Small Business Saturday offers a perfect reminder to support locally owned businesses throughout the community and especially in Sacramento’s urban core.
With a high concentration of locally-owned businesses filled with an amazing array of unique and treasured gift ideas, holiday shoppers are encouraged to visit Midtown, Downtown and Old Sacramento merchants during Small Business Saturday on Nov. 28. In addition to the assortment of goods that can be found at local retailers, Sacramento’s urban core offers a festive and fun holiday destination to make the shopping experience both magical and memorable.
Listed below is a sampling of suggested holiday shopping stops in Midtown, Downtown and Old Sacramento plus a few uniquely Sacramento experiences to enjoy during Small Business Saturday and/or throughout the holiday season.
Midtown Sacramento – Known as a center for culture, creativity and vibrancy, Midtown Sacramento offers an amazingly eclectic mix of locally owned shops, boutiques, galleries, restaurants, bars and more. A few “can’t miss” holiday shopping stops include the Art of Toys (one-of-a-kind toy artwork pieces and vintage toys), Ginger Elizabeth (house-made chocolates, chocolate bars, melt-in-your-mouth macarons, baskets & more) and the Sutter’s Fort Trader Store (hand-dipped beeswax, souvenir & decorative candles, holiday ornaments and a variety of unique collectibles). Plus, the energetic and friendly “Midtown Mascot” will be dressed as a holiday elf and cruising the district handing out gift cards and holiday cheer to shoppers on Small Business Saturday. For more about Midtown, please visit exploremidtownsac.org
* Fun & Festive Tip: Shoppers can start early by visiting the popular and thriving Midtown Farmers Market (on 20th between J and K Streets) that starts at 8am and is filled not only with farm-fresh and locally grown fruits, vegetables, beverages and gourmet foods, but also artisan crafted items such as hand-poured and sustainable soy wax candles, functional hand-made ceramics, and premium pet cookies, to name a few.
Downtown Sacramento – With so much energy and activity happening in the Downtown core this season, holiday shoppers are encouraged to visit the more than 400 retail businesses in Downtown Sacramento, including more than 140 restaurants along with 55 bars. A few “can’t miss” holiday shopping stops include Andy’s Candy Apothecary (hand-made chocolates, quality versions of sugar candy and sweet gift collections), Dailey Method (barre & fitness clothing, accessories and gift cards) and Denim Spot (fashionable men’s & women’s clothing, eye-catching accessories and more). For information about Downtown Sacramento, please visit godowntownsac.com
* Fun & Festive Tip: Shoppers are encouraged to take a break and enjoy the Downtown Sacramento Holiday Ice Rink that is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Small Business Saturday. Plus, that day is a special Makers’ Faire presented by River City Marketplace with hand-made items by the area’s best artists, crafters and artisans. Situated in the heart of Downtown, at the corner of 7th & K streets in St. Rose of Lima Park, the Downtown Sacramento Holiday Ice Rink is a treasured #URBANholiday destination.
Old Sacramento – Located in the 28-acre National Historic Landmark district and popular entertainment destination, Old Sacramento is home to the area’s highest concentration of locally-owned small shops filled with unique and novel gifts, delightful treats and upscale accessories. A few “can’t miss” holiday shopping stops include Ana Apple (apparel & gifts for quirky infants & toddlers to celebrate whimsy and inspire generosity), Chef’s Mercantile – A William Glen Boutique (cookware, kitchen collectibles, stemware & more) and Visions of Eden (quality clothing, jewelry, accessories, body care & more). For information about Old Sacramento, please visit oldsacramento.com
* Fun & Festive Tip: Shoppers are encouraged to stay in or return to the district to experience one of the FREE Macy’s Theatre of Lights performances that evening that start at 6:15 & 7:45 pm – it’s a magical way to celebrate the season and end a productive day of holiday shopping.
Midtown, Downtown and Old Sacramento are all walkable and bike-friendly districts accessible via public transit and with ample parking available in nearby garages or in various lots along with street parking throughout the area.
Photo courtesy of the Downtown Sacramento Partnership and Nicholas Wray
