Small Business Saturday (Nov. 30, 2019) is a great time to visit Delaware’s Main Street downtowns and see everything they have to offer.

Here are some of the exciting deals available and activities scheduled:

Wilmington

Small Business Saturday specials offered all day long, including:

• Buy One Adult Entrée, Get a Kids Entrée Free at Chelsea Tavern: open 10 a.m.-10 p.m. and Ernest & Scott Taproom: open noon-9 p.m.
• UDairy Creamery: $5 gift card for every $25 spent on ice cream or food in a single transaction

There are also holiday events happening throughout the day. The Wilmington Jaycees Christmas Parade starts at 11 a.m. at 5th and Market streets. And local vendors will have handmade gifts available at the Market Street Pop-Up Holiday Village in Willingtown Square (505 N. Market St.) from 11 a.m to 5 p.m. The event also includes the Hotsy Totsy Gals performing holiday favorites, a Wilmington Fire Department truck, a Wilmington Department of Police K9 demonstration, free books from the Wilmington Public Library and, of course, Santa. A holiday lights display – sponsored by – Delaware Historical Society, Downtown Visions, Wilmington Alliance, and IN Wilmington – in the square also starts on Nov. 30 and runs through February.

Street parking is free on weekends in Downtown Wilmington.

Delaware City

In addition to shopping during the day, there will be holiday fun in the evening. There will be performances in Battery Park from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The tree lighting is at 6 p.m. Santa arrives to a flotilla of lighted boats via Fireboat One-Five, and he will be available for photos on the spot. Families wanting a photo with the Santa can move to the head of the line by completing the Small Business Saturday Passport stamped by each of the participating downtown merchants.

Middletown

Numerous Middletown businesses will be offering Black Friday and Small Business Saturday specials. Here are some:

• Nicole J Boutique: In-store specials on Black Friday. Celebrate Small Business Saturday with new arrivals and giveaways.
• First & Little Boutique: On Black Friday, $10 doorbuster specials include select styles of shoes. A Personalized First & Little Starbucks cup comes with any purchase of $100 or more. And a Starbucks cup and swag bag ($75 value) with any purchase of $150 or more. (While supplies last)
• Frank Family Karate: Get six weeks of martial arts classes for $49.99 with uniform.
• Stubborn Soul Boutique: On Black Friday spin the wheel for a discount of up to 30% off total purchase. On Small Business Saturday, the first 30 people to spend $75 or more will receive a swag bag.
• Something Old, Something New: Scratch-off cards to win prizes and discounts will be available for the first 100 people through the door, canvas bags to the first 25 purchases. There will also be door prizes and raffle tickets given for every $5 spent to win merchandise.
• Half Baked Patisserie: For Small business Saturday, buy three cupcakes get one free. Gift certificate purchase 25 get five free.
• Salon De La Warr: 20% off all retail on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. Blow dry packages four blowouts for $99. 20% bonus on gift certificates
• Purple Sage: On Small Business Saturday tea tasting and tea leaf readings. 16th Anniversary Sale with 25% to 75% off selected items throughout the shop through Christmas.
• The Little Emporium: Sale items and special discounts and BOGO deals. On Small Business Saturday free gift with purchase of $25 or more.
• UNika Customs: Black Friday Sales include select jewelry 50% off with other sales on Small Business Saturday throughout the shop. There will be raffle tickets for door prizes and a free sled workshop. Swag bags will be given to the first 50 customers both days making a purchase of $50 or more.
• Middletown Computer: Get free diagnostic service on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. ($50.00 value)
• The Gibby Center: For Small Business Saturday, there will be sales on select items, including BOGOs, as well as hot chocolate and free craft projects for kids.

Dover

Shop downtown merchants for specials and discounts. Visit the Holiday Market in Loockerman Way Plaza from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for arts, crafts, gifts, food trucks and more. The first 100 people will receive a free Shop Small bag. Every purchase at a downtown shop or from a vendor at Holiday Market is an entry for the chance to win one of four $100 American Express gift cards. Free parking is available in all metered lots from Nov. 28 to Jan. 6.

Milford

Santa arrives by firetruck at 11 a.m. for opening day at the Santa House. Stop by the Downtown Milford Inc. table, and show a receipt from a local business for the chance to win a $50 gift card to a downtown business.

Specials and discounts in downtown include:

• Blooming Boutique will have VIP early bird opening and sales throughout the day
• Oliver Hanson musicians will perform outside Irish Rose from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and the store will offer a 20 percent discount
• Maggie’s Antiques will have a discount wheel
• Fur Baby Resort will have giveaways, refreshments, and specials
• BenVenuto will be open for gift card sales – receive $10 with purchase of $50
• Lifecycle will have handmade bicycle chain holiday gifts
• Gallery 37 has a 25% sale on select items
• Mispillion Art League will have extended hours
• First State Dance Academy will offer a free hip hop dance class for children age 6 and up starting at 3:30 p.m.

Rehoboth Beach (Friday and Saturday)

Stop by the Rehoboth Beach Main Street office to receive discount coupons for downtown shopping and complimentary light fare and beverages.

Wrap up a holiday shopping trip with at Penny Lane Mall. Have up to four items gift wrapped while you enjoy complimentary lite fare and beverages. Please show a downtown Rehoboth Beach shopping receipt to take advantage of this free service.

And here are more suggestions on lots of great Delaware downtowns in which to shop.

The Delaware Division of Small Business wants to help you start and grow your business in Delaware.

Contact us to see how we can help you.