Shop Small. Dine Small. Celebrate Big!
On Saturday, Nov. 29, small businesses in Downtown Scranton will roll out festive promotions and special events in honor of Small Business Saturday. Scranton Tomorrow has championed Small Business Saturday in the downtown business district since the movement was launched by American Express in 2010. This year, Mayor Paige G. Cognetti, has once again issued an official proclamation recognizing the Saturday after Thanksgiving as a day to shop small, dine small and celebrate big in the Electric City!
“We look forward to Small Business Saturday as part our of Deck the Downtown lineup every year,” said Liz Baldi, business development director at Scranton Tomorrow. “We always have great participation, but this year, we saw a significant increase in the number of businesses that signed up for Small Business Saturday. This is great news for shoppers. They can expect even more sales, more events, and more fun in the downtown.”
Plus, you can feel good about your purchases that day. According to the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA), 68 cents of every dollar spent at a local business stays within the community that business serves. When you shop local for holiday gifts, you’re giving twice – once to someone you love and again to your community. “Our small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and the heart of our community. They give so much to support the community year long,” Baldi said. “This is the perfect time to pay it forward and show them some love as we bring 2025 to a close.”
Where to Shop & Dine Small
For a list of businesses participating in Small Business Saturday in downtown Scranton, click here. Pro tip: be an early bird. As part of the festivities, select businesses will also offer Deck the Downtown Doorbusters!
There are many ways to support local this holiday season before, during, and after Small Business Saturday as part of Deck the Downtown. Highlights include the 17th annual Holiday Window Showcase (Nov. 26-Jan. 3), Black Friday (Nov. 28), Cyber Monday (Dec. 1), Downtown Shop Around (Dec. 11). You’ll find the full schedule of events on our blog. For directories of retailers, restaurants, salons and spas in the business district, check out our new Guide to Downtown.
From Scranton, With Love
Our new Holiday Gift Guide features curated items from downtown Scranton businesses at various price points in categories such as Gifts for Anyone, Gifts Under $50, Food & Drink Gifts, Handmade Gifts & more! Make your holiday extra special by choosing gifts From Scranton, With Love.
Deck the Downtown is a project of Scranton Tomorrow presented by PNC Bank with additional support from the following: NBT Bank, Hospice of the Sacred Heart, and Tom Grudis Optical & The Bare Accessories.
Winter magic continues into the new year!
Save the date! Downtown on Ice, a project of Scranton Tomorrow, will be held Jan. 16-18, 2026, with a theme dedicated to “Toys!” What a perfect way to enjoy winter fun with the whole family, and support local, too. Be sure to follow us on social media as our delightfully chilly plans unfold!
