It’s no secret the Mpls.St.Paul Magazine team loves to shop local. And what better way to kickstart your holiday gifting than with the post-Turkey Day shopping stretch of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday? Ahead we’ve listed out the Twin Cities brands and bricks-and-mortar doing a little something special for the weekend of deals, from pop-ups and trunk shows to sip and shops to draw your discounts. ‘Tis the season to support small and make our local cash registers ring—go forth!
We’ll be updating this list throughout the week, so keep checking back. Have something to add? Email [email protected].
Shopping Events
38th St. & 28th Ave.: Your favorite shops in Powderhorn are tempting you to shop small this holiday season. Fuel your shopping sesh with coffee from Key West Bistro and a gluten-free pastry from Atuvava, pick up zero-waste essentials from Tare Market, grab a fresh holiday wreath or a fun stocking stuffer from Studio Emme, snag a Minnesota-made gift at Homespun Gift and Decor and snag your perfect winter outfit from Curly Girl Boutique while hearing carolers sing. Saturday, Nov. 26, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., 2717 E. 38th St., Mpls., eventbrite.com
50th and France: One of Edina’s most popular shopping hubs is welcoming in the holiday season with its annual Holiday Tree Lighting. The ceremony will feature live performances from local performers, a speech by Edina’s Mayor Hovland, horse-drawn carriage rides, arts and crafts, live music, and a visit from Santa. Saturday, Nov. 26, 50th and France, Edina, 50thandfrance.com
A Handmade Holiday Market: Lakes and Legends is hosting its Handmade Holiday Market once again. Their tap room is open on Saturdays until December 17 to visit with local artists and makers while sipping some brews. Holiday shopping is more fun with a drink in hand, after all! Saturday, Nov. 26, 12 p.m.–5 p.m., 1368 Lasalle Ave., Mpls., mplscraftmarket.com
BIPOC Holiday Extravaganza: Support local BIPOC artists and owners at New Rules’ holiday extravaganza—buy treats from Roxie Bakes, shop books from diverse authors at Black Garnet and more. Sunday, Nov. 27, 3 p.m.–5 p.m., New Rules Building, 2015 Lowry Ave. N., Mpls., newrulesmn.com
Buffalo: Downtown Buffalo’s traditional retail and antique shops are open for Shop Small. You’ll be able to find repurposed, reinvented, one-of-a-kind items as well as contemporary looks in fashion and accessories, handmade jewelry, and organic bath/body and skincare items. Saturday, Nov. 26, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Depot District, Hwy 25 & Hwy 55, Buffalo, buffalochamber.org
Chaska: The City of Chaska is celebrating the brink of winter with music, snacks, and family fun. Enjoy fun activities and sales on Chaska’s local businesses. Saturday, Nov. 26, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., City Square Park, 300 N. Chestnut St., Chaska, chaskamn.gov
Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt: There’s more than just shopping at Excelsior. While you can find tons of fun artisan, craft, and food vendors, you can also visit a number of legends from Santa to Vikings stars, Chuck Foreman and Stu Voigt. For the kids, there will be a live Christmas Concerts after the Children’s Lantern Parade. Friday, Nov. 25–Sunday, Nov. 27, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., 249 Water St., Excelsior, excelsiorchristmas.com
Festival of Trees: Spend this Black Friday giving back with a day of family-fun activities, live entertainment, raffles, a silent auction, and of course, lots of beautifully decorated trees welcoming in the holiday season. All funds raised through this year’s Festival of Trees celebration will be donated to the Hiawatha Homes Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides quality support services to individuals with disabilities at home and in the community. Friday, Nov. 25–Saturday, Nov. 26, J. Powers at the Hilton, 10 E. Center St., Rochester, hiawathahomes.org
