This year we’ve been told to do our holiday shopping early. From supply chain woes to shipping delays, it seems like COVID keeps bringing us obstacles. But Christmas doesn’t have to be cancelled. Shopping local is a great way to find unique, quality gifts and services for everyone on your list! 

Saranac Lake is home to a great variety of small businesses offering everything from everyday basics to one-of-a-kind finds. What’s more, shopping local supports our local businesses and helps them to succeed. It keeps our downtown vibrant, and your money within the community you love. Now, more than ever, your business matters. With lots of places offering special deals and fun holiday events, tis’ the season to shop proudly in Saranac Lake! 

The holiday shopping season kicks off right after Thanksgiving, with many businesses participating in Shop Small Saturday. Some places are even getting a jump on those specials with deals starting on Black Friday. So skip the shopping malls, big box stores, and online offerings this year, and opt for something decidedly different!

Shop small

One of the more notable events kicking off on Shop Small Saturday is the Off The Wall Holiday Bazaar at BluSeed Studios, featuring fine arts and crafts from local artists, all priced $100 or less! This event has great for holiday shopping for the art appreciator, or Adirondack enthusiast! The gallery will be open everyday from 2 p.m. - 7 p.m. starting Sunday, November 28, and running through December 23 for your continued shopping. 

Academy & Main will be offering 10% off during Shop Small Saturday, as well as other promotions throughout the holiday season. Their selection of unique, quality items offers something for everyone! Pick out a memento to remember your Adirondack visit, or find the perfect gift for the people on your list.

Support your local farmers and artisans every Saturday throughout the holiday season, at the indoor Farmers Market and winter-long outside Farmers Park-It! Many local farmers continue producing fresh, delicious food long after the outdoor market season ends: from local meats and cheeses, to hand crafted soaps and lotions, to noodles and breads. There’s a great variety of local goodies to choose from at the Saranac Lake Farmers Market!

Special offerings

The Village Mercantile will be doing product features throughout the holiday season! Check in often to see what new products they have, and what deals they are offering. The community-owned store carries everything you need from basic necessities to unique finds! Shop online, or in the store - it couldn’t be easier to support this community gem!

Hamlets to Huts kicks off their holiday shopping season with 15% off select items throughout the store. Save on items like Icebreaker merino wool shirts and base layers, or Helly Hansen outdoor wear from Black Friday to Christmas Eve!

Moody Tree Farm is your one-stop-shop for everything festive for the holidays! Whether you are looking to deck the halls, or decorate your walls there's holiday decor and gifts for all! One of my personal favorites are the the scented candles and balsam pillows, that help it smell like an Adirondack Christmas all year round.

Get in the spirit with special events

Ladies, stop in for Ladies Night at T.F. Finnigan's on December 9 to enjoy free wine and hors d'oeuvres while filling out a personalized wish list. Then, send your beau to Gentleman’s Night on December 16 to shop your list. Gentlemen, this is your chance to win Christmas this year with the perfect gift! Your special someone may have left you a personalized wish list at the December 9 Ladies Night, or you may be shopping for yourself. No matter the reason, 'tis the season, so enjoy a fun evening of shopping with beer and snacks!

'Tis the season

It’s not just retail shops that roll out the deals this holiday season. Plenty of Saranac Lake attractions, services, and restaurants are ready for your business too! ADK ArtRise’s Gallery Open House is on December 3, and will run throughout the month. The opening will feature a student exhibition from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., and they will be offering three holiday themed Make-A-Thon events, in partnership with BluSeed Studios. In keeping with the arts, Adirondack Artists Guild Gallery and NorthWind Fine Arts Gallery will both have seasonal art displays with something truly unique for your shopping list!

Saranac Lake has a rich history, and pays tribute to our unique and beautiful surroundings. So why not support these missions while you get your holiday shopping done this year? Historic Saranac Lake will be celebrating with an Open House and free museum tours on December 9, and offering a 15% discount this holiday season, as will the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation, which is the perfect place to pick up gifts for the Adirondack lover in your life!

Saranac Lake selection

Saranac Lake has a variety of businesses to choose from, whether you’re shopping for the outdoor enthusiast at Woods and Waters, picking up a gift certificate from The Scullery for the foodie on your list, or rounding up gifts for the kids at Goody Goody’s. You’ll find something for everyone on your list! All the while, Santa’s Juke Box will be playing familiar Christmas songs downtown to lift your spirits and collect money for a very charitable donation of gifts to families in need. So, add some change to the jukebox and share a song while you shop! What could be more festive this holiday season? 

Follow #ShopLocalSL and #ShopADK for more information about local specials and events, and use these ‘tags to proudly display your local support! For more information on Saranac Lake shopping, check out our complete list of decidedly different and authentically Adirondack shops, restaurants, and services.