Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird gathered with local local business leaders Tuesday to urge residents to support the community during the holidays by shopping locally.
The Mayor also signed a proclamation declaring Saturday, November 30, as Small Business Saturday in Lincoln.
“When we shop local, we directly support our community’s economic success by supporting local employers and the jobs they create for our neighbors, by keeping money circulating in our city, and by investing in the businesses that are most invested in our community’s future. So, before you go online and fill your cart, check out what’s down the block that can fill your heart,” Mayor Gaylor Baird said.
Residents are encouraged to support local businesses and participate in these upcoming holiday events:
- Visit the Starry Nights fundraiser for the People’s City Mission from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. November 27, 29, 30, through Sunday, December 1, at Gateway Mall, 6100 “O” St. Explore an enchanting forest of designer-decorated Christmas trees and bid on your favorite. Visit the Christmas Market to find locally made small trees, wreaths, candles, door hangers, ornaments, holiday activities and more.
- Small Business Saturday in Uni Place is Saturday, November 30, in the area near N. 48 Street and St. Paul Ave. Support the unique and vibrant small businesses that make Uni Place thrive by taking advantage of special discounts, promotions, and events offered throughout the day.
- Enjoy the lights and sights of the Lincoln North Pole for the entire month of December at Tower Square, 13th and “P” streets. Get the details at downtownlincoln.org.
- Experience Lincoln’s newest tradition, Window Wonderland, by exploring decorated storefronts throughout the community in December. Visit lincoln.org/window-wonderland for details and to sign up for your free mobile passport.
- The Holiday Paws & Draws hosted by the 1867 Bar begins at 6 p.m. Sunday, December 1. This fundraiser for the Phoenix Remix Animal Rescue features a photo opportunity for your pet and Santa, and adoptable dogs from Always and Furever Midwest Animal Sanctuary.
- Enter a world of snowflakes at the Snowflake Showcase, from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, December 6, at Turbine Flats Project, 2124 “Y” St. Find the perfect holiday gift from unique pop-up shops and local vendors, enjoy complimentary snacks and capture the snowflake magic at photo sites throughout the event.
- The Roca Merry Farm, 16531 S. 38th St., Roca, NE, is December 6, 7, 13, 14, and features a holiday market, Santa and Mrs. Claus, live reindeer, food trucks and more. Visit rocaberryfarm.com to purchase tickets and for more information.
- Breakfast with Santa is from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, December 7, at the Courtyard Marriott, 808 “R” St. Lazlo’s will serve a hot breakfast with coffee by The Mill. There will be selfies with Santa, Santa gift bags for children and a coloring contest with a $50 Downtown Lincoln Gift Card grand prize. Event includes a mailbox for children to send their letters to Santa, and a toy Christmas train exhibit by the Lincoln Area Railway Society. Purchase tickets at lincolnhaymarket.org.
- The Wax Buffalo’s Winter Market on “O” Street is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, December 8, under the viaduct at 727 “O” Street. The outdoor event includes more than 150 vendors offering food, drinks, and handmade gifts. Purchase tickets at waxbuffalo.com.
- The Love, the Locals Holiday Market is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, December 8, at Canoyer Garden Center, 2601 Long Pine Road. The event features more than 75 vendors, food, drink and live music. Purchase tickets at lovethelocalsnebraska.com.
- Santa’s Sleigh Market is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, December 14, at Union Bank Place, 1248 “O” St. This free makers market features handmade goods from more than 20 local vendors.
- Santa’s Landing at the Lincoln North Pole is from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, December 15, at the “Lincoln North Pole” (Tower Square, 13th and “P” streets.) Share your holiday wishes with Santa and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies.
- The Holiday Harvest Market features indoor Sunday events December 15 and 22, at Firefighter Hall, 241 Victory Lane. The free market provides access to fresh food produced by local family farmers and producers.
- The free Falling Snow Craft Fair is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, December 21 at the Sandhills Global Event Center, 4100 N. 84th St. More than 150 vendors will be featured at this indoor event.