YOUR WEEK, CLOSE TO HOME · NOVEMBER 16-22, 2026
Handmade finds. New traditions. A little local joy.
Hi friends,
Before Thanksgiving fills the calendar, there’s time for a little local discovery. Visit artists along the coast, find a handmade gift or step into the Dickens Fair’s opening weekend.
This week’s 12 picks also include a Colma night market, family theater and opportunities to create and connect in Palo Alto. Choose something that fits your week, then leave a little room to explore.
- Lisa
01 · MAKE A PLAN
11am-noon · Free; register
Rinconada Library, 1213 Newell Road
Learn how to spot suspicious stores, misleading reviews and charity scams before the holiday rush. Bring your questions to this practical library presentation.
Details & planning →
7pm presentation · Calendar begins at 6pm · $10 donation
Odd Fellows Hall, 526 Main Street
Culinary historian Carolyn Tillie explores the artistry behind gingerbread, marzipan and other festive traditions. A curated treat bag rounds out the evening. Reserve ahead; seating is limited.
Details & planning →
5-8pm · Free entry; food available for purchase
Colma Community Center, 1520 Hillside Boulevard
Make an evening of food vendors, DJ music and a little hands-on creativity. The free parol lantern workshop has its own registration link on the town’s event page.
Details & planning →
10am-4pm · Free admission and parking
Triton Museum of Art
Browse handmade gifts, ceramics, textiles and baked treats inside the museum. Victorian carolers perform in the morning, with food available to purchase outside.
Details & planning →
November 21-22 · 10am-5pm both days · Free
33 locations; use the organizer’s studio maps
Meet 59 local artists and explore paintings, ceramics, jewelry and other original work. Choose a few stops along the coast, or set aside the weekend for a self-guided studio tour.
Details & planning →
November 21-22 · 10am-6pm · Tickets required
Cow Palace exhibition halls
Step into a theatrical Victorian London filled with shops, performances and holiday characters. Buy tickets online before arriving; they are not sold at the door. Parking is charged separately.
Details & planning →
10am-2pm · Free
Downtown Library, 270 Forest Avenue
Add a stitch to The Rhinoceros Project with artists Michelle Wilson and Anne Beck. This collaborative work connects maps, movement and personal stories. All ages and skill levels are welcome; materials are provided.
Details & planning →
Nov. 21: 10am or noon · Nov. 22: 10am, noon or 2pm · Tickets
Palo Alto Children’s Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road
A playful introduction to theater for ages two to six, with simple sets and chances to wiggle. Performances run approximately 55 minutes. Choose your date and time when booking.
Details & planning →
Nov. 21: 2pm or 7:30pm · Nov. 22: 1pm · Tickets
Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro Street
Catch Peninsula Youth Theatre’s young performers on the yellow brick road before this run closes. Familiar songs and Dorothy’s adventures fill a production lasting about 90 minutes.
Details & planning →
5-8pm · $25 per person; reserve ahead
Lucie Stern Community Center, 1305 Middlefield Road
Come for conversation, stay for dinner, dessert and dancing. This intergenerational gathering starts with community activities and offers an easy way to meet neighbors before Thanksgiving.
Details & planning →
2-3pm · Free; register
Rinconada Library, 1213 Newell Road
Try figure drawing in quick, timed rounds with artist Sang-ah Choi. This adult workshop welcomes beginners and supplies the pencils and paper. A creative hour without the pressure of perfection.
Details & planning →
2-4pm · Free
Mitchell Park Community Center, 3700 Middlefield Road
Celebrate with henna, rangoli and crafts, plus a Noorani Dance performance from 2:30-3:30pm. Activities are available while supplies last; the henna line closes at 3:30pm.
Details & planning →02 · GOOD NEIGHBORS
Donations accepted through December 16
Palo Alto community centers, libraries and fire stations
The city’s holiday toy drive welcomes new, unwrapped toys, books and gift cards for local youth. Choose a drop-off site and check its hours before visiting.
Details & planning →03 · FRESH LOCAL FINDS
Bring home something fresh for the week, or start gathering ingredients for your holiday table. These are regular market hours; follow each operator’s updates before heading out.
8am-1pm
Broadway, 200-300 blocks
8am-1pm
Arguello Street, between Broadway and Brewster
9am-1pm
1700 West Hillsdale Boulevard
8am-noon
Gilman Street, between Forest and Hamilton
9am-1pm
El Camino Real at O’Neill Avenue
9am-1pm
Chestnut Street at Crane Street
9am-1pm
Park Road at Burlingame Avenue
9am-1pm
California Avenue
9am-1pm
Caltrain station, 600 West Evelyn Avenue
Details checked November 14, 2026. Organizer links provide current availability and updates. Event thumbnails come from organizers; the cover uses AI-created editorial scenes, not photographs of the listed events. Snowflakes are decorative.
STAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
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