ORLANDO, Fla. – Black Friday may be the official start to the holiday shopping season, but Small Business Saturday is the big day for mom-and-pop shops, and Central Florida business districts and stores are offering deals, markets, freebies, activities and more to lure customers in.
Small Business Saturday started in 2010 as a way to get people to think more locally when buying holiday gifts.
Recommended Videos
In 2023, customers spent an estimated $17 billion at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday, according to American Express, which sponsors the day.
The event is especially important this year. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports consumers are expected to spend $191 less at small businesses this year, down 40% from last year, and holiday sales account for a large chunk of sales for many small businesses.
Several of Central Florida’s neighborhood business districts are once again banding together to offer markets, specials, giveaways, live music and more.
On the map below you can find businesses hosting sales and markets around Central Florida.
Check out these Small Business Saturday events:
ORANGE COUNTY
Audubon Park Garden District Shop Small Sip and Stroll
2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Check-in location: 2906 Corrine Drive, Orlando
DETAILS: For $15, attendees can check out shops and vendors and sip on beverages while supporting local businesses.
Sip, Shop, Score at Curry Ford West
Noon until 5 p.m.
The Vintage Chair, 2609 Curry Ford Road
DETAILS: Shop at any of the Curry Ford West visitors, bring your receipt to a CFW pop-up station and get a chance to win prizes.
Small Business Saturday Market at Lake Nona
Noon until 4 p.m.
Lake Nona Town Center
DETAILS: Shop a market with dozens of local artisans.
Winter Garden Downtown Small Business Saturday Sidewalk Sale
All day
Along Plant Street in Winter Garden
DETAILS: Downtown shops put out their outdoor racks with sales, special offers and raffles. There will also be live music.
Small Business Saturday at Mills 50
All Day
Businesses in the Mills 50 district; See shops for details
Thornton Park District Small Business Saturday
Noon until 6 p.m.
Markets on Church Street, East Central Boulevard, Washington Street and more
DETAILS: In addition to Thornton Park’s shops, there will be a She Sells Market on Church Street and at the Thornton Park District Circle, and a makers market at The Veranda on Washington Street.
OSCEOLA COUNTY
Downtown St. Cloud Small Business Saturday
Starting at 9 a.m.
1102 New York Avenue
DETAILS: First 100 people get free breakfast.
Kissimmee Main Street Small Business Saturday
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
421 Broadway
DETAILS: Free Santa photo ops, a micro market, store specials and a Cookie Crawl for kids.
BREVARD COUNTY
Downtown Melbourne Candlelight Shopping
4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
826 E. New Haven Ave.
DETAILS: Tree lighting ceremony at Campbell Park, live music, extended store hours, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and performers from “A Christmas Carol.”
5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Myrtle Tharpe Square Gazebo
DETAILS: With $30 ticket purchase, get a wine glass and tote bag at check-in, enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres while checking out sales and Fun Spot game locations.
Note: This event is for people 21 and up
VOLUSIA COUNTY
Historic Ormond Beach Small Business Saturday
Starting at 10 a.m.
Granada Boulevard between A1A and Orchard Street
DETAILS: Live music, deals, activities, giveaways, and pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Downtown DeLand’s Historic Garden District
All Day
Downtown DeLand
Coastal Christmas Market on Canal Street
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Canal Street, New Smyrna Beach
LAKE COUNTY
Mount Dora Small Business Saturday Celebration
4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunset Park, 230 W. 4th Ave.
DETAILS: Live music and characters from “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” on the loose downtown.
Historic Downtown Clermont Small Business Saturday
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Clermont Main Street
DETAILS: Pick up a stamp card, visit at least 75% of the businesses and turn it in for a free t-shirt. Also live music, discounts, specials and more.
MARION COUNTY
Small Business Saturday in Downtown Ocala
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Ocala Downtown Square
SEMINOLE COUNTY
Small Business Saturday Goblin Market
1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Oviedo Mall
DETAILS: Over 150 goblins selling art, vintage, food, collectibles and more, with a trading tent for people who want to swap goods.
Noon to 5 p.m.
Winter Springs VFW Post 405
DETAILS: Free comics and games for kids, giveaways and a canned food drive.
Small Business Saturday in Downtown Sanford
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sanford Information Center, 230 E. 1st Street
DETAILS: Get a shopping passport, collect stamps from local businesses and return it for a chance to win a gift basket.
You can listen to every episode of Florida’s Fourth Estate in the media player below: