North County guide to Small Business Saturday
Local North County business organizations are going all out to get residents to shop and support local businesses
NORTH COUNTY — The holiday season is upon as we sit down for Thanksgiving tomorrow and then head into the craziness that is Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.
The holidays swing a big stick in the retail world as the next several weeks billions of dollars will be poured into sales for gifts, cards, decorations, candy and more. And as we roll into the shopping season, Small Business Saturday is a critical component to a healthy local economy and small and independent business ecosystem.
As such, North County Pipeline has partnered with several local MainStreet and downtown business associations to promote Small Business Saturday in North County. As reported on Sunday, for every $100 spent, $68 remains in North County. For every 100 direct jobs for small businesses, 42 indirect jobs are created and retained. So, shop local!
And while the economics are important, another aspect of Small Business Saturday is the fun and creative ideas from these local associations to attract customers. From gift cards to passports, consumers have many options for Small Business Saturday and through most of December.
One important note regarding Escondido. Grand Avenue is under construction as part of the Grand Avenue Vision Project, but small businesses remain open. Although parking is a challenge, the Downtown Escondido Business Association is urging residents and visitors to come and support those retailers and restaurants through the holiday season and beyond.
Below is a guide to all the Small Business Saturday and holiday season promotions, events and how to support local businesses.
Carlsbad
Imagine downtown Carlsbad without any of its small, local businesses. Coffee shops, hair and nail salons, corner stores, spas, boutique clothing stores, consignment shops, restaurants, craft stores, bars, gift shops, pet stores, and more — all gone. What would be left? What would the streets look like?
Small Business Saturday is serious business for the Carlsbad Village Association. Supporting downtown Carlsbad’s brick-and-mortar businesses is what we do every day. But on this day, we celebrate! Please join us at the corner of Grand Avenue and State Street in Carlsbad Village on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for live music, shopping and dining discounts, and dozens of chances to win big. And we mean big!
The Carlsbad Village Association will be giving away 100 tote bags (first come, first served) and $1,500 worth of restaurant gift cards, as well as $500 in retail gift cards donated by downtown businesses. That’s $2,000 in “No Purchase Necessary” giveaways, just for spending the day with us in downtown Carlsbad.
You could walk away with a $100 gift card to Nick’s on State, the winner of the “Best Of” Taste of Carlsbad Village, or free ice cream at Handel’s Ice Cream, or enough to treat the entire family to pizza at Pizza Port. There will be so much winning!
We are also adding a scavenger hunt this year. Those who complete it will have an opportunity to enter the Grand Prize drawing that includes a three-hour Moke Golf Cart rental.
For more information and other holiday-inspired events in Carlsbad Village, such as the Dec. 7 Holiday Makers Market offering 50 booths of handcrafted goods on the St. Michael’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church campus, 2775 Carlsbad Blvd., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more, visit www.carlsbad-village.com.
Del Mar
Experience the magic of the holidays in Del Mar Village, where festive lights, cherished traditions, and coastal charm come together. Stroll the beautifully decorated downtown from Nov. 18 to Jan. 1, featuring the iconic holiday tree at Jim Watkins Amphitheater, lit to bring joy to all. Free holiday parking makes your visits easy on select dates, ensuring a stress-free holiday experience.
Kick off your seasonal shopping for Small Business Saturday, where exclusive discounts and gifts await from local merchants. Then, indulge in the Del Mar Village Winter Taste and Sip on Dec. 8 from 1-4 p.m., sampling culinary delights and seasonal sips from award-winning restaurants while enjoying live music and festive activities.
As part of the North Pole by the Sea celebration that day, snap unforgettable Santa photos with a stunning ocean backdrop at Del Mar Plaza, or join family-friendly fun with holiday characters, carolers, and hot cocoa for kids. The event culminates in the annual holiday tree lighting at 5 p.m. at L’Auberge Del Mar.
For a unique holiday dining experience, head to Viewpoint Brewing Co. on December 4, where 10% of the day’s sales will benefit the Del Mar Village Association, supporting local businesses. Don’t miss out on special entrees and a refreshed menu.
Whether you’re browsing charming shops, tasting seasonal flavors, or making memories with Santa by the sea, Del Mar’s holiday happenings are sure to light up your season. Discover more and plan your visit at visitdelmarvillage.com.
Encinitas
The Encinitas 101 MainStreet Association is hosting a variety of promotions and activities on Saturday. One of the best ways to support local businesses is by purchasing gift cards, which helps keep the money local.
Many participating businesses are also offering discounts on their gift cards such as $20 off a purchase or a reduced price for buying several cards. Another incentive is a free limited edition print from a local artist. Shoppers can collect three unique prints from the Encinitas, Leucadia and Cardiff associations and those participating businesses.
There will also be live music in seven locations from 1-4 p.m.
The Encinitas Chamber of Commerce will be distributing limited edition commemorative 60th Anniversary "Encinitas" posters. These unique posters will be given to customers who make a purchase at participating member businesses.
