By SDCNN Staff

When it comes to holiday shopping, local merchants want to remind everyone that those special gifts can be found just up the street or around the corner. That’s why community business districts are encouraging Uptown shoppers to visit small businesses in their own neighborhoods as they celebrate Small Business Saturday on Nov. 26.

Residents can enjoy a festive day of shopping and dining not far from their homes as participating businesses offer bargains, special activities and holiday fun.

Adams Avenue will celebrate its second annual Spirit Stroll from 2-5 p.m. on Nov. 26. Guests will sample holiday cocktails from many of Adams Avenue’s talented bartenders selected from the local bars and restaurants. The special cocktails will be available inside several Adams Avenue retail locations so that shoppers may sip while they shop. Tickets are $24. To purchase tickets and to learn more, visit the Adams Avenue Business Association website at adamsavenuebusiness.com.

The Hillcrest Business Association (HBA) also encourages residents to visit its local businesses throughout the holiday season. Its many members will be offering promotions, specials and deals as they celebrate Small Business Saturday on Nov. 26. Visit the HBA online at hillcrestbia.org.

The Mission Hills Business Improvement District (BID) is a member of the 2016 Small Business Saturday Coalition, and its members will also participate in Small Business Saturday. More than 200 merchants will offer events, promotions and activities throughout the day. The Mission Hills BID urges everyone who lives in Mission Hills to visit local businesses and “Shop, Sip, Stroll, Repeat.” Find them online at missionhillsbid.com.

North Park’s merchants will celebrate the day by offering treats, discounts and pop-up live music as visitors explore the many diverse and unique “mom and pop” shops along its commercial district. Mayor Kevin Faulconer and Councilmember Todd Gloria are planning to speak during the event at 1 p.m.

In addition, North Park will hold a Scavenger Hunt on Nov. 19. The Scavenger Hunt is free and open to all, and includes prizes along with a chance to win $200 cash and gifts to North Park hotspots. For more information about North Park Main Street, visit northparkmainstreet.com.

American Express started Small Business Saturday seven years ago to get more customers to shop locally in an effort to boost sales for small merchants around the nation. An estimated 95 million paying customers shopped at small businesses during Small Business Saturday in 2015, an increase of 8.2 percent over the previous year’s event, according to American Express.