Choose to Support Local Businesses in Carver County this Holiday Season – and Beyond!

Carver County, MN, is a community built on relationships and that welcome is amplified during the holidays. The best part of the season may be those special moments, shopping at a local store where owners greet you by name, swap stories, and ask how your family is doing.

Even with the rise of online shopping, residents and visitors know Carver County has plenty of opportunities to enjoy shopping in-store, picking up items locally, or buying gift cards from their favorite shops.

“Check that shopping list twice and then see what you can find at our local Carver County businesses,” said Melodie Bridgeman, Director of Community Development with the Carver County Community Development Agency. “I know our many entrepreneurs and franchise owners greatly appreciate the support as they look to the holiday season and into 2025.” 

Why Shop Local in Carver County?

Supporting local businesses is much more than a ‘feel-good’ story. A study by Constant Contact indicates that the holiday season is vital to small businesses, with half of them reporting holiday sales account for at least 25 percent of their annual revenue. Those in the retail industry rely on the holiday period for at least 50 percent of their annual revenue. 

Events like Small Business Saturday (November 30) have a big impact on local small businesses, as 92% report that it helps attract attention to their business throughout the holidays. And those small businesses have created over 60 percent of new jobs over the last 25 years.

Ways to Shop Local in Carver County

Each of Carver County's eleven communities offers unique shops run by local owners and staff that offer memorable shopping experiences, especially during the holiday season. Persons of all ages will certainly find fine home décor, antiques, toys, clothing or other items in some of the shops and boutiques of Carver County.

Carver

• Saturday, December 7 • Historic Downtown Carver Tree Lighting
• Sunday, December 8  • SouthWest Metro Holiday Market with local vendors displaying their wares crafted by local artisans at Carver City Hall.

Chanhassen Holiday Boutique

• Saturday, December 7 • Commercial and handcrafted arts, crafts, toys and more at the Chanhassen Recreation Center. Top off the day with a Tree Lighting Ceremony that evening at City Center Park.

Historic Downtown Chaska

• See the lights, Santa and all the favorites of the holiday season while visiting local businesses.
• Saturday, December 7  • Hometown Holiday
• Sunday, December 8 • Chaska Tree Lighting

Christmas in Cologne

• Saturday, December 7 • Breakfast with Santa, small business shopping and a Light Up the Night Cruise.

Norwood Young America Holiday Extravaganza

• Saturday, November 30 • Willkommen Memorial Park

Destination Waconia Calendar of Events

• Friday, November 29 • Tree Lighting in the Park, Waconia City Square Park
• Saturday, November 30 • Waconia’s Homespun Holiday

Victoria

• Saturday, November 23  • SouthWest Metro Holiday Market with local vendors displaying their wares crafted by local artisans at the Victoria Pavilion.
• Thursday, December 5 is Light Up Victoria, a festive evening filled with holiday cheer in downtown Victoria.

Watertown Christmas

• Saturday, December 7 -  Santa-stravaganza at 9:00 AM and a lighting of the Christmas Tree in City Center Park at 5:00 PM!
• Shopping can be exhausting, so add some nourishment to the agenda by stopping for the best tastes and aromas at Carver County’s restaurants, breweries and wineries. 

And don’t forget about the "experience" businesses to add to sprinkle into your shopping expeditions. The Minnesota Arboretum will be bright for its annual Winter Lights at the Arboretum from November 21 through January 5, with more than one million lights showcasing a walking tour. These are just a few indoor adventures awaiting you in Carver County. 

Always the Season to Shop Locally in Carver County  

While December is a beautiful month to support local businesses, there’s never a wrong time to help entrepreneurs and franchise owners in Carver County. These are your friends and neighbors who put their entire lives into their businesses. What seems like a small purchase for you can significantly impact the business in Carver County and help them grow in 2025 and beyond. Whether buying a ring to propose under the mistletoe or simply picking up a cup of cocoa, think local this holiday season and Choose Carver County!