Mission Valley is hosting a Small Business Saturday Holiday Showcase on Saturday, Nov. 29, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. throughout the center. The event kicks off with a festive Santa’s Arrival Celebration at 10 a.m. featuring crafts (while supplies last), face painting and special appearances by beloved characters – including holiday favorites like Elf on the Shelf and Frosty the Snowman. The Showcase features a full day of local shopping and seasonal cheer. Guests can stroll through the Festive Farmers Market filled with locally sourced foods, evergreens and holiday goods from regional makers and farmers as well as an inspirational display from furniture store Greathouse. From noon to 5 p.m., visitors can stop by the Savor the Season Tasting Stations to sample delicious bites from Mission Valley’s favorite eateries, including NOVO Brazil Brewing, Mendocino Farms, Pesto Italian Craft Kitchen, sweetgreen, Mitri’s Delights and Havana Grill. Guests seeking distinctive, handcrafted gifts can browse the Hand-Made Holiday Boutique for unique items for everyone on their list. And at the Very Merry Showcase, attendees are invited to gather around the center’s tree (in the Nordstrom Rack Court, near Santa’s cabin) for live holiday music, keeping the energy high and the holiday joy flowing all day long. While at the center, families are encouraged to donate new or gently worn coats to benefit local families through the One Warm Coat initiative; coat donations can be made at the kiosk outside Footlocker and Tilly’s. Visitors may also enjoy the other festive holiday happenings at the center, including photos with Santa for pets and people in Santa’s beautifully decorated cabin in the Nordstrom Rack Court (across from Tender Greens).
