In a city known for its cutting-edge art scene and long-standing market house, downtown Lancaster’s Small Business Saturday is poised to turn heads.
On Saturday, Nov. 29 — after Thanksgiving and Black Friday — the city’s holiday season will be in full swing, with local businesses taking part in communitywide festivities and celebrating their own achievements (from decades-long anniversaries to early successes).
Saturday specials
Lancaster businesses are taking part in an window decorating contest sponsored by the City of Lancaster and Lancaster City Alliance, with community voting starting on LancasterOnline on Black Friday, Nov. 28, and going through Dec. 15. Voters can choose their favorite in four different superlative categories (best of show, best at night, best use of store merchandise and most creative), with each voter automatically entered to win $50 to spend downtown.
“Shop Small” tote bags will be available for businesses to give out to shoppers throughout the day.
READ: Amid tariff worries, Lancaster County retailers plan for reduced spending during holiday shopping
Julia Ndjee stands by the able where she teaches cooking classes inside Gourmet Market Lancaster 101 N. Queen St., Suite 103, in Lancaster city on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025.
What’s new
Downtown Lancaster has welcomed a diverse range of new businesses to the community over the past year. Gourmet Market Lancaster, at 101 N. Queen St. Suite 103, is a specialty grocer stocking global food items like jerk rice mixes and organic, mushroom-infused coffees. For Small Business Saturday, the store will be offering 20% deals on the entire shop. Their recently launched Food Trivia Nights happen each Friday from 5:30–7 p.m. and will be ongoing through Black Friday and beyond.
Local bookstore Pocket Books recently opened its second location at 23 N. Prince St., taking the place of the former Read Rose Books. Both locations will offer Small Business Saturday deals, including a raffle ticket to win free books for every $25 spent as well as an exclusive Pocket Books branded notebook and pen for every $150 spent.
LanCATster Cat Cafe, 222 N. Duke St., recently celebrated its six-month anniversary at the end of October, and just surpassed its 30th adoption since opening. Shoppers can take a break and look for a furry companion to adopt with coffee in hand.
This is Happiness Studio, 150 N. Prince St., plans to celebrate the weekend with a Studio Holiday Party on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, featuring “two fun days of creativity, connection and handmade holiday cheer,” says owner Emily Keener. The holiday party will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days, with a chance to make your own holiday ornament, take advantage of the hot chocolate and cookie bar, shop handmade art, and enjoy free gift wrapping and special surprises.
“It’s all about slowing down, celebrating small and sharing the joy of handmade this season,” Keener says.
Nick Lombardo, of Royersford, browses through the aisles of clothing inside Angry Young and Poor, 356 W. Orange St., in Lancaster city, on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025.
More to see
Lancaster punk purveyor and record store shop Angry Young & Poor celebrates both its 30th anniversary and Record Store Day on Black Friday. They’ll offer indie exclusive vinyl releases in store, with show ticket giveaways and 10% off all in-store purchases (excluding music) on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.
Ellicott & Co., which offers men’s clothing and accessories as well as heritage lifestyle products, is offering 20% off the whole store from Nov. 25–Dec. 1.
In Lancaster Central Market, Lancaster Pet Bakery is offering $1 off of a $5 purchase for anyone that mentions this article.
Building Character (which features 80-plus vintage and handmade vendors) and its sister stores, Madcap & Co. and Lucky Mfg. Co., are looking forward to extended hours throughout the holiday season.
“We’ve been a favorite of downtown Lancaster shoppers for 18 years,” owner Marty Hulse says. “What you’ll get at Building Character and many of the mom and pops in Lancaster — besides one-of-a-kind gifts — is an experience you won’t get at those big-box stores. You’ll get a smile and a hello, and we’ll go above and beyond to make the customer’s visit a pleasant one. We love this time of year and are excited for a strong holiday season.”
Space, a midcentury modern vintage shop, also plans to be open for extended hours during the post-Thanksgiving weekend, and they’re launching their holiday merch starting on Black Friday.
Another downtown staple, DogStar Books, is entering its 20th year in business. It’s celebrating Small Business Saturday with 20% off all books and ephemera in the shop, plus a raffle for DogStar merch (stickers, T-shirts and other surprises) for anyone spending $20 or more.
“It’s our way of marking 20 years and saying thanks to the readers, collectors and curious wanderers who have supported us over the years,” says owner Brian Frailey.
The holidays
The Mayor’s Tree Lighting will take place on Friday, Nov. 28, from 5–8 p.m. The Ewell Plaza outdoor winter market launches on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 29, and extends through Dec. 21, from noon to 7 p.m. daily (and featuring live music on the weekends). Lancaster Shops Late will take place on Friday, Dec. 12, with local downtown businesses staying open a little longer so busy gift givers can check another name off their list.