Field and Festival Holiday Market: The indoor Field and Festival Holiday Market is back. At Wagners Garden Center, you’ll find vendors from bakers selling treats, and homemade goods, crafts and gifts from makers and artisans. Saturday, Nov. 26–Sunday, Nov. 27, 10 a.m.–2p.m., Wagners Garden Center, 6024 Penn Avenue S., Mpls., fieldandfestival.com
Holiday Market at Schmidt on West 7th: More than 40 local artists will have their works on display to peruse and take home for this holiday shopping extravaganza. Don’t shop on an empty stomach—enjoy food, festivities and other holiday activities. Friday, Nov. 25–Sunday, Nov. 27, Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–3 p.m, Schmidt Artist Lofts, 900 W. 7th St., St. Paul, schmidtartists.com
Lake and Irving Holiday Market: For the third year, street vendors and shops will line the streets of Uptown. Featuring Les Sól, Legacy, Combine, and Bevel and other vendors you can grab a unique gift or a one-of-a-kind piece for that someone who has everything. Saturday, Nov. 26, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., 1610 W. Lake St., Mpls., eventbrite.com
Mpls. Craft Market at Holidazzle: Holidazzle kicks off its holiday residency in Loring Park every weekend from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Shop from dozens of Mpls Craft Market vendors from selling jewelry, homeware, apparel and other gifts. Saturday, Nov. 26–Sunday, Nov. 27, Loring Park, 1382 Willow St., Mpls., mplscraftmarket.com
Nisswa City of Lights: Welcome the holiday season with Nisswa’s annual City of Lights celebration. Thousands of twinkling holiday lights will cover the trees, fences, and buildings of downtown Nisswa as horse-drawn carriages gallop by, holiday carolers fill the streets, and reindeer trot around the snow-covered holiday celebration. Everyone is welcomed to say hi to Santa as the festival ends with fireworks for everyone to enjoy. Friday, Nov. 25, 25532 Main St., Nisswa, exploreminnesota.com
Stillwater: Stillwater’s Thanksgiving weekend highlights Plaid Friday and Small Business Saturday deals. With over 100 indie shops on its main street, you’re sure to find something for everyone on your list. See the historic lift bridge light up as you shop. Friday, Nov. 25–Saturday, Nov. 26, S. Main St., Stillwater, discoverstillwater.com
Trove.Marketplace Black Friday Pop-Up: Stillwater’s marketplace for all things unique and new is welcoming a two-day shopping event that celebrates local businesses and supports the local community. With over 40 vendors to browse from, the marketplace will include Trove’s original space and the building next door. Friday, Nov. 25–Saturday, Nov. 26, Oak Place Heights, 5633 Memorial Ave., facebook.com
Wayzata: Light up the Lake with Wayzata this holiday weekend. They kick off their Lake Street celebrations with horse-drawn wagon rides, music, a tree lighting ceremony and a parade of lights from their local fire department. For SBS, get out to your favorite restaurants or shops to browse meaningful, one-of-a-kind gifts. Friday, Nov. 25–Saturday, Nov. 26, 4:30 p.m.–7 p.m, E. Lake St., Wayzata, wayzatachamber.com
Store Deals
Ace General Store: The weather’s turning colder—and Ace is here to help. The tiny Excelsior shop will be hosting Askov Finlayson for an outdoor parka try-on for those looking to spruce up their winter gear. Plus, check out an entire store remodel and a classic holiday display (complete with a vintage Ford pickup and décor to match) perfect for pix. Saturday, Nov. 26, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. 356 Water St., Excelsior, shopacegeneralstore.com
AudreyRose Vintage: To keep dollars local this holiday season, AudreyRose is offering a $5 gift card to neighboring coffee shop Sister Sludge to the first 10 shoppers who spend $50 or more (and a $10 gift card to the first five who spend $100 or more) over the weekend. Bonus: Hot cider and treats from Black Fox Bakery. On Cyber Monday, AudreyRose will host a tiered sale on Instagram, with deals ranging from 10 percent off to 50 percent off. Saturday, Nov. 26–Monday, Nov. 28, 2237 E. 38th St., Mpls., 612-822-2009, audreyrosevintage.com
