LAGUNA BEACH, CA
What: Skip the drama of Black Friday and get a head start on holiday shopping this weekend at the Sawdust Art Festival Winter Fantasy 2007. An offshoot of the summer Sawdust Art Festival, this event features 170 artists and artisans selling ceramics, woodwork, paintings, clothing, jewelry, sculptures, and more. You can also enjoy artist demonstrations, classes, entertainment, walking tours, an ornament fundraiser, and 5,000 holiday lights.
Why we love it: There will be 5 tons of snow. Did we mention it's Southern California?
When: Nov. 17-18; Nov. 23-25; Dec. 1-2; Dec. 8-9, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on all days
Where: 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach
Cost: $5.75 for an adult one-day pass; $3.00 for a child one-day pass (6 through 12 yrs)
Kid friendly? Yes
LAS VEGAS
What: If you're tired of the razzle dazzle of the Las Vegas Strip, then put on your cowboy boots and 10-gallon hat and mosey down to Fremont Street for the 21st annual Downtown Hoedown. Dance the night away as country music stars take the stage to help kick off the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. If you've got a free week, stick around for the rodeo and watch as contestants go head to head with bucking broncos and belligerent bulls.
Why we love it: Great free music from the likes of Hal Ketchum, Sawyer Brown and Ray Scott.
When: Dec. 5, 5 p.m.-11p.m.
Where: 425 Fremont Street, Las Vegas
Cost: Free
Kid friendly? No
—Stephanie Soong, Sunset Magazine
