Shop Local in Red Wing This Holiday Season – and Beyond!

The Red Wing, Minnesota, holiday season features unique opportunities for families to develop new traditions, indulge in seasonal merriment, and make the season a bit brighter with unique gifts carefully selected from local merchants. Despite the rise of online shopping, countless residents in Red Wing and neighboring Wisconsin still enjoy shopping in the historic downtown, picking up items locally at small businesses and retail stores, or buying gift cards from their favorite shops and restaurants.

“Many local stores launch fun promotions over the holidays, including on Small Business Saturday and through December,” said Shari Chorney, Manager of the Red Wing Port Authority. “Buying from local entrepreneurs and franchise owners helps support businesses through the season and into 2025.”

Three Ways to Shop Local in Red Wing

According to a 2023 report by Constant Contact, half of small businesses say holiday sales account for at least 25 percent of their annual revenue, making the season critical for local stores. In downtown Red Wing, major Christmas events combine the fun of family outings and memory-making with explorations of downtown merchants and the joy of finding the perfect presents for friends and family. 

Red Wing Holiday Stroll brings drones to Black Friday

Traditionally, Black Friday serves as the formal kick-off of the Christmas shopping season, and this year, the Red Wing Holiday Stroll is literally taking things up a notch with an evening drone show capping off a day of festive fun. On November 29, the “Baking Spirits Bright” themed event starts at 1:30 p.m. with a holiday film at the Sheldon Theatre. After the movie, Santa will appear, and entertainment options will be spread across downtown and beyond with horse-drawn wagon rides, food vendors, music, vintage snowmobiles, family activities, and more leading up to the Lighted Parade at 7:30 p.m., followed by the drone show. Throughout the day, small businesses sell food and hot beverages, host activities, and welcome shoppers with a wide range of Christmas gifts and merchandise. For a full calendar of Holiday Stroll events, visit RedwingStroll.com and view activities.

Small Business Saturday highlights local merchants

The day following the Holiday Stroll, Red Wing retailers are participating in Small Business Saturday, an annual event started by American Express in 2010 and co-sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration since 2011. The shopping holiday generated an estimated $17 billion in consumer spending in November 2023, according to American Express. The same 2023 study found 59% of consumers aware of the day “shopped or ate at a small, independently-owned retailer or restaurant.” In honor of Small Business Saturday, any shopper who shows off their Holiday Stroll button at a local store can enter to win a $300 prize package. Learn more here.

Shop local for the holidays any day and in any season

The holiday shopping season is punctuated by major events and special outings. While December is a wonderful month to shop with local businesses, there’s never a wrong time to support entrepreneurs and franchise owners in Red Wing. These stores are owned and operated by friends and neighbors who put their lives into their businesses and the community. What seems like a small purchase can have a big impact and help local companies grow in 2025 and beyond.

Whether buying a ring to propose under the mistletoe or savoring a cup of cocoa, think local this winter. Your shopping choices can help Red Wing thrive.

Click here to learn more about what makes Red Wing special for the holidays and year-round!