Shop small on Thanksgiving weekend by embracing the “Plaid Friday” or “Small Business Saturday” movements. Saturday is also “Indies First Day” at local bookstores.
Instead of the hustle of corporate Holiday shopping, these events offer a slower pace and a kind of “old-fashioned, small town” shopping feel that just seems more conducive to family time.
Make your shopping checklists and enjoy a day out with the family at quaint retail stores and local favorites.
Minnesota Orchestra presents the FFTC Holiday Guide
Minnesota Orchestra concerts aren't just for grown-ups.
We've got performances that spark curiosity, wiggles, and wide-eyed wonder.
Enjoy a family-friendly film with the score played live-to-picture or a classical concert.
Younger children can enjoy family and sensory-friendly concerts with a parent or caregiver.
With discounted kids' tickets and free admission through Hall Pass, it's easy to bring the whole crew.
Get more details by clicking on the image above.
These events are listed as they land in our mailbox and in no particular order.
Plaid Friday on Black Friday
Instead of paying big bucks at the big box stores, Plaid Friday shoppers choose to spend their holiday money at local businesses on Plaid Friday, November 29, 2024. And seriously dress up in plaid. You might receive discounts for wearing plaid. Plus, it seems perfect for a cold, Minnesota winter day to be wearing flannel.
There are great deals and special promotions at many independent businesses and shops around town. Music, refreshments, and deals. You really can’t go wrong.
MINNEAPOLIS: Textile Center Holiday Gallery Shop
Textile Center, 3000 University Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
Lots of unique gifts for kids and families created by local makers. This is ongoing during the Holiday season and you could attend Friday or Saturday. Browse ahead on the Textile Center’s online store here. 10am-7pm.
STILLWATER: Hometown for the Holidays – Black Friday/Plaid Friday
Downtown Stillwater MN 55082
Get a jump start on one of our favorite Christmas Towns in the Twin Cities while shopping Stillwater’s independently owned boutiques, shops and restaurants. Stillwater will also host a Small Business Saturday shopping event with over 100 shops. 10am-6pm.
Black Friday Family Fun Gift Ideas
Experience gifts often go on sale in November and December. It is a good time to look over your favorite memberships and local experiences for special deals. Here are some great ideas from some of our favorite family-friendly venues:
Snapology Minneapolis
2649 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Instead of Black Friday, it’s “Brick Friday”. Snapology will be offering up to 40% off on birthday parties, camps and gift certificates, beginning Friday, November 29, 2024 through Monday, December 2, 2024.
 
Small Business Saturday
Keep the local love going on Saturday, November 30, 2024, with these Small Business Saturday events in local communities. Small Business Saturday, like Plaid Friday, is another chance to support small local businesses.
BUFFALO: Small Business Saturday
Buffalo, MN 55313
Find a list here of shops in Downtown Buffalo, Depot District, Hwy 25 & Hwy 55 ready for Holiday shopping. 10am-5pm.
CHASKA: Small Biz Saturday
Chaska, MN 55318
Visit Downtown Chaska for small businesses in Downtown Chaska will be open for shopping.
EDINA: Light Up the Night
50th & France, Edina, MN 55410
Shop the 50th & France businesses, enjoy holiday window displays, go on a horse-drawn slight ride (with a store receipt), listen to carolers, and have cookies and cocoa with Santa. 3-6pm.
HASTINGS: Holiday Hoopla & Small Business Saturday
Downtown Hastings, MN 55033
Horse and wagon rides, $5 Grinch photos, holiday lighting at 5:30pm, and much more. 9am-6pm.
Bonus Family Fun
Free stockings of goodies for kids 12 and under — while supplies last 9am-12pm.
MINNEAPOLIS: Foci Holiday Glass Market
Foci MN Center for Glass Arts, 2213 Snelling Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Watch glass blowing demos, shop local glass artists for gifts and one-of-a-kind Christmas ornaments. • 11am–6pm
STILLWATER: Hometown for the Holidays – Shop Small Business Saturday
Downtown Stillwater MN 55082
If you didn’t hit up Stillwater on Friday, there is still time to shop on Saturday with over 100 participating shops. 10am-6pm.
WAYZATA:Â Light Up The Lake – Small Business Saturday
Wayzata, MN 55391
Wayzata encourages shopping and supporting small businesses on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and the the entire holiday season! 4:30-6:30pm.
Bonus Family Fun
Stroll through Depot Park after dusk to see the decorations.
Indies First Day
Indies First is celebrated at local bookstores to bring together authors, readers, and publishers in support of independent bookstores on the Saturday after Thanksgiving — Saturday, November 30, 2024.
Red Balloon Bookstore
891 Grand Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55105
Stop by to enjoy a small treat and make your own button with RBB’s Button maker. • 10am-7pm.
BROWSE OUR LIST OF THE BEST TWIN CITIES INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORES FOR KIDS
Strike out on your own to find small businesses during this busiest shopping season. American Express offers a handy interactive map of small, locally owned businesses here.