Mayor Gaylor Baird Urges Community to Shop Local

Published on November 26, 2025

City highlights holiday shopping opportunities and events

Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and local business leaders today urged residents to support the community during the holidays by shopping locally. Speaking at Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S. 13th St., the mayor also issued a proclamation declaring Saturday, November 29, as Small Business Saturday in Lincoln and highlighted how shopping locally benefits the city's economic vitality and quality of life.

Mayor Gaylor Baird noted that for every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $68 stays in the community and an additional $48 of local business activity is generated.

“Our small businesses create jobs for our neighbors, sponsor our children’s sports teams, host neighborhood events that bring people together, and keep dollars circulating locally,” Mayor Gaylor Baird said. “Every time we shop locally, we give back to the businesses that fuel our city’s economic vitality and contribute to our quality of life.”

Joining the mayor at the event were Leslie Huerta, Owner and Manager, Francie & Finch; Todd Ogden, President and CEO, Downtown Lincoln Association; Jason Ball, President and CEO, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce; Lincoln Zehr, President and CEO, Lincoln Independent Business Association; Rich Otto, Executive Director, Nebraska Retail Federation; Matel Rokke, Owner, Tsuru; and Jeanette Steider, Manager and Floral Designer, a bloom.

Huerta said that not only is her small business thriving, Francie & Finch, like other local vendors, has created a valued community for both visitors and community members.

“Local businesses create third spaces that we rely on to meet, gather, share and celebrate,” Huerta said. “Thank you for recognizing the value of small operations like ours – we say, ‘shop small, shop local and shop often.’”

Residents are encouraged to support local businesses and participate in these upcoming holiday events:

• Visit the Starry Nights Christmas Tree Festival fundraiser for the People’s City Mission from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. November 26, 28-30, Gateway Mall, 6100 “O” St. Explore an enchanting forest of designer-decorated Christmas trees and bid on your favorite. Visit the Christmas Market to find locally made small trees, wreaths, candles, door hangers, ornaments, holiday activities and more.
• Small Business Saturday in Uni Place is Saturday, November 29, in the area near N. 48 Street and St. Paul Ave. Support the unique and vibrant small businesses that make Uni Place thrive by taking advantage of special discounts, promotions, and events offered throughout the day.
• Enjoy the lights and sights of the Lincoln North Pole in December at Tower Square, 13th and “P” streets. Get the details at downtownlincoln.org.
• The Wax Buffalo’s Winter Market on “O” Street is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, December 7, under the viaduct at 727 “O” Street. The outdoor event includes more than 150 vendors offering food, drinks, and handmade gifts. Purchase tickets at waxbuffalo.com.
• Festive dining returns to The Holiday Hub, hosted by the Hub Café Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays December 4 through 27. Enjoy seasonal small plates, pizza, beer, cocktails and more in the pop-up bar at the Jayne Snyder Trails Center, 250 N. 21st St. See the menus and make reservations at tableagent.com/lincoln-nebraska/the-holiday-hub.
• The Winter Makers Market hosted by the 1867 Bar, 101 N. 14th St., begins at 6 p.m. Friday, December 5. Local artists will offer handmade candles, art, clothing and more.
• The Roca Merry Farm, 16531 S. 38th St., Roca, NE, is December 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, and features a holiday market, Santa, live reindeer, carnival rides, food and more. Visit rocaberryfarm.com to purchase tickets and for more information.
• The Love, the Locals Sip + Shop market preview is from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, December 5 and the Holiday Market is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, December 6, at Canoyer Garden Center, 2601 Long Pine Road. The events feature more than 75 vendors, food, drink and live music. Purchase tickets at lovethelocalsnebraska.com.
• Breakfast with Santa is from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, December 6, at the Courtyard Marriott, 808 “R” St. Lazlo's will serve a hot breakfast with coffee by The Mill. There will be selfies with Santa, Santa gift bags for children, a coloring contest with a $50 Downtown Lincoln Gift Card grand prize, and a mailbox for children to send their letters to Santa. Purchase tickets at lincolnhaymarket.org.
• The Jingle & Mingle Holiday Market is from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, December 6, at Nebraska Innovation Studio, 2021 Transformation Dr., Suite 1500. This event features unique, handcrafted gifts, art, and more created by Nebraska Innovation Studio members. Free parking is available in the lot north of Transformation Drive.
• The Midwest Merry Market is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, December 7 at the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel, 333 S. 13th St. Enjoy a Santa photo station, and a curated selection of makers, artisans, and small businesses offering unique gifts and handmade treasures.
• The Holiday Harvest Market features indoor Sunday events from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. December 7 and 21, at Firefighter Hall, 241 Victory Lane. This market provides access to fresh food produced by local family farmers and producers.
• White Elm Brewing, 720 Van Dorn St., will host a Holiday Art Market from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, December 13, featuring one-of-a-kind handmade gifts from local artists.
• Santa's Landing at the Lincoln North Pole is from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, December 14, at the “Lincoln North Pole” (1300 “P” St.). Share your holiday wishes with Santa and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies.
• The Winter Moon Market featuring local makers and businesses will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, December 14, at the Milkweed Event Space, 6220 Havelock Ave.
• The free Falling Snow Craft Fair is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, December 20 at the Sandhills Global Event Center, 4100 N. 84th St. More than 150 vendors will be featured at this indoor event.