Saturday, November 28, 2026
Small Business Saturday
The Saturday after Thanksgiving is downtown’s biggest day to shop small. Start your list here, then stay for Santa.
In shortOn November 28, shop at downtown’s local businesses. Santa’s Workshop opens the same day and visits are free.
Why shop small downtown
Downtown’s shops, restaurants and makers are owned by people who live here. Holiday spending at a local business stays closer to home, and it keeps the storefronts on the Kalamazoo Mall lit up all year.
How to make the most of the day
- Bring your list and start on the Kalamazoo Mall, where shops are a short walk apart.
- Pay with Downtown Dollars, or buy some as gifts while you’re out.
- Stop by Santa’s Workshop at City Centre, 125 S. Kalamazoo Mall. Visits are free.
- Eat lunch at a downtown restaurant instead of a chain.
- Share what you find with #SomethingNewKalamazoo.
Need ideas?
Our gift guides cover the art lover, the cook, the kids and everyone in between. The directory lists places to start.
Santa’s Workshop
Santa settles in at City Centre on Small Business Saturday. Last season’s Saturday hours were noon to 6 p.m. Bring a camera for the photo backdrops.
Getting here
- The first 90 minutes are free in the Epic Center and Kalamazoo Mall parking ramps.
- The free Holly Jolly Trolley loops downtown from City Hall, 241 W. South St., Thursday through Sunday until Christmas Eve.
Own a business?
Get the Small Business Saturday toolkit, window decals and directory listing on the For businesses page.