Santa’s been spotted roaming the streets of Squamish, which can only mean one thing: the holiday season has officially clocked in. The Adventure Centre is now giving full festive-forest energy, and local businesses are rolling out their best lights, scents, flavours, and friendly faces.
From family-run shops and home-based makers to restaurants, cafés, creative studios, trades, and professional services, our local businesses are the ones making December spirits bright. So, borrowing a little inspiration from The 12 Days of Christmas, here are 12 merry, meaningful, and very Squamish ways to shop local and show some our Chamber businesses some love this holiday season…
Shop Local for Holiday Gifts First
Before clicking “add to cart” online, plan your day and explore our fantastic shopping and retail districts. Start in Britannia Beach, take a wander through Downtown Squamish, pop into the Industrial Park, head down the highway to Garibaldi Shopping Village, and make your way to Brackendale (and beyond). You’ll find one-of-a-kind gifts, handmade goods, outdoor gear, art, health & skincare gifts, books, apparel, and more—all curated with love by passionate owners.
Purchase Gift Cards
Gift cards are a win-win: they provide immediate support to small businesses and they give the recipient something to look forward to (yourself included!) There are plenty of businesses across Squamish that offer gift cards from bookstores, cafés, Pilates studios, salons, restaurants, pet services, or businesses that offer unforgettable experiences! Bonus: Gift cards are easy to wrap and guaranteed crowd-pleasers!
Dine In or Order Out from Local Restaurants
Holiday hosting can get hectic. Treat yourself (and your visiting relatives!) to meals from Squamish eateries. From cozy cafés to craft breweries and nourishing meal services, our local food scene is diverse and delicious. Ordering take-out on busy nights or choosing Squamish restaurants for holiday gatherings is a simple way to support the hospitality businesses that work tirelessly during the season.
Choose Local Experiences as Gifts
Instead of adding more “things” under the tree, consider gifting experiences. Squamish is full of unique offerings: climbing classes, art workshops, pilates passes, guided adventures, music lessons, float sessions, photography sessions, and more. For many, purchasing from these businesses during the quieter winter months provides valuable off-season support when it matters most. For the person receiving the gift, an experience becomes a story: a shared afternoon, a new skill, a moment of wonder. Long after the wrapping paper is gone, those moments linger, transforming a thoughtful gift into a core memory rooted right here in Squamish.
Hire Local for Professional Services
Whether you need catering, photography, décor design, counselling services, landscaping, event planning, or home repairs, look to Squamish-based providers first. Local service providers bring deep knowledge of the community, personalized care, and a genuine stake in your success because their reputation is built right here. Hiring local strengthens relationships, supports year-round employment, and helps skilled professionals continue doing meaningful work in our community.
Leave Positive Business Reviews
Leaving a Google, or Facebook review is completely free—and incredibly impactful. If you’ve attended any of our Business Essentials workshops with L8P Digital Marketing you’ll remember learning about how VITAL positive reviews are, especially for small business. They help them discovered, build trust, and improve their online presence. If you’ve had a great experience, take a moment to share it. In fact, we challenge you to review three Squamish businesses by the end of this year!
Share Local Businesses on Social Media
As well as reviews, a simple post, story, or mention goes a long way. Snap a photo of a great meal, tag an event you attended, show your audience where you bought a gift, recommend a local service you love or whip up a quick reel and share it to your stories. Shout-outs help small businesses reach new customers through word of mouth which is still the most powerful form of marketing.
Shop Early to Ease the Rush
Support Local Makers & Home-Based Businesses
Squamish is full of talented artisans, makers, crafters, designers, and creators. Many sell through, local markets and through local retailers. Supporting these small ventures helps them grow, establish a household name here in the community, but also, empowers creators to expand their brand to national and international audiences.
Consider Bundling Your Gifts
While you’re out there purchasing from local makers, put together gift bundles or baskets! It may require a bit more time and thought, but these mini collections of curated gifts always feel more intentional and personal, not to mention, they go a long way to support multiple businesses at once! So, get creative, take a tour de Squamish, and don’t forget to pick up a gift card (or two) along the way.
Sign Up For Newsletters
Signing up for a local business’s e-newsletter is a small action that makes a big impact. For businesses, it’s one of the most reliable ways to share updates, promotions, events, and new offerings without getting lost in social media algorithms. For you, it often means early access to sales, exclusive discounts, and being the first to know about special releases or seasonal offers. It’s a direct line of connection helpful, intentional, and a great way to stay in the loop while supporting the businesses you love.
Show Patience, Kindness & Holiday Cheer
The holiday rush is intense. Many small businesses are operating with limited staff, supply delays, or increased demand. A little kindness patience and expressing gratitude goes a LONG way. Behind every business is a person (and their dedicated staff) working hard to make the season special for all of us.
A Season to Support Each Other
When we choose to shop, dine, gift, and celebrate locally, we’re doing more than completing a holiday to-do list, we’re investing in the people and places that make Squamish feel like home. Our collective impact ensures that local businesses continue to grow, innovate, and enrich our community all year long.
This holiday season, let’s show up for the shops, restaurants, makers, and services that show up for us every single day!
Happy Holidays from the Squamish Chamber of Commerce!