The holiday season transforms Historic Downtown Lebanon into a destination filled with charm, tradition, and community spirit. With more than 40 locally owned shops and restaurants, visitors can find one-of-a-kind gifts, enjoy festive dining, and experience the magic of shopping small in a setting that feels personal and joyful. From decorated windows and twinkling lights to special holiday events and extended shopping hours, downtown becomes the heart of holiday cheer. Historic Lebanon alongside Wilson County Convention and Visitors Bureau talk holiday traditions, shopping small, and the magic of community:
What makes shopping in Historic Downtown Lebanon during the holidays special, and how do you hope visitors will experience it this year?
The holidays in Historic Downtown Lebanon are truly magical. With more than 40 locally owned shops and restaurants, there’s something for everyone—unique gifts, delicious dining, and experiences that make shopping feel joyful instead of stressful. We hope visitors stroll the sidewalks, admire the decorated windows, and experience the sense of community that makes downtown so special.
Shop Small Saturday has become a national tradition—how is Historic Downtown Lebanon putting its own local spin on it?
Here in Lebanon, we’ve turned Shop Small Saturday into an entire weekend of celebration. It begins on Thanksgiving evening with our Black Friday Power Hour, continues with a full day of Black Friday shopping downtown, and then rolls into Saturday, when we love welcoming the community back for Shop Small. It’s more than shopping—it’s about reconnecting with neighbors and enjoying everything our historic square has to offer.
Can you share more about the holiday coupon book—what kinds of savings or offers can shoppers expect, and how does it encourage visiting multiple merchants?
Our new coupon book is really a passport to Historic Downtown Lebanon. It’s packed with exclusive, single-use offers—dollars or percentages off—that can be redeemed at a variety of downtown shops and restaurants. The best part is that it’s good for an entire year, so it keeps people coming back to experience downtown again and again, discovering new favorites along the way.
With extended Friday shopping hours, what atmosphere and activities can residents and visitors look forward to in Historic Downtown Lebanon?
Our new Friday Five initiative brings a fun energy to every Friday. Participating businesses create specials tied to the number five—like $5 items, 5% off, or bundles of five. Whether you come down during the day or in the evening, there’s a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Add in festive lights, holiday music, and the charm of our historic square, and Fridays downtown become the perfect way to start your weekend.
How has the partnership with Wilco Tourism supported your efforts, and why is this collaboration so important for small businesses during the holiday season?
Wilco Tourism has been such a valuable partner. They not only help encourage people to shop small during the holidays, but they also support us throughout the year—like serving as the presenting sponsor of our Rock the Block concert series. Their partnership helps us share the story of Historic Downtown Lebanon with a wider audience, which is especially important during the holiday season.
What message of gratitude or encouragement would you like to share with the community about supporting local merchants this holiday season?
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for choosing to shop small in Historic Downtown Lebanon! Every purchase strengthens our community, supports a neighbor, and helps keep our downtown vibrant.
And we’d love for you to join us this holiday season! Celebrate the start of Christmas with our Christmas Reveal on November 1, enjoy the festive fun of the Christmas Parade on December 7, and don’t miss Christmas on the Square on December 14, where we’re co-sponsoring a holiday photo booth with Historic Lebanon Main Street.
Participating Vendors
3:Sixteen Boutique
BJ Hot Chicken
Capitol Theatre
Cedar City Brewing
Dreams Boutique
Em+Kate
Harper's Books
Iddy & Oscars
Island Breeze Bistro
Jack's Guitarcheology
Jessy's Boutique
Jewell & Jane Co
Lebanon Coffee House
Lebanon Public House
Main Street Mercantile & Creamery
Polly Sparrow Bakery
Poppie's Boutique
Public Square Marketplace
Ravenflight Web & Media
RISE Strength and Performance
Roasted Coconut
Square Market
The Beaumont Med Spa
The Historic Arcade
The Loft Beauty Studio
The Refinery
The Sallis Realty Group
Town Square Social
Two Bronze Dogs
Urban Mills
Wellness Barre
Wild Colors Creative Design Studio
Wilkie's Outfitters