Celebrate Small Business Saturday — and the Mountain Communities

What is Small Business Saturday and why it matters

Every year, on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, we observe Small Business Saturday — a day set aside to support the backbone of our economy: local, independent businesses. It’s more than a fun shopping day. It’s a movement to:

• Shine a spotlight on the small businesses that generate jobs, strengthen local economies, and build community.
  
  

• Encourage keeping dollars local — when you spend in your neighborhood, you help your neighbors, your schools, your roads, your mountain-town lifestyle.
  
  

• Counterbalance big-box and online giants by celebrating the unique voices, hand-crafted goods, and rich stories that only exist when entrepreneurs call a place home.
  
  

• Spark goodwill, recap the year, and set momentum for the holiday season in towns where every sale matters.
  
  

In short: Small Business Saturday is an opportunity to choose community over convenience, to invest in people instead of just products, and to walk the talk of the kind of mountain-town character we treasure.

What’s happening in our mountain region

If you’re looking to make a day of it, there’s no shortage of charm and offerings across the San Bernardino & San Gabriel Mountains. Here’s a roundup of a few fun events in our local hubs — perfect for shopping, strolling, and supporting the businesses that make our region unique.

Wrightwood, California

Wrightwood’s sense of small-town character is alive and well. The Wrightwood Chamber of Commerce is already teasing community-shopping events for the season, including The 46th-Annual Mountain Holiday Celebration:

“A weekend filled with holiday magic including crafts, family activities, and seasonal treats!

We’ll kick things off with our beautiful tree lighting on Friday night. Then on Saturday, the magic continues with Wrightwood’s famous parade of lights.

Bundle up, sip some hot cider or cocoa, and enjoy a weekend of small town charm, friendly faces, and holiday spirit you won’t find anywhere else!”

Wrightwood Chamber of Commerce 

Tip: Grab a warm drink, park centrally, and browse not just the retailers but the stories behind each storefront.

Crestline, California

Heading one mountain over to Crestline? Businesses up and down the quaint Lake Dr will be opening their doors with additional festive fun to offer shoppers, many opening later than normal! Over at Higher Grounds Coffeehouse, a variety of local craft and food vendors will be offering local wares and that perfect gift for your loved one.

Tip: Check for late-shop hours or special offers ahead of the big day — local business owners often extend hours for weekend traffic.

Blue Jay, California

Just a hop away, Blue Jay is a gem. After taking some selfies with Santa from 12pm-3pm at The Village at Lake Arrowhead, head down the road on Highway 189  to the Blue Jay Business District where the weekly Craft Faire takes place in the parking lot of Grocery Outlet. After the Craft Faire, walk the length of the business district for a variety of other quaint shops bursting with Holiday Flair. 

Tip: Start early—artisan tents often pack up by early afternoon, so morning shopping gives you the pick of the bunch.

Lake Arrowhead Chamber of Commerce 

Skyforest, California

Skyforest has a standout offering: the Skyforest Winterfest. According to the Lake Arrowhead Chamber of Commerce calendar:

“Saturday November 29th, 2025 — Small Business Saturday — 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. Old world holiday market. Corner of Hwy 18 and Kuffel Canyon.”
This is a big highlight: a curated holiday-village experience, makers, bakers, festive decor, and a place where Wears The Mountain will have a presence (more on that shortly).
Tip: Dress for mountain temps, bring a tote or bag for your finds, and allow time to browse slowly—the ambiance is part of the magic.

Lake Arrowhead Chamber of Commerce 

Wears The Mountain’s Pop-Up Markets

We’re excited to share that Wears The Mountain will be out in full force this Small Business Saturday — and we’d love to see you there!

• Higher Grounds Coffeehouse in Crestline — pop-up booth, curated gear, mountain vibes, great coffee to sip while you browse a variety of local businesses and vendors.
  
  

• Skyforest Winterfest — At the junction of Hwy 18 & Kuffel Canyon (in Skyforest). We’ll be positioned right in front of Basecamp, so swing by our booth, say hello, and snag exclusive deals.
  
  

This is your chance to support our small business too — and continue the ripple effect of shopping local, giving back to this mountain-community we all love.

Here’s to supporting real people, real passions, and real community this Small Business Saturday. See you around the mountain!