Birch’s On The Lake: This Black Friday, Birch’s is offering a special gift card deal that gives a gift to you and when you give a gift to someone else. When you spend $100 in gift cards, you get $50 off any meal. Friday, Nov. 25, 1310 Wayzata Blvd., birchsonthelake.com
Carousel and Folk: Shop storewide deals of 15 percent off Black Friday and 20 percent off Small Business Saturday in this vintage-meets-modern-meets-handmade gem in south Minneapolis. Need some new (to you) holiday décor? Check out the shop’s collection of vintage ornaments, seasonal décor, and more. Friday, Nov. 25–Saturday, Nov. 26, 3109 E. 42nd St., Mpls., carouselandfolk.com
Cry Baby Clay: We’ve got a soft spot for handmade gifts with a local connection. Katie Cameron will host a $10 make-your-own-ornament workshop on Small Biz Saturday, including the glazing and firing process—plus Cameron’s patient instructions, which are basically priceless. Walk-ins welcome, or reserve a spot on Cry Baby Clay’s website. Saturday, Nov. 26, noon–6 p.m., 4141 Minnehaha Ave., Mpls., crybabyclay.com
Face Foundrié: When you purchase $100 in gift cards at local skincare fave Face Foundrié, get a bonus $20 gift card (for you or for them!). Plus, buy three or more products and receive 20 percent off. Your winter skin will thank you. Friday, Nov. 25– Thursday, Dec. 1, multiple metro locations, facefoundrie.com
Fair Anita: Shop ethical and affordable (local!) jewelry this holiday season. From November 18 to the 28th, Fair Anita will offer buy two, get one free online—with a special warehouse sale on Black Friday, where you can check out the deals (and goods!) in person. Friday, Nov. 25, 1620 Central Ave. NE., Ste. 156, Mpls., 612-524-9570, fairanita.com
Golden Rule: It’s a full small business weekend in Excelsior. All weekend long, Golden Rule will offer sips and snacks, plus pop-ups from Nice Nice Ceramics, Everthine Permanent Jewelry, Ara Elizabeth, and Artifactery—and new art and vintage goods in store. Bonus: Everyone who shopped local over the weekend anywhere will receive a surprise discount for Cyber Monday. Saturday, Nov. 26–Monday, Nov. 28, 350 Water St., Excelsior, shopgoldenrule.com
Larissa Loden: The St. Paul jewelry-and-more shop is hosting a whole weekend of deals. On Friday, shop 30 percent off build-your-own and custom necklaces (hello, perfect and personalized gift?!). Saturday, the shop will offer in-store and online gift card deals (buy a $50 gift card, get a free $10 one; buy $100, get $25) and host illustrator Claire Ward for an onsite portrait session. Then on Cyber Monday, shop 25 percent off storewide online. Whew! Friday, Nov. 25–Monday, Nov. 28, 2032 Marshall Ave., St. Paul, 612-886-9134, larissaloden.com
Mia: See the “Botticelli and Renaissance Florence: Masterworks from the Uffizi” exhibit free of charge at Mia on Friday before 10 a.m. Once you get your fill of Italian masterpieces, shop the gift store for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts and treat yourself to free coffee and treats in the museum lobby. Friday, Nov. 25, 8 a.m.–10 a.m., 2400 3rd. Ave. S., Mpls., artsmia.org
Midtown Global Market: Not your average mall trip—but well worth stopping in. Midtown Global Market will offer hourly prize giveaways, food demos and samples, a special holiday selfie station, kids’ activities, shoppable holiday decor, and the grand reopening of Art Shoppe. Friday, Nov. 25–Saturday, Nov. 26, 902 E. Lake St., Mpls., midtownglobalmarket.org
Minnesota Orchestra: Give the gift of live music this holiday season: The Orchestra is offering 50 percent off six-month memberships (that’s down to $20 for individuals and $37.50 for couples) all weekend long. What does membership get you? Unlimited classical concert access up to three months in advance, free drinks and other perks, and 15 percent off non-classical concerts and events. Friday, Nov. 25–Monday, Nov. 28, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-371-5600, minnesotaorchestra.org
