As Thanksgiving weekend kicks off the holiday season, chambers and downtown groups across the Illinois Valley are reminding shoppers to stay local and support small businesses while buying gifts for loved ones.

Alongside many small businesses open this Saturday, a few vendor and artist fairs will kick off the holiday season in the spirit of shopping local.

In addition to supporting local businesses, shoppers have the opportunity to win an artisan gift basket. Simply stop at the Plainfield Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce.

Find all the “Wright” holiday gifts this Friday at Kankakee’s very own Frank Lloyd Wright home as the B. Harley Bradley House gift shop opens for its Shop Wright on Black Friday event from 8 a.m. to noon. Earn a sneak peek of the decorated house with a purchase.

What will start with a great day of supporting local small businesses on Shop Small Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, will continue into December this year, as Discover Dixon’s Support Local promotion offers shoppers a chance to win prizes totaling $750.

The 15th Annual Artisan Faire will return to the Kankakee County Museum on Saturday, Nov. 1 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Downtown Dixon rolled out the black carpet Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, and invited shoppers, diners and hunters to check out all the area has to offer for Discover Dixon's Witches Night Out.

A mother-and-daughter duo opened McHenry’s The Hideous Heart last year and recently moved to a larger space at 5302 W. Elm St. in McHenry.

The Lumberyard, a recreation and shopping destination in Seneca, is hosting an upcoming farmers market that will celebrate local foods, handmade goods, music and community connection.

Internode Greenery & Home in Joliet and the Fit Foundation in Crest Hill, were part of a series of four-minute videos the Illinois Retails Merchants Association is showcasing.

American-Male, which originally opened in 1977, had been closed for a number of years.

The Zonta Club of the Joliet Area has named Terri Taylor, owner of Persona Grata in Shorewood, as its Woman of the Year.

New Lenox is holding a “Bring on Spring" shop local promotion at more than 20 locations through Sunday.

Downtown Dixon business owners had positive things to say about Shop Small Saturday and are hopeful sales continue through the holiday season.

"Shop local" in downtown Plainfield on Saturday through an artisan fair and a passport event.

Shops in McHenry, Kane, DeKalb counties and throughout northern Illinois are participating in the Vintage Shop Hop, a self-guided road trip tour.

Lockport is hosting its first ever rain barrel decorating competition as part of its summer arts series, and residents can still participate in picking winners.

Owners of businesses in Lockport, Joliet, Crest Hill, Plainfield and Shorewood shares lessons they still use today to run their own businesses.

Throughout the month of July, Yorkville shoppers are challenged to win raffle prizes by earning as many stamps as possible by visiting local businesses as part of an interactive game hosted by the Yorkville Area Chamber of Commerce.

McHenry's Riverwalk shops embrace the 'Seinfeld'-inspired holiday, prepare for next steps after first season in incubator spaces.

Entepreneurs say Small Business Saturday has captured the buying public's imagination.

Discover Dixon is sponsoring a "Witches Night Out" in the downtown. Ladies can move from store to store to check out the fun things local shops have to offer.

The 12 newest businesses that are part of the Berwyn Shops: A Homegrown Project, open their doors every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until mid-December.

Patricia Petersen was a woman who loved fashion. She was always dressed to impress and never left her house unless she was “put together”. So, when her granddaughter, Hiedi Kindelspire decided to open a boutique it just made sense to name it after Petersen.