Celebrate Small Business Saturday in Downtown Missoula
CELEBRATE SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY IN DOWNTOWN MISSOULA
Support Local and Make Holiday Memories starting November 29
The Downtown Missoula Partnership invites the community to celebrate Small Business Saturday on November 29, kicking off a vibrant holiday season filled with family-friendly events, festive activities, and countless opportunities to support local businesses.
Small Business Saturday is a full-scale, nation-wide promotion where communities are encouraged to support locally-owned businesses. “Our Downtown is the Heartbeat of Missoula, and one of the reasons it is so strong is because of all the small businesses,” said Linda McCarthy, Executive Director of the Downtown Missoula Partnership. “We encourage Missoulians to “Put Your Money Where Your Heart Is” and consider supporting our community by shopping small, dining locally, and utilizing locally-owned professional services during the holidays. When we support local businesses, our entire community thrives.”
To help Missoulians make the most of the day, the Downtown Missoula Partnership will host the Shop & Dine Local Headquarters at the Paddleheads Post (140 N. Higgins) from 10am–2pm. Visitors can pick up swag, learn about special Small Business Saturday promotions, and receive free hot cocoa coupons to Bernice’s Bakery—a warm and delicious way to start a day of supporting local businesses.
As the community enjoys local shopping and dining during the holidays, one easy way to further that support is by purchasing the Downtown Missoula Gift Card, which is accepted at over 200 locations, including shops, restaurants, galleries, and entertainment venues. Whether as a stocking stuffer or a thoughtful gift for friends, family, or colleagues, the Downtown Gift Card keeps dollars circulating locally and helps Missoula’s small businesses thrive. Downtown Gift Cards can be purchased at the Downtown Missoula Partnership (218 E. Main), the Paddleheads Post (140 N. Higgins), or online at missouladowntown.com/downtown-gift-card/.
Small Business Saturday also marks the start of the Downtown Holiday Window Decorating Contest, running November 29–December 18. Community members are invited to stroll through Downtown, enjoy the creative and festive window displays, and vote for their favorites. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the season’s spirit while exploring local storefronts. The voting link will be available starting November 29 at missouladowntown.com/holiday-window-contest/.
Following Small Business Saturday, the community holiday celebrations continue with Holidays on Higgins on Saturday, December 6, featuring a full day of family-friendly activities throughout Downtown. Highlights include Santa’s grand entrance at the Missoula Public Library from 11am–3pm, stationary floats and the Missoula Makers Collective Market from 4–7pm, and the lighting of the Downtown holiday tree at 6pm. More information and a full schedule is available at missouladowntown.com/holidays-on-higgins/.
Rounding out the season is the beloved Teddy Bear Tea Parties, taking place December 13–14 at the Residence Inn by Marriott—another cherished tradition for families looking to make lasting holiday memories. Tickets can be purchased at missouladowntown.com/teddy-bear-teas/. And finally, free horse-drawn carriage rides will be provided by Out West Wagon Rides again this year December 6-7, 13-14, and 20-21 from 12-3pm near the corner of E. Pine and Pattee.
For more information on Small Business Saturday and other holiday happenings in Downtown Missoula, visit www.missouladowntown.com, email [email protected], or call the Downtown Missoula Partnership office at 406-543-4238.