Shop Small This Holiday Season

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Initiated by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday is a yearly rallying cry to shop small and support local businesses in the wake of Black Friday's big box blowouts.

FRIDAY, Nov. 29 - 30

Local staples are often deemed Erie favorites over time — Smith's hot dogs, Stanganelli's pepperoni balls, Romolo's sponge candy, and more.

Erie is no stranger to the world of small businesses, so in 2010 when American Express launched Small Business Saturday to bring holiday shopping back to local businesses, it is no surprise that the Erie community joined in. Spanning from local art shops to cozy coffee spots, there are lots of options in the area.

This year, check out a few of these various events happening around the community and find your favorite, while supporting local businesses and getting some holiday shopping done. — Chloe Forbes

Winter Welcome

Head over to West Erie Plaza to get deals at Achilles Running Shop, Icing on the Lake, The Cork, and more. The first annual tree-lighting ceremony will take place at 6 p.m.

Fri. Nov. 29, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. // West Erie Plaza, 800 W. Erie Plaza Dr. // westerieplaza.com

Artlore Studios

Join Artlore studios for live music and local art as they celebrate their four-year anniversary weekend.

Fri. Nov. 29 – Sun. Dec. 1, special holiday hours // Artlore Studios, 3406 W. Lake Rd. // facebook.com/Artlorestudio

Small Business Saturday in the Heart of Erie

The Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Network (SSJNN) hosts Small Business Saturday again this year in downtown Erie. Pick up a passport in any of the participating stores and get it stamped at each place you go. When you visit at least four of the stores, you will be entered to win a large prize basket with gift certificates and goods worth hundreds of dollars. Participating regions include: Parade/E. 26th St. area, Historic Little Italy, Liberty/W. 26th St. area, and The Hill District area shops.

Sat. Nov. 30, times vary // facebook.com/SSJNN

Coffee in the Park

Coffee in the Park offers seasonal treats and giveaways to customers for Small Business Saturday. There will also be local crafters to shop from at the event.

Sat. Nov. 30, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. // Coffee in the Park, 4007 Main St., Lawrence Park // coffeeinthepark16511.com

Relish Studio & Gallery

Support Erie's craftspeople and makers at Relish. Each purchase comes with a free holiday ornament and a chance to win their signature butterfly necklace made with Lake Erie beach glass.

Sat. Nov. 30, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. // Relish, 3835 W. 12th St. // relishinc.com

North East Chamber of Commerce

Starting at 10 a.m., the first 50 small business shoppers that stop into the North East Chamber of Commerce office will receive a free gift tote with a gift certificate (ranges $5 – $20) accepted at over 70 businesses in North East.

Sat. Nov. 30, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. // North East Chamber of Commerce, 44 W. Main St., North East // nechamber.org

Erie Handmade Fair

Local makers and musicians gather for Small Business Saturday. Shop local crafts and more.

Sat. Nov. 30, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. // St. John's Parish/Gymnasium, 2216 Peach St. // Free admission // facebook.com/eriehandmadefair

Shops at the Colony

Stop by any of the shops at the Colony and get your passport. Visit at least seven businesses to be entered for a chance to win one of three grand prizes.

Sat. Nov. 30, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. // Shops at the Colony, 2580 W. 8th St.

School House Yoga Studio Open House

Recharge from holiday shopping with School House Yoga Studio's holiday open house, including free gentle yoga classes. There will also be refreshments in the gallery, along with Leslie Alexander (clinical herbalist), Katie Adiutori (Thai Bodywork), and Maki Kurata Acupuncture.

Sat. Nov. 30, yoga 11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., gallery open 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. // School House Yoga, 310 E. 10th St. // schoolhouseyogastudio.com

Attic Rehab's Holiday Open House

Attic Rehab transforms into a winter wonderland with Christmas trees, lights, and seasonal refreshments. Shop local crafts for the perfect present.

Sat. Nov. 30, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. // Attic Rehab, 1501 State St. // facebook.com/AtticRehab