Shop Small Saturday
November 29, 2025
Launched by American Express in 2010, Shop Small Saturday was created to support small, locally owned businesses during one of the biggest shopping weekends of the year. Since then, communities across the country, San Rafael included, have embraced it as a way to celebrate our awesome Downtown Small Business Owners!
In Downtown San Rafael, Shop Small Saturday also marks the official kickoff of our month-long Annual Downtown Elf Hunt, plus a full lineup of special one-day activities hosted by our Downtown businesses (see list below), that include special holiday discounts, merchant open houses, beverages, treats, live music, holiday experiences, and more. After you've strolled our Downtown shopping and Elf Hunting, stick around into the evening for one of Downtown’s most beloved traditions, the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting, 5–7 PM · Downtown Plaza!
Did you know, studies have shown that when you have $100 to spend:
- $45 stays circulating here if you shop at a local business
- $14 stays here if you shop at a large non-local chain
- $0 stays local if you shop online
Support Local. Shop San Rafael.
And don’t forget, FREE 3-HOUR PARKING in all City lots and garages from Nov. 29–Jan. 4. Weekends are always free!
Shop Small Saturday Activities on November 29th and beyond! (more coming soon)
- 4th Annual Downtown San Rafael Elf Hunt ~ Nov 29-Jan 5 ~ more details HERE
- Downtown San Rafael Tree Lighting ~ Plaza, 5p-7p ~ more details HERE
- Shopping Gift Guide ~ Downtown San Rafael ~ We did the work, you get the credits! View gift guide HERE!
- Window Decorating Contest ~ Downtown San Rafael ~ December, vote for your favorite windows, more details HERE!
- T&B Sports ~ 1345 4th Street ~ Holiday Cheer and Open House treats, Nov 29 all day & Coupon $ 10.00 OFF $ 50.00 Purchase & $ 20.00 OFF $ 100.00 Purchase
- Tam Commons ~ 1300 4th Street ~ Holiday drinks on special!
- McRoskey Mattress Company ~ 1320 4th St ~ Celebrate small business Saturday with $300 in free gifts with any mattress purchase!
- AR Cricket Wireless ~ 729 4th St ~ Chirp local shop local with your downtown cricket wireless, stop by on Shop Small Saturday for some treats!
- Rebound Bookstore ~ 1611 4th Street ~ 10% discount on book orders of $20.00 or more! Cookies and hot apple cider!
- Ranch Water ~ 711 4th Street ~ Live music with DJ Rob Stephens!
- Metta Yoga ~ 851 4th Street ~ Special Holiday Classes (visit website for times) Anyone who states they are visiting for Shop Small is eligible for a $17 yoga drop in (50% off). All purchases in the studio retail section are 10% off.
- Dharma Trading Company ~ 1604 4th Street ~Come one, come all! Step right up to the Amazing Silk Dye Sale Spectacular! Silk dyes are 10% off (through 11/30)
- And more! (complete list will be ready by November 26th)