For the second part of the campaign, Surfy the Snowman, the popular mascot of past Shop Local campaigns, will be joined this year by his visiting cousin Shredder the skateboarding snowman — the coolest snowman on the block — on their Holiday Adventures. Surfy and Shredder will spread holiday magic and jingle all the way by exploring shops, cafes, and attractions in Encinitas, all while encouraging the community to shop locally and support small businesses.
Running from Dec. 1-24, the Surfy and Shredder’s Holiday Adventures campaign will feature bi-weekly social media posts highlighting local businesses and attractions. Follow the fun @EncinitasChamber and @VisitEncinitasca on social media where you can find posts with clues about their adventures. Each post will offer followers a chance to win a $25 gift card to participating businesses by finding Shredder at various locations and scanning the QR code on his skateboard.
Also, the Cardiff 101 Main Street Association invites residents and visitors to “Shop Local in Cardiff” and support the vibrant, independent businesses that make our community special. The festivities kick off on Nov. 30, with the launch of Cardiff 101’s exciting Holiday Passport to Savings program and an opportunity to receive a limited-edition poster by local graphic design artist Natasha Zataray.
Cardiff 101 is partnering with 20 local businesses to offer a Holiday Passport to Savings, a special holiday promotion encouraging shopping locally with exclusive deals from a variety of Cardiff’s best shops, restaurants, and services. Shoppers can pick up their Holiday Passport to Savings at the Cardiff 101 booth at the Cardiff Farmers Market, the Kringle Mingle event on Dec. 8, the Cardiff-by-the-Sea Library, or California Coast Credit Union’s Encinitas branch.
On Dec. 8, Cardiff 101 Main Street and BEAM Orthodontics invite you to Kringle Mingle, a festive, free holiday gathering for the entire community. Enjoy the Makers Market along Aberdeen Dr., where you’ll find unique, locally made holiday gifts. Get in the holiday spirit with a free photo op with Santa, courtesy of Camera Camper’s sleigh. Indulge in delicious treats, hot cocoa, and coffee provided by Starbucks.
Little Buds Nature Club will host nature crafts and a sing-along, with additional arts and crafts, letters to Santa, and face painting by Elisabeth Yves Photography. Delight in live musical performances throughout the day from the Encinitas School of Music. Don’t forget to bring a toy for the Toys for Tots collection, supporting the Marines of Camp Pendleton
Escondido
Join the Escondido Downtown Business Association for its ‘Tis the season to Shop Small as Escondido has come together for its 9th annual Small Business Saturday to promote its historic downtown district. The Escondido Downtown Business Association, city of Escondido and Visit Escondido are working together to provide a full day of shopping with discounts, special offers and prizes.
Holiday shoppers are encouraged to take part in a Holiday Bingo Game. Bingo cards with a list and map of more than 26 contributing businesses can be picked up in Heritage Garden Park at the corner of E. Grand and Juniper between 11:00 a.m.-4 p.m. Shoppers can enjoy holiday carolers, festive decorations, art activities, a photo booth, and more.
New this year, organizers are putting in a roller rink. It will launch on Saturday.
“Rolling skating is very nostalgic for Escondido residents, as many remember the very popular Ups and Downs (skate rink),” said Carol Rogers, board member for the Escondido Downtown Business Association. “The Roller Rink is just another reason to shop and visit downtown Escondido.”
The rink will be open on weekends through the end of the year, and likely extend to each day, during the holidays. Participating business hours range from 6:30 a.m. to midnight. Early birds can grab breakfast and pick up a Bingo card and map at Sunny Side Kitchen, 155 S Orange St.
Throughout the day, shop, eat, and explore downtown Escondido to discover pop-up artists, special treats, sales, and discounts, while collecting stamps to fill the Bingo cards. Completed Bingo cards will be entered in a drawing for an opportunity to win prize packages donated by participating local businesses.
Participating businesses include Hawthorne Country Store, Ginger Road Beauty and Wellness, Daydream Here, The Grand Tea Room, The Photographers Eye Gallery, and the Escondido Art Association, to name a few.
When you Shop Small, you're not just supporting neighborhood favorites — you’re investing in a community. Shopping at a family-owned framing spot or buying a handmade ornament from your favorite local artist/small business helps to promote more vibrant communities.
For more information on Small Business Saturday and participating Escondido businesses, please reach out to the Escondido Downtown Business Association at (760) 715-4958.
Oceanside
MainStreet Oceanside is thrilled to announce the return of ‘Tis the Season to Shop Local, an award-winning lineup of festive programs and events for this year’s holiday season. From Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30 through Dec. 14, residents and visitors are invited to experience Oceanside’s one-of-a-kind community of businesses with opportunities to shop and support locally owned stores, eateries, and artisans.
