Put “Support Local” in Washington County on Your Holiday Shopping List

This holiday season, the team at the Washington County Community Development Agency would like to draw a focus to the wonderful local businesses in our communities and ask residents to support them when possible! Making a trip to shop at downtown stores and dine at nearby restaurants this holiday season will not only help those businesses, but it will also help grow the local economy. Aside from boosting the local economy and watching local business owners smile, shopping locally during the holidays has many other advantages. Find out how you can make a difference by shopping at a local business in Washington County today!

Benefits of Shopping Local

A business’s sales during the holidays can make or break their entire year. One recent report indicates that 75% of small businesses rely heavily on holiday sales to meet annual revenue goals. 

While we, as customers, support our local businesses, these businesses also support us. American Express reported in 2018 that for every dollar spent at a local business in the United States, 67 cents stay within the local economy. Local businesses also create jobs within their community. With such a positive impact on the local economy and job seekers, it’s easy to see why doing our part to keep these places in business is imperative.

Keep local businesses in mind whether you are doing some holiday shopping or dining out to celebrate the New Year. Meet the owners and employees to gain access to their local expertise and point you toward other local businesses that may interest you. This friendly and inviting atmosphere paints a picture of what local businesses are all about.

Holiday Activities in Washington County

Washington County becomes a winter wonderland this time of year with local holiday events in every city. Many of these events are in partnership with local businesses in downtown areas. Be sure to visit local stores and find out what events they might have coming up. Dine in or enjoy a drink at a restaurant and ask about any holiday drink specials, meal specials, or festivities in the works.

Cottage Grove celebrations

Cottage Grove is starting a new tradition with its first annual Enchanted Winter Dance Fundraiser on December 2. Folks can enjoy holiday cheer on the historic John P. Furber Farm dance floor and raise funds to support a local nonprofit. 

Don’t forget about Cottage Grove’s annual Hometown Holiday Celebration on November 29, complete with food trucks, a holiday tree, live reindeer and more. If shopping for those unique, special crafts is a typical holiday activity, the December 2 Santa’s Marketplace at River Oaks has more than 30 crafters and artisans displaying their handmade wares, and the December 10 5th Annual Winter Wonderland Handmade Craft Show at the Cottage Grove Armory will satisfy your search.

Holiday Helping Hands

The Oakdale community aims to deliver Christmas gifts and a box of food to more than 300 children this holiday season. You can be part of the movement by participating in its Holiday Helping Hands event by December 16.

The same date is Oakdale’s Winter Wonderland, a fun event at the Discovery Center where the whole family can enjoy horse-drawn hayrides, a petting zoo, a candy cane hunt and more. 

Hometown for the Holidays

Stillwater’s streets come alive with seasonal lights, decorations and festive events for the first three weekends in December. Learn more about the Twinkle Party, tree lighting, gingerbread house building contest and more, all amidst the unique shops and stores Stillwater is known for!

Lighting of the Green

The Bayport community kicks off its holiday season by lighting the trees on the Village Green. The event features live music from the Stillwater High School Vagabond Choir, a visit from Santa and much more. 

Light Up Lake Elmo

Downtown Lake Elmo will light up the night on December 2nd with a tree lighting, an appearance by Mr. and Mrs. Claus and more activities kicking off the holiday season. 

Scandia Evening Adventures

The unique shops of Scandia are the perfect place to visit for those last-minute gift ideas. Stop in on December 21, 5-8 pm, for snacks, special promotions and overall excellent holiday cheer. 

Shop Local for the Holidays

Beginning on Small Business Saturday (November 25) and extending through December 23, the Forest Lake Chamber of Commerce is running a holiday shop local campaign.

Santa Claus will be busy in Forest Lake this year, making many appearances, like playing with four-legged pups as “Santa Paws,” putting on holiday skits and more. Find where he’ll be with this Santa Tracker.

Young Professionals Network

Woodbury’s Young Professionals Network is hosting an end-of-year gathering on December 13, an excellent opportunity to meet other young professionals in the Twin Cities region. 

Thank You to Local Community Leaders in Washington County

The Washington County CDA would like to thank all the local businesses in our tremendous communities for the wonderful perks they have brought to our region. We appreciate all the benefits you bring and love watching the warmth you inspire in community members. It is a joy to have you with us!