A previous Haymarket Holiday celebration in downtown Eau Claire.

Residents can ring in the start of the holiday season in downtown Eau Claire on Saturday, Nov. 30, with the annual Haymarket Holiday celebration.

Haymarket Holiday will run 11am to 3pm at the Haymarket Plaza and the adjacent Pablo Center at the Confluence. Organizers promise “activities for all ages in the spirit of community, celebration, and holiday cheer,” including photos with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, free rides around downtown on the Chippewa River Trolley Co. trolley, plus hot cocoa, cider, and kids activities. Haymarket Holiday is presented by Downtown Eau Claire Inc.

Meanwhile, Saturday is also Small Business Saturday, a nationwide effort to promote shopping at small, brick-and-mortar retailers. As noted in a proclamation declaring Small Business Saturday in the City of Eau Claire – which was recently approved by the Eau Claire City Council – small business employ about half of Wisconsin’s workers and create approximately two-thirds of the state’s new jobs.

Small business in downtown Eau Claire (such as The Local Store – hey, that’s us!) and beyond are holding specials and sales on – as well as before and after – Small Business Saturday. Other events are encouraging folks to “shop small” that day, including vendor fairs and other retail events at Sweet Legacy Vintage Furniture & Rental, Banbury Place, and The Brewing Projekt. Check out Volume One’s Events Page for more details!