A Guide to Shopping on Small Business Saturday in Westchester
As we move into the holiday season, many of us are trying to find the best gifts for our loved ones. The perfect gift comes from the heart, adds a special personal touch, and doesn’t break the bank. As we all scramble to find the best deals and one-of-a-kind gifts, it can be easy to overlook one of the best shopping days of the year, Small Business Saturday. American Express founded Small Business Saturday back in 2010 to help small businesses during the recession, and it has since become an annual event that highlights many businesses.
On Small Business Saturday, many local small businesses participate in this one-day event, which encourages shoppers to head to small businesses in their communities. In Westchester, we are fortunate enough to have several small local businesses that create our community. We’ve found some great opportunities to support local makers and small businesses this year and we have everything you need to know.
Psst.. here’s Where to See Santa in Westchester: Pictures, Breakfast with Santa, and More
Local Markets
Pelham Chamber of Commerce
The Pelham Chamber of Commerce is hosting a fun day of shopping at their 4th Annual Winter Wonderland Block Party event. Held on November 30th from 1:00 pm-5:00 pm, families can enjoy a fun day with activities and local shopping.
The event includes activities for all ages, such as horse and carriage rides, pony rides, carnival games, and a game truck. DJ Ruben will provide holiday music, and for the first time, a chili cook-off will be held as a fundraiser for the chamber. Families will also get to enjoy the return of the popular local holiday market featuring local vendors like Patty’s Pops, Universal Moms, The Lair, Inc., SOOP Theatre Company, Never Stop Moving 365 Southern Westchester, M Cruz Creations, Toys by Chris, Paper Pigeon Co., and Provisions Bake Shop.
The day will wrap up at Veterans Park for caroling led by the Pelham Girl Scouts, followed by more holiday tunes with The Pelham Larks at Pelham Town Hall. The day will end with the Town of Pelham’s annual tree lighting ceremony at 5:00 pm.
Saturday, November 30th, from 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Sunday, December 1st, from 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Shop Small Makers Market (Tarrytown)
The 4th annual Shop Local Makers Market at Makers Central is set to be a fun-filled weekend for families and community members. Kids can enjoy a fun scavenger hunt that the market has set up, along with some cool prizes and something special to make. On Saturday night, parents can relax during a cheerful Cocktail Hour featuring specials from Beekman Ale House and live music. On Sunday, the market will offer complimentary mimosas for the first 100 guests, along with tasty brunch snacks provided to families by the vendors. The weekend will wrap up with a Grand Finale Giveaway at 4:00 pm, where families can win $1500 worth of handmade products, including exclusive pottery and papermaking classes.
Holiday Market and Family Day
Head to the annual Holiday Market at Muscoot Farm. Scheduled for Saturday, November 30th, from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, this annual is a great way for families to celebrate the festive season and start their shopping. Families will find unique gifts, treats provided by local vendors, and handcrafted items. Families can also explore the beautiful grounds of Muscoot Farm.
Their current vendor list is full of local favorites, making this a perfect one-stop-shop for holiday shopping and supporting our local businesses. Here are just a few of the vendors joining this year’s market: Braised Pies, Collier’s Candle Co., Cooper’s Daughter Spirits, Croton Trading, Fi-Dough, Inc., Goode and Local, Hudson Valley Breads, Joyous Garden, Legally Brownies. Muscoot Farm, 51 Route 100, Katonah, New York 10536.
Lyndhurst Holiday Opening & Makers Market 2024
Celebrate Small Business Saturday by shopping locally and taking in the gorgeous views of the Lyndhurst Mansion. The Holiday Makers Market at Lyndhurst is returning for its second year on November 30th and is sure to be a favorite this year. This market showcases local artisans and their unique handcrafted pieces, featuring beautiful jewelry, food, home goods, and specialty skincare items. It’s the perfect opportunity to find special gifts for loved ones or indulge in something just for yourself, all while enjoying tasty holiday snacks.
Families can explore the mansion and take photos in the transformed luxurious holiday wonderland, complete with incredibly decorated Christmas trees that highlight the period furnishings. The event will also offer a rare glimpse into the personal items of the Gould family, the former owners of Lyndhurst, with curators presenting items usually kept in the archives. Bring out the entire family for this day of holiday shopping and plenty of photo opportunities.
Pelham Art Center Small Business Saturday Art Boutique Event
This holiday season, enjoy local shopping by adding some art and handmade gifts to your list. The Pelham Art Center is hosting a Small Business Saturday event on November 30th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Their boutique event is also coinciding with their annual Art Boutique exhibition, which showcases local art and handmade gifts.
4th Annual New Rochelle Holiday Market
The City of New Rochelle is hosting its annual holiday market at the New Rochelle Train Station from November 29 to December 22. This annual market is a family-friendly event that’s perfect for all ages. New Rochelle transforms their train station into a winter shopping wonderland.
There are individual outdoor spaces furnished with heaters, lighting, and public Wi-Fi, and selected makers and businesses will create their special holiday spaces within the market. Support local artisans and small businesses and take bring in the holiday spirit in New Rochelle.
Hastings-on-Hudson Holiday Market Pop-Up presented by A D’Zine
The Holiday Market by A D’zine showcases handcrafted treasures from local New York makers, featuring things like cozy fall fashion, irresistible scents, and stylish pet accessories. Support local artisans and discover unique gifts while celebrating the creativity of local artists. The event is set to run until December 24th at 22 Main St, Hastings-on-Hudson. The market is open from Wednesday to Friday from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Holiday Food Truck Market at Cross County Shopping Center
For the foodies of Westchester, stop by Cross County Shopping Center to enjoy some delicious bites from some of our great local food trucks and support the Holiday Food Truck Market. Find food trucks on the Green lawn in the center of Cross County for lunch and dinner daily from November 15th to January 5th. The participating food trucks include Ray’s Empanadas, Tipsy Taco, YumBro, and Brother’s Fish and Chips. Families can shop throughout the mall and enjoy their bites in one of their seasonally decorated igloo seating areas.
New Rochelle United Methodist Church
The New Rochelle United Methodist Church will be holding its first-ever Small Business Saturday Holiday Market this year. The Saturday Holiday Market is scheduled for November 30th from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Families can enjoy a café corner featuring The Sweets Playground, and they will have the opportunity to have professional headshots and holiday family photos taken by James Today’s Pixels.
Other Ways to Find and Support Small Businesses in Westchester
Amex Shop Small Map
One of the best ways to explore small businesses in your area is by visiting www.americanexpress.com. American Express has created a map that showcases all the local small businesses nearby. You can even filter the list to find those participating in Small Business Saturday. Just enter your city to see a comprehensive list of local businesses you can support this year.
Westchester Small Business Group
Another great way to discover and support local businesses throughout the year is by joining Westchester County’s Small Business Group on Facebook. This community is dedicated to promoting local entrepreneurship and connecting residents with a variety of businesses right in our own backyard.
Inside the group, you’ll find an array of businesses that regularly share updates, promotions, and insights about their products and services. This can range from dining options, artisanal shops, and wellness services to special offers from entrepreneurs.
Psst…looking for more ways to shop local? Check out our list of some Westchester Holiday Markets and Craft Fairs