There's Black Friday, the mad dash for deals at big box stores that typically signifies the start of the holiday shopping season.
There's also Small Business Saturday, a more recent effort from small businesses around the country to attract customers to more local stores and shopping experiences.
Small businesses around the Greater Cincinnati area are participating in the event this year, which will take place on Nov. 27.
Looking to shop small this year? Here are some places to look for local participating businesses, sales and deals.
Black Friday:Here's when Greater Cincinnati stores and malls open on Black Friday
Decoration watch:Enquirer readers make it clear when's the best time to put up holiday decorations
Loveland
More than 15 businesses in downtown Loveland will participate in Small Business Saturday, offering discounts, specials and giveaways. The chamber of commerce will offer a "shopping pass" to visitors, with opportunities to win prizes donated by businesses.
Shoppers can get a pass at any participating business and turn in the completed version to the chamber after shopping, in a bin at 113 Karl Brown Way.
Newport
Newport on the Levee is hosting a special shopping event with live music and promotions for small businesses on Saturday.
Over-the-Rhine
The annual Crafty Supermarket brings nearly 100 local and regional crafters. The first 100 shoppers receive a free tote with swag. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Music Hall Ballroom, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. craftysupermarket.com.
There's also the outdoor Winter Market, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday-Sunday, at Washington Park, 1230 Elm St. It features regional artisans and crafters in cozily designed huts. Runs Nov. 26-Dec. 19. washingtonpark.org.
Cheviot
The WestSide Market is a small business pop-up in downtown Cheviot that showcases more than 100 local vendors, food trucks and family-friendly activities. It takes place noon-5 p.m. Saturday, Harvest Home Park, 3961 North Bend Road, Cheviot. westsidemarketcincy.com.
Covington
Head down to Covington for WinterFair all weekend, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Northern Kentucky Convention Center, 1 W. RiverCenter Blvd. You'll find unique jewelry, glass, paintings, photographs, ceramics and more. $7 admission. winterfair.org.
Forest Park
Stop by the Black Saturday Pop-Up Shop 6-10 p.m. Saturday at Park Place Lounge, 1185 Kemper Meadow Drive. The event showcases Black vendors, small businesses and artists with handmade products. There will also be food, drinks and music.
Southeast Indiana
From Nov. 26 to Dec. 22 at the Arts Council Gallery in Lawrenceburg, handmade gift items and a silent auction will be available at the Dearborn Highlands Arts Council's Arts Alive Art Fair and Gift Bazaar. The silent auction will take place on Small Business Saturday.
The city of Aurora is also planning promotions for Small Business Saturday.
It's craft show time:Check the list and get shoppin'
More options for walkable local shopping areas:
Covington: From local boutiques to magic shops to beer-related items at Braxton Brewing Co., there are all sorts of options for shopping all up and down MainStrasse.
Findlay Market: Shop for local ingredients, food and other stocking stuffers while taking time to admire the return of the iconic Shillito's elves facing out in the old Leader Furniture building.
Historic West Fourth: Plants, cute clothes and sustainable items – you'll find all those options in this small shopping area of Downtown. Heck, you can even pick up some beer from Rebel Mettle.
Lebanon: It's an antique and vintage lover's dream to stroll around the historic downtown, with stops like Broadway Antique Mall, Blume and Ambassador's Antiques and Fine Linens.
Loveland: Hop off the bike trail passing through and enjoy local coffee at Mile 42 Coffee or help those with a sweet tooth in your life by visiting Loveland Sweet Shoppe.
Mariemont: Nestled along Wooster Pike are clothing shops and boutiques, embroidery shops and toy stores with gift ideas suitable for all ages.
Northside: If you're looking for that music fanatic, check out Shake It Records, or there are plenty of options for that vintage lover.
Over-the-Rhine: Do we really need to say anything? You'll find tons of local items that should fit anyone on your list.
Yellow Springs: Yes, it's a little trek, but find some unique finds in this cute town of Ohio.
Wyoming: Check out the stores up and down the main business district and get your fill on all things meat at the Wyoming Meat Market.
More:Vintage stores to check out across Cincinnati
From 2020:Check out these Cincinnati shops for Small Business Saturday
Are we missing any Small Business Saturday promotions or sales around Greater Cincinnati? Let us know at [email protected].
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