The heat waves of sunny San Diego are finally starting to slow down meaning that the holiday season is finally upon us! Whether you choose to start your holiday shopping early, visit a new spot in the neighborhood or attend of the most anticipated events of the season, there are many ways in which you can ring in the most wonderful time of the year right in the heart of the Little Italy neighborhood.
New business update
Have you noticed the new business in town yet? It’s time to welcome the new location of Thr3e Punk Ales to the neighborhood. The bustling brewery is thrilled to be expanding to a second location in one of the most iconic and beloved neighborhoods in San Diego. Though the tasting room has an all-new look, the core values of Thr3e Punk Ales never go away. Enjoy good beer, music, vibes all with your Thr3e Punk Ales family! So, raise your glasses high to the new neighbors in Little Italy.
Having opened their first ever store front this fall, San Diego couple and store owners Jeff and Tim are thrilled to make Little Italy the new home for Apollo Emporium. From sleek, minimalist chairs and tables to luxurious sofas upholstered in plush fabrics, there is something to suit every taste and lifestyle. Taking pride in supporting local artisans and independent designers, Apollo Emporium offers unique, one-of-a-kind creations, making it the ultimate destination for design décor and gifts.
Small business season
One crucial part about this time of year is checking off your holiday shopping list. Make each holiday purchase extra meaningful to both your loved ones and the local businesses in Little Italy by participating in Small Business Season. This year, find quality gifts that support local entrepreneurs and continue to beautify the community. With tons of local boutiques and specialty shops, shopping small in Little Italy allows you to complete your shopping within walking distance. As an added bonus? You’ll get the chance to see the friendly faces behind the gifts you purchase!
Starting on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 25, to the end of the year, locals and visitors are encouraged to check out the local clothing, jewelry, and gift shops along with the Little Italy Mercato taking place every Sunday and Wednesday for more produce and goodies.
Little Italy is filled with one-of-a-kind boutiques, galleries, and shops such as 1805 Gallery, Architectural Salvage, Blick Art Materials, Brazilia Skincare, and D3 Homes for quality items that can only be found in this neighborhood. Find those perfect gifts for everyone on your list at shops that are staple to Little Italy like India Street Antiques, Irelia Fine Jewelry, Jacqueline Lavenu Studio & Gallery, JDC Fine Art and more!
Some locally owned businesses will be offering in-store specials and discounts for shoppers to enjoy, including longer business hours to find those perfect gifts for everyone on the list on Saturday. If you’d rather skip shopping in person this year, online shopping is available from any of the Little Italy’s shops as well as gift cards for future use.
From galleries and pampering services to restaurants and boutiques, it’s a wonderful time to shop around and support many of the local businesses that call Little Italy their home. Remember to shop small and shop Little Italy!
A look ahead
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? Make sure to mark your calendars quickly because the Little Italy Association is thrilled to invite the community to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season with the Annual Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village on Saturday, Dec. 2nd from 4 to 8 p.m. There’s nothing like the feeling you get when you watch one of San Diego’s most iconic neighborhoods go through a festive transformation with 10-foot-tall nutcrackers, kinetic tree holiday displays on street corners, and twinkling Christmas light throughout the 48-square blocks. So, come down to Little Italy to take part in one of the longest-standing tradition with your loved ones through an evening filled with seasonal vendors, live music and entertainment, holiday treats, family photos with Santa, and above all, the traditional Italian countdown tree lighting ceremony for the Piazza della Famiglia 25’ live tree. Holiday shoppers can also take advantage of the Christmas Village, located on India Street, to find unique stocking stuffers and other holiday goodies from seasonal vendors and select Little Italy Mercato vendors throughout the entirety of the event!
Be a part of the holiday magic that exists in Little Italy this November celebrating new businesses, supporting the various local businesses, and ringing in the holiday season in community!
For more information, please visit us at LittleItalySD.com or follow us on Instagram @LittleItalySD, Twitter @LittleItalySD and Facebook @LittleItalySD.
