot stoves this holiday. View over 11,000 aquatic animals and treat the family to a traditional Thanksgiving feast.
Where: Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach
Time: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Enjoy a harvest feast in a gorgeous garden setting. The Garden's Patina Cafe serves up all the fixings and trimmings in Van de Camp Hall. No cooking, do dishes, no fuss, no muss. www.descansogardens.org
Where: Descanso Gardens, La Canada-Flintridge
Time: noon, 2 p.m.
Friday, November 27
Learn about the hidden art galleries, out-of-the-way murals and fascinating buildings of downtown L.A. on this fun Thanksgiving weekend scavenger hunt. Comfortable shoes recommended. www.outoftheboxevents.net
Where: Downtown Los Angeles Area, Los Angeles
Time: 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Where: Irvine Regional Park, Orange
Time: 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Where: Los Angeles Airport Marriott, Los Angeles
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Saturday, November 28
Sled on real snow, enjoy live music and pose with Santa at this old fashioned holiday shindig. Local merchants will showcase special deals.
Where: Sierra Madre Area, Sierra Madre
Time: 3 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Learn all about the colorful past and present of this vibrant Los Angeles area. From the Koyasan Buddhist Temple to the historic Miyako Inn & Spa, museum docents reveal all the best sights.
Where: Japanese American National Museum, Los Angeles, Downtown
Time: 10:15 a.m.
Sunday, November 29
Feel the beat with dance demonstrations and instructions from Salmon Rivera, international salsa champion. www.bowers.org
Where: Bowers Museum, Santa Ana
Time: 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Friday, December 4
Shop for handmade crafts, antiques and collectibles. Santa, Christmas caroling, food and live music round out the entertainment. www.piecemakers.com.
Where: Piecemakers Country Store, Costa Mesa
Time: 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Rev up for a weekend of two-wheeled fun at this showcase of hundreds of sportbikes, dirt bikes, cruisers, scooters and ATVs. Educational seminars and skill displays round out the action.
Where: Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach
Time: 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: Divine Design Marketplace, Beverly Hills
Time: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Shop early for handmade arts and crafts, including sculptures, paintings, ceramics, weaving and toys. A massage therapist and a psychic will also be available.
Where: The Packing House, Claremont
Time: 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Hundreds of artisans sell handmade arts and crafts, including jewelry, glassware, clothing, art and photography. Food, drink and a kids play area round out the entertainment.
Where: Pomona Fairplex, Pomona
Time: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday, December 5
This unique holiday shopping experience includes live music, wine and food tastings and a plethora of one-of-a-kind handmade goods. Includes vibrant clothing, useful home decor, fanciful pet couture, paintings and jewelry.
Where: The Brewery Arts Colony, Los Angeles, Downtown
Time: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: Crystal Cove Historic District, Newport Beach
Time: 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday, December 6
Celebrate Hanukkah with a Latin flair as part of the Skirball's ongoing initiative to commemorate Jewish life in Latin America. Families of all backgrounds will enjoy Latin Jewish music, art-making and storytelling. www.skirball.org
Where: Skirball Cultural Center, Brentwood
Time: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Visit Old Pasadena for a self-guided tour of this 1898 pinnacle of Victorian architecture. Docents will be available to answer questions. Includes festive snacks and holiday music. www.castlegreen.com
Where: Castle Green, Pasadena
Time: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Over 500 homeless dogs, cats and rabbits will be vying for adoption. Vendors, silent auction,"Ask the Trainer" and "Ask the Vet" booths, plus photos with Santa Claus. www.IrvineShelter.org
Where: Irvine Animal Care Center, Irvine
Time: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Friday, December 11
Over 150 exhibitors from across the globe will showcase rare and unusual jewelry, gems, beads, crystals, silver, rocks and minerals. Classes and demonstrations will be presented throughout the weekend.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
Time: noon - 7 p.m.
Join the Westwood Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir for an interactive performance of G.F. Handel's Messiah. Audience members are invited to join in on the choruses. Bring your own score or purchase one at the door.
Where: Westwood Presbyterian Church, Westwood
Time: 8 p.m.
Saturday, December 12
Redondo Beach's Harbor Drive lights up with brilliantly decorated boats, colored lights and seasonal decorations at this annual nautical showcase. The parade can be seen from many of the pier or marina restaurants or along the break wall.
Where: King Harbor Yacht Club, Redondo Beach
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
The cutting edge women's magazine hosts a one-day shopping extravaganza where over 200 do-it-yourself vendors from around the country showcase their crafty creations. Products range from knitwear and jewelry, to home decor and vintage clothing.
Where: The Echo, Echo Park
Time: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Take a holiday cruise during Dana Point Harbor's 34th Annual Parade of lights. Snacks and hot beverages will be served.
Where: Ocean Institute, Dana Point
Time: 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Learn about the long history of this storied shopping distcrict at this festive holiday scavenger hunt. Prizes are awarded to the winning team. Comfortable shoes are recommended. www.outoftheboxevents.net
Where: Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills
Time: 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday, December 13
Where: Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: Ribbit Tree & Plant, Topanga
Time: 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday, December 19
Print your own Christmas cards and holiday gift tags on Victorian printing presses. Carolers, refreshments, hurdy gurdy and dulcimer players round out the entertainment.
Where: International Printing Museum, Carson
Time: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Saturday, January 23
Where: Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, Downtown
Time: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
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