Holiday Highlights

Ed Fuentes [Flickr]

Attendees celebrate the lighting of the County's official Christmas Tree on Monday evening.

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — On Monday, L.A. County Supervisor Mike Antonovich oversaw the county's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Music Center. KNBC weathercaster Fritz Coleman lead the countdown on the air, guiding three-year-old Miranda Saiz to push the button on cue.

The choir from Providence High School of Burbank and musicians in Brass Pacifica may have outnumbered those attending the ceremony. Evidently, civic communication elves are on an untimely furlough, leaving tree lighting information scarce.

Merchants, though, are more than eager to tout their offer holiday offerings.

TODAY ONLY: The FIDM Museum Shop's Holiday Trunk Show & Sample Sale has over 25 FIDM alumni designers selling their wares on Tuesday, December 1, from 10am to 4pm. "Holiday leather goods, one-of-a-kind jewelry, fashion accessories, and pet products for that downtown dog that has everything. Companies headed by FDIM alum include Rocker Roos ("For the fashion-forward child on your holiday list."). FIDM is at 919 S. Grand.

ART & FASHION IN SOUTH PARK: Lingerie line Lucy B and Downtown Art Gallery share a building at the very end of Hope street. On Saturday, they team up for an event offering discounted intimates and limited edition art. David Solomon will be providing both music and a fashion show at 7pm. The event runs 2pm to 10pm, and takes place at 1611 S. Hope.

BID PITCH: The Downtown Center Business Improvement District has posted highlights in their Top 10 Winter Holiday Activities, including hotel, dining and bar specials for the planned, or random, holiday get together.

BACK AT THE MUSIC CENTER: "Mary Poppins" is a solid seasonal offering, and Culture Clash opens "Palestine, New Mexico" on December 3. The LA Opera has "Tamerlano" and "Barber of Seville". And of course, there is the 50th Annual LA County Holiday Celebration on Christmas Eve that is free to attend.

ACROSS THE STREET: Walt Disney Concert Hall is hosting several holiday-themed shows, including the Holiday Organ Spectacular, Preservation Hall Jazz Band: A Creole Christmas, and the 29th Annual Messiah Sing-Along.

BIRTHPLACE OF THE CITY: One of the oldest city traditions is Los Posadas, the re-creation of Mary and Joseph search for shelter. It will reenacted on Olvera Street December 16th through 24th.

NEW TRADITION: The Holiday Market marks the soft launch of the 3rd & Spring Artisan Market, offering a "creative and cost effective alternative to traditional Holiday shopping." Beginning Thursday, December 3, rotating vendors will allow shoppers a unique experience every time they visit the market, and includes a public Holiday Gift Exchange. 3rdandSpring

UNIQUE: Unique Los Angeles returns to the California Market Center this weekend, offering design and gifts from local, independent merchants. It's the 2nd annual holiday show for the event, which runs Saturday and Sunday, December 5 and 6, from 10am to 6pm. The Market Center is located at 110 E. 9th and admission tickets are $10.