It’s time to put your money where your heart is, Portland! Small business owners citywide have teamed up to create holiday magic with dazzling lights, towering trees, wonderful window displays and special deals and discounts to make the season merry and bright. Shop local and win BIG with Small Shops, Big Hearts on Small Business Saturday, shop local online during Cyber Monday or help businesses give back on Giving Tuesday. We have compiled a list of the best events by neighborhood to help you plan your shop local adventure today.
City Wide: Shop Small and Win BIG November 26-27 with Small Shops Big Hearts! Your first purchase unlocks 10% off at every other participating small business. Each purchase earns 3 raffle entries for fabulous prizes!
Alberta: Play the Alberta St Scavenger Hunt on November 26-28 and win prizes! Visit participating businesses to enter and shop for even more chances to win. The following week, get your photo with Black Santa on December 5. Check albertamainst.org as more details become available.
Beaumont: Fremont Holiday Fest returns on December 3 from 4-7pm. Activities include photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, snacks, crafts, and Grant Royal Blues caroling. Visit beaumontvillagepdx.com for more info.
Central Eastside: The Portland Night Market is a blend of food, culture, music, drinks, and retail that is an adventurous evening in the Industrial District. December 2-5.
Foster: Celebrate Winterfest with your favorite Foster shops, restaurants, bars, and services. Do your holiday shopping and enjoy yourself while supporting your local community and collecting chances to win gift cards to your favorite businesses.
Gateway: Follow @gatewaybusinesspdx on Instagram for #gatewaygivesthanks. Gateway businesses will nominate each other to share messages of thanksgiving and gratitude November 21-26.
Hawthorne: On November 28, enjoy a holiday brunch, shopping, ornament-making 2:30-4:30pm, and a tree-lighting at SE 34th and Hawthorne at 5pm.
Hillsdale: Visit the Hillsdale Foods Cart Park on November 26 at 3:30pm and enjoy a tree lighting ceremony, music, treats, and warm drinks. Many Hillsdale businesses will also be participating in Golden Ticket and/or decorating their storefronts. Follow @hillsdalepdx for more info.
Lents: Are you looking for some laughs this holiday season? Come check out comedy at The Zed (formerly Zoiglhaus brewing) every Monday starting at 8pm!
Lloyd: Skate With The Grinch and Cindy Lou Who this Saturday, November 27, 2-4pm at Lloyd Center Iceat the Lloyd Center Ice Rink. There will be fun “Grinch Themed” crafts and Holiday Music!
Multnomah Village: Golden Ticket launches on November 26. Receive a Golden Ticket when you shop at local, participating businesses. The Golden Ticket can then be redeemed at a neighboring participating business to receive a discount or a gift with purchase. The district will have holiday lights on trees and buildings on SW Capitol Highway as well.
NW Industrial: NW Marine Art Works is home to 75+ artists and craftspeople in the heart Portland’s NW Industrial area. On December 5, meet makers in their studios, buy art and gift handmade goods at the Holiday Market + Open Studios event.
Old Town: Find great holiday gifts from 20+ vendors at the Old Town Neighborhood Holiday Market happening on Saturdays starting November 27 at Tuck Lung Gallery.
Sellwood Moreland: On November 27, warm up with a hot beverage or bite to eat and start your holiday shopping while enjoying festive windows, special offers and live music to help get you in the spirit. On Monday, November 29, attend the lighting of the holiday tree at 6:30pm on the bluffs of SE 13th Ave.
St. Johns: Light Up St. Johns will have lighted trees in the downtown corridor of the district. Don your ugliest sweater for the Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl! Look for posters at participating bars/restaurants, post to Instagram #lightupstjohns and # the business you visit with a picture of the drink special for a chance to win prizes!
Williams District: The annual Williams Gives campaign kicks off on Giving Tuesday, November 30. Participating businesses will be giving back and donating either a percentage of their profits from the day or a set amount to local non-profit Self Enhancement Inc. More info at williamsdistrict.com.
This list is non-exhaustive so look for more events to be announced soon. Pledge to keep your hard-earned money ‘home for the holidays’ by shopping locally and supporting the neighborhood businesses that make Portland special this holiday season.