“Every purchase made during the holiday season has a ripple effect, supporting our local economy and helping small businesses thrive,” said Angie Leonard, chief financial officer of MainStreet Oceanside. “We’re excited to invite everyone from Oceanside and beyond to come downtown and celebrate the season while supporting our community’s talented makers and businesses.”
‘Tis the Season to Shop Local will feature a variety of festive events including the Oceanside Holiday Challenge, Holiday Gift Markets, and the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. These events offer families the chance to enjoy the season’s festivities while supporting local entrepreneurs.
Shoppers are encouraged to take the Oceanside Holiday Challenge to shop, eat and play local this holiday season. Use a digital passport to check in at downtown businesses from Small Business Saturday through Dec. 14 for a chance to win exciting local prizes. Every check-in counts as an entry.
Also, enjoy a festive display of holiday windows at shops and businesses throughout downtown Oceanside. A panel of local judges will evaluate the displays and select the first-, second-, and third-place winners.
Join the community as Oceanside welcomes the holiday season with the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:10 pm at Regal Cinema Plaza during the Sunset Market.
MainStreet Oceanside is also hosting holiday gift markets at the Oceanside Sunset Market. The markets run from 5-9 p.m. on Dec. 5, 12, 19 and 26.
San Marcos
Small businesses are the heartbeat of our local economy. They drive innovation, create jobs, and foster a sense of community that makes San Marcos truly unique.
These businesses stimulate economic growth by keeping money circulating locally—every dollar spent at a small business supports other local suppliers, services, and jobs. Beyond offering diverse and personalized products, services, and experiences, small businesses embody the character and values of our community.
They also enrich the social fabric of San Marcos by supporting schools, nonprofits, and community events. Their success is our city’s success, and by choosing to shop small, we invest in a stronger, more vibrant future for everyone.
San Marcos is home to many thriving small businesses, including Sip Art Space, Milonga Empanadas, and D’liteful Chocolat, each contributing something special.
Sip Art Space is a creative hub where art enthusiasts can explore their passion. This boutique venue hosts workshops, art exhibits, and opportunities for local artists to showcase their talents, fostering creativity and community connections.
Milonga Empanadas brings the authentic flavors of Argentina to San Marcos. This family-owned business specializes in handmade empanadas, using fresh, authentic ingredients to craft delicious pastries. From classic beef to vegetarian options, every bite delivers comfort and tradition.
D’liteful Chocolat satisfies sweet cravings with handcrafted confections made from the finest ingredients. Known for their gourmet truffles, chocolate bars, and customizable treats, this chocolatier creates edible art for every occasion.
“While Small Business Saturday shines a spotlight on local businesses, the Chamber supports small businesses every day,” says Rick Rungaitis, CEO of the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce. “They are the backbone of our economy, and their success strengthens our entire community.”
This Small Business Saturday, join us in supporting these and other local gems. Let’s keep San Marcos thriving by shopping small and showing love to our local businesses. Visit SanMarcosChamber.com to learn more about Small Business Saturday and the businesses that make our city special.
Vista
Come join Downtown Vista as it hosts and celebrates its annual WinterFest season with music, dancing, musicals, parades with events happening throughout December.
“Vista has always loved the holiday season starting with the Christmas parade that celebrates its 66th year,” said Bill Hornung, marketing manager for Downtown Vista. “The fun has continued to grow every year as businesses and nonprofit groups build on that history with a diverse set of events you won’t find anywhere else.”
Downtown Vista’s marquee events include a Small Business Saturday Artists Market that has curated vendors offering one-of-a-kind gifts and décor on Nov. 30 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Main Street Gazebo parking lot.
The “Dottie and Digger’s Christmas Musical” at the Vista Broadway Theater runs from Dec. 6-22.
Also, the city’s popular 66th annual Vista Christmas Parade weaves through downtown on Dec. 7 with an appearance from Santa Claus. The parade is from 1-3 p.m. and “Christmas at the Movies” is this year’s theme.
On the stage, Vista Unified schools will stage 14 different Christmas music performances on Dec. 8 from 2-6 p.m. at the Cinepolis movie theater courtyard. Later on Dec. 8, the City’s official tree-lighting ceremony is at 6 p.m. near Cinepolis.
Also, the 2nd annual Blues Christmas pop-up musical festival features four renowned blues, rock and soul bands performing Dec. 12 from 5-9 p.m. along the Paseo Santa Fe Arts and Entertainment District. The popular Dark Xmas Market returns with music, contests and a cosplay costume parade based on the mythical Krampus tale on Dec. 14 from 5-8:30 p.m.
Finally, the first Cowboy Christmas is from 5-9 p.m. on Dec. 20 with music and line-dancing event takes over the Main Street Gazebo parking lot from 5-9 p.m. The event is complete with BBQ grub and a cowboy hat “bling bar.”
Follow North County Pipeline on Facebook, Instagram, X and Reddit. Send story ideas and tips to ncpipeline760@gmail.com.