Moth Oddities: Celebrate shopping small at this Northeast vintage boutique. On Small Biz Saturday, Moth Oddities is offering 20 percent off for their Insta followers (quick, hit follow at @mothoddities). Plus, Sencha Tea Bar is popping up with holiday tea cocktail kits (and free samples) and the shop will have a cozy, photo-ready corner ready for vintage-inspired film photo mini sessions with Nicole Feest of NylonSaddle Photography. Saturday, Nov. 26, 12–6 p.m., 2201 NE 2nd St., Mpls., mothoddities.com
The Mustache Cat: On Small Biz Saturday, sip hot cocoa and snack on treats while shopping special deals at this vintage-and-homewares St. Paul shop. Bonus: All the way through Christmas, buy a $100 gift card, get $20 back for a future shopping trip. Saturday, Nov. 26, 500 Lexington Pkwy. S., St. Paul, themustachecat.com
Parc Boutique: Choose your own shopping adventure all weekend long. Shop 20 percent off Parc’s goods in-store and online (code SHOPSMALL) Friday through Sunday, and 20 percent off online only (still code SHOPSMALL) on Cyber Monday. Friday, Nov. 25–Monday, Nov. 28, 212 N. 2nd St., Mpls., parcboutique.com
Primp: The mega-deals at this locally owned collection of boutiques include 20 percent off everything full-price and a whopping 70 percent off sale items all weekend long. Plus, the details expand into Cyber Monday, with a special collection that’s all under $48.50. Friday, Nov. 25–Monday, Nov. 28, multiple metro locations, primp-boutique.com
Proper: This Lyn-Lake boutique is your one-stop shop for affordable clothing, accessories, and homewares—and the team is offering 20 percent off online Thanksgiving Day, and 20 percent off in-store and online Black Friday through Cyber Monday. Plenty of time to shop! 2743 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls., 612-345-5486, proper-shops.com
Pompa Goods: Shop the whimsical-fun jewelry line in person—it’ll pop up at Bauhaus on Black Friday and Wild Ivy in Edina on Small Biz Saturday. Friday, Nov. 25–Saturday, Nov. 26, @pompagoods
Quill and Cue: For the stationery-obsessed friend, give a Quill and Cue gift subscription and every month a surprise letter-writing kit will arrive at their door. Receive $5 off your first order with promo code MSPMAG5 through the end of 2022. 3109 W. 50th St., Mpls., 612-547-8848 quillandcue.com
Rae and Jane Boutique: Who needs just a weekend of deals? Shop 30 percent off everything at this locally based online boutique for nearly two weeks. Plus, we’ve heard rumors about Small Biz Weekend doorbusters, but you’ll have to check it out to see what they are… Wednesday, Nov. 16–Saturday, Nov. 26, raeandjanboutique.com
Requisite: The North Loop boutique is taking inspo from Black Friday’s name itself: Friday only, take 25 percent off any full-priced black item in the shop. Friday, Nov. 25, 211 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., @requisitenorthloop
Rosedale: Want a mall-filled Black Friday? There’s no crack-of-dawn doorbusters here. The mall is closed on Thanksgiving and opens at 8 a.m. on Black Friday (a couple hours earlier than usual), but check out deals from various stores and deals and special menu items at Potluck Food Hall. Bonus: The first 100 customers to spend $100 at Rosedale get a $10 voucher to spend anywhere in Potluck. Friday, Nov. 25, 1595 Hwy. 36 W., Roseville, 651-633-0872, rosedalecenter.com
Serge and Jane: Shop 20 percent off your entire purchase on Black Friday and Small Biz Saturday at this 44th and France boutique. And, while you shop, enjoy hot cocoa and coffee donated by 44th and France’s Caribou Coffee (thanks, Caribou!) and grab a few early holiday photos in front of Twirl Events’ vintage airstream. Friday, Nov. 25–Saturday, Nov. 26, 4532 France Ave., Edina, 612-315-46838, sergeandjane.com
Sociable Cider Werks: For a super-celebration for its 9th anniversary, Sociable Cider opens early on Black Friday. Enjoy live music, special releases, and a Handsome Bicycle giveaway—and for Small Biz Saturday, shop sales on merch, holiday bundles, and gift cards. Sunday brings a Drag Brunch and Santa visits. Friday, Nov. 25–Sunday, Nov. 27, 1500 NE Fillmore St., Mpls., sociablecider.com