Celebrate Small Business Saturday 2025: Shop San Leandro

The holidays are almost here, and that means Small Business Saturday is right around the corner! This year, it falls on Saturday, November 29, 2025 (The Saturday after Thanksgiving), and it’s the perfect way to kick off the season while supporting the small businesses that are the heart of our community and local businesses. Make plans now to get out, explore, and enjoy San Leandro’s craft markets, restaurants, and the small businesses that make our community thrive.

What is Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday is a celebration of the independent shops, family-owned restaurants, and local makers that give our community character and charm. Shopping small isn’t just about gifts; it’s about keeping our community thriving and supporting the people who make it special.

The Small Business Saturday movement began in 2010 to give small businesses a boost during the recession and to highlight local entrepreneurs during the holiday season. Since then, it has grown into a national tradition that kicks off holiday shopping and empowers people to support businesses in their own backyard. Each year, Small Business Saturday generates more than $17 billion for local economies

Festive Ways to Celebrate San Leandro’s Small Businesses

Visit local holiday markets and check out craft fairs:

1. Holiday Night Market– November 29, 2025 -Join two local small businesses: TAGS & Zocalo Coffeehouse, for a festive night of holiday shopping! Discover unique gifts & stylish holiday looks while supporting local small businesses and young entrepreneurs from our TAGS Makers and Sellers Markets. Shop small on November 29th – Small Business Saturday!
2. Mistle Toe Madness – November 29,2025, Check out this local craft fair at the Veterans Memorial Building. It’s the place to find handmade treasures, festive decorations, and gifts crafted by local artisans.
3. It’s a Wonderful Night Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting– December 5, 2025. Get out and enjoy San Leandro’s festive vendor market. It offers a festive array of booths, kids crafts, tree lighting and live entertainment. Explore local vendors, discover one-of-a-kind gifts, and soak in the holiday magic with friends and family.
4. Dine local – After a day of shopping, grab a meal at one of San Leandro’s diverse array of restaurants. Try a new cuisine, classic comfort food, or try a restaurant from one of our many international cuisines, there’s something new to try around every corner.
5. Buy, Gift and Use Keeping it local San Leandro Gift Cards-Purchase, give and use a Keeping it Local San Leandro gift card to use at any of the participating shops in the San Leandro neighborhood. All digital and always available on your phone, the Keeping it Local San Leandro gift card is great for birthdays, holidays, teacher appreciation, coach gifts, or just to show your appreciation to a friend. You can give back to the community while you celebrate the holidays.
6. To find a list of some local San Leandro businesses to support, check out the San Leandro Chamber of Commerce Active Directory.

Other Ways to Participate:

• Use local services- if you need services like tutoring, home repair, haircuts, pets, or even hanging holiday lights use, consider choosing a local vendor.
• Shop online for gifts made by local makers.
• Leave positive reviews– If you have a great experience at a local shop or restaurant, leave positive reviews. These go a long way in encouraging others to shop there.

Why Shopping Local Matters

Every purchase at a local business helps sustain jobs, foster creativity, and build a stronger local economy. When you shop with small businesses, you’re not just buying a product, you’re supporting makers, dreamers, and entrepreneurs who pour their hearts into what they do. Whether you’re exploring local markets, trying a new restaurant, or hunting for that perfect handmade gift, every purchase helps keep San Leandro vibrant and full of life. So, mark your calendar for Saturday, November 29, 2025 (The Saturday after Thanksgiving), and make it a day to shop small, support local, and celebrate all the incredible businesses that make San Leandro shine. Happy Holidays!