By Reader Staff
‘Tis the season when newspaper ads, radio and TV commercials, online offers and more are screaming to get your attention. So fill the gas tank and fight the traffic; brave the weather; go to the big, crowded malls . . . or try an old-fashioned, enjoyable alternative: Shop local this year.
Downtown Sandpoint is sparkling with holiday lights and cheer, and many local retailers have extended their normal hours. Walk leisurely from store to store where you can touch things, ask the sales people how they work, get suggestions for unique gift possibilities and have it all gift wrapped while you browse. Greet friends and neighbors and top it all off with dinner at a local restaurant, then holiday entertainment at the Panida or the Hive.
Get in the spirit on Friday, Nov. 24, at 5:30 pm in Jeff Jones Town Square when local officials flip the switch and Sandpoint’s magical Christmas tree comes to life. Greet Santa as he arrives by fire truck at 6 p.m. Sip hot cocoa and share the joy of being together.
On Shop Small Saturday, Nov. 25, retailers in the Sandpoint Shopping District are offering up thousands of delightful holiday decorating and gift ideas. Discover the variety and richness downtown has to offer. Enter to win a gift basket at all the participating stores and restaurants. Each Saturday, kids can make a special art project at Creations, then visit with jolly old St. Nick from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on the Cedar St. Bridge.
Ladies, put Friday, Dec. 8, on your calendar. Get together with some friends and shop during Ladies’ Shopping Night from 5-8 p.m. in downtown Sandpoint. Refreshments, specials, product demonstrations and more will be available at participating Sandpoint Shopping District retailers.
OK, guys, you’ve put it off till the last minute, so come downtown on Friday, Dec. 22, for Mens’ Shopping Night from 5-8 p.m. You’ll get kid glove treatment with help selecting the perfect gift, gift wrapping, refreshments and more.
Take the hassle out of this holiday season by focusing on what is most meaningful: family and community. Working together, playing together and supporting each other creates our viable, enduring, beautiful town. For more information about these events or the Sandpoint Shopping District, please visit the Shopping District’s Facebook page.
Sandpoint Shopping District Participating Businesses
•Alpine Shop
•Art Works
•Azalea
•Carousel
•Cedar St. Bistro
•Eve’s Leaves
•Finan McDonald
•Great Stuff
•Larson’s
•Meadow Brook
•MickDuff’s
•Northwest Handmade
•Outdoor Experience
•Panhandle Cone and Coffee
•Petal Talk
•Santosha
•Sharon’s Hallmark
•SXS Leather
•Whiskey Jack Pottery
•Zany Zebra
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Coming up this week! Don’t miss Festivus, Skiing with Santa, Hogwire, and more! See the full list of events in the 
