The holiday season arrives early around Decatur Square.
By the first weeks of November, local shops are rolling out extended hours, seasonal specials, and gift ideas, while holiday events begin popping up around downtown and nearby neighborhoods. There are ornament unveilings, Grinch appearances, Santa photos, artist markets, storytimes, shopping nights, and plenty of small surprises along the way.
For anyone hoping to shop local this year, it may be worth starting early. There is a lot to fit in.
At Squash Blossom Boutique, owner Lisa Bobb and her team are bringing back their popular Squash Boxes, customized gift boxes that can be created around almost any recipient or occasion, starting at $50. The shop will stay open until 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays throughout November and December, and Thursdays will bring Shop & Pop, with popcorn and sips while shoppers browse. Closer to Christmas, Squash Blossom will also bring back its 12 Days of Holiday Shopping, featuring a different deal each day during the final 12 days before Christmas. “Our good stuff goes quickly,” Lisa says, “but we always have some stuff for last minute.”
At Little Shop of Stories, the holiday season brings themed displays, City of Decatur ornaments, gift wrapping and plenty of help from booksellers looking to match shoppers with the right book. The store is also planning a full slate of holiday events, including a letter-writing workshop for Santa, an ornament workshop, Santa storytime, and storytimes celebrating Hanukkah and Diwali.
“At least 90% of the staff dream about the holidays all year long,” says Sunny Bowles, co-owner of Little Shop of Stories. “It’s a really fun time around here.” The shop will also offer its own November incentive during Terrific Thursdays, spend $50 and receive a $5 gift card.
As with previous Novembers, Thursday evenings will feature special events from the city, too. Each Terrific Thursday in November and December brings something different to do or experience at the square, including the annual ornament unveiling and a return visit from the Grinch. Plus, Small Business Saturday is on November 28th.
At Wild Oats & Billy Goats, gallery manager Courtney Carter says the shop leans into the Thursday shopping nights with seasonal themes, specials and events. The gallery features work from more than 100 local artists, giving shoppers plenty of gift options, and offers free gift wrapping beginning in November. The Grinch, she says, has developed a following of his own. “People come in and ask if we’re having the Grinch come in again this year,” Courtney says.
Of course Santa joins the lineup later in November. Santa Pictures With Pets is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 21, from 10 a.m. to noon in Harmony Park in Oakhurst. Then, on Nov. 28, Santa on the Square gives families another chance to combine a downtown outing with some holiday shopping.
Visit Decatur is running a November shop-local promotion that gives shoppers another reason to get started early. Customers who spend a combined $200 at participating City of Decatur retailers during the month can receive a $20 gift card to a local restaurant.
By December, even more holiday traditions are underway, including the tree lighting, menorah lighting, bonfire, and additional Santa appearances. For local businesses, the season is busy, but it’s also a reminder of the relationships that keep independent shops going. “I’m so thankful for this community for always supporting us and believing in small business,” Lisa says. “I’m grateful for all the people that walk through the door, week after week, month after month.”
Whether you plan to shop or just celebrate the season, you may want to start early. There’s plenty of shopping to do, but there are also reasons to slow down, walk around, pop into a shop you have not visited in a while, and make a little fun out of checking names off the list.
If you wait until December, you’ll miss half the fun. For complete details on the City of Decatur’s holiday events, check out visitdecaturga.com/holidays.
Plan Your Holiday Fun
Kids can head to the Decatur Visitors Center to drop off letters to the North Pole.
Nov. 5 | Ornament Unveiling
Kick off the season with Decatur's annual holiday ornament reveal at 6 p.m. at Squash Blossom Boutique.
Nov. 12 | The Grinch Comes to Decatur
The Grinch returns downtown..
Nov. 19 | Terrific Thursday
Shop late and look for pop-ups, treats, and promotions at local businesses.
Nov. 21 | Santa Pictures With Pets
Bring pets to Harmony Park in Oakhurst from 10 a.m.–noon for Santa photos.
Nov. 28 | Santa on the Square
Shop local, visit Santa, and enjoy holiday activities downtown.
All Month
Spend $200 at participating City of Decatur retailers and receive a $20 local restaurant gift card.