One of the most enjoyable ways to get into the holiday spirit is to attend a special shopping event. There’s nothing more heartwarming than the reappearance of holiday garland, twinkling ornaments and the smell of cinnamon and pine welcoming you into a local shop. To heighten the merriment even further, plenty of locales offer champagne, Christmas cookies and even gifts with your purchase. Shopping is a pastime that should be experienced with all five senses. That’s why it feels SO special to – once again – see, smell, taste, hear and touch the magic of the holiday season. On that note, I’ve compiled a list of upcoming shopping events throughout the city that will have you humming Christmas carols well before Thanksgiving dinner. Now go eat, drink, shop and be merry! *This list will continue to be updated as events are added* BOUTIQUES:Nov. 11: Estella’s Home Holiday Open House, featuring 20% off one item and book signing by Sue Strachan (10 a.m.–8 p.m.) Nov. 12-13: M.S. Rau Antiques, Crowning Jewels Exhibition (2–5 p.m.) Nov. 16-17: FeBe, Veronica Beard Trunk Show SCHOOLS:Dec. 4: Holiday Boutique at McGehee School (9 a.m.–4 p.m.)
Old Metairie Christmas Market at St. Francis School (9 a.m.–2 p.m.)
Dec. 5: Holiday Boutique at Country Day School (11 a.m.–4 p.m.) OUTDOOR/LARGE VENUE:Dec. 4: Merry Market at Longue Vue Gardens (1–4 p.m.) Dec. 7: Holly Jolly Market at Junior League of New Orleans (5–10 p.m.) Dec. 8: Harrison Avenue Marketplace, including crafts, food and music (5–8:30 p.m.) Dec. 11: Ogden Museum of Southern Art Holiday Market (noon-’til)
Freretstivus, including art, gifts, food and live music, Freret Street and Napoleon Avenue (times TBD)
Home for the Holidays, including home décor and design stores offering discounts and special entertainment, Magazine Street (all day at participating shops)
Dec. 18: French Quarter Museum Association Holiday Market, participating museums include the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, The Historic New Orleans Collection, 1850 House, Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses and Beauregard-Keyes House (10 a.m.–4 p.m.)
The Finish Line on Magazine Street, including last minute gifts, entertainment and discounts (all day at participating shops)
