Harrison County communities hosts holiday ‘Shop Hops’
Support Local, Shop Small, Spread Cheer
BY RILEY WEST
Contributing Writer
The holiday season is just around the corner, and communities across Harrison County are decking the halls and rolling out the welcome mats for a series of “shop hop” events designed to celebrate local businesses and spread holiday cheer.
From Dunlap to Logan, Woodbine and Missouri Valley, local shops are inviting residents to skip the big-box stores and experience the joy of shopping small this season. Each town’s shop hop offers its own unique spin — from festive treats to handcrafted gifts — and all share one goal: keeping holiday dollars close to home.
Dunlap’s ‘Shop Hop’ set for Nov. 21
In Dunlap, the festivities kick off on Nov. 21, from 4–8 p.m. Shoppers can explore downtown’s cozy boutiques and independent vendors while enjoying a steak sandwich from a local food vendor. Stores will feature special holiday promotions, perfect for anyone hoping to check off their gift list early while supporting their neighbors.
“The Dunlap Shop Hop captures the true essence of community — friends and families strolling down Main Street, local businesses opening their doors with creativity and care, and everyone coming together to share in the joy of supporting one another,” said Jill Schaben, DCDC executive director. “It’s a time to celebrate the small-town values we hold dear: connection, kindness, and the belief that when we shop local, we’re investing in the heart of Dunlap itself.”
Logan’s ‘Shiverfest’ will be Nov. 21
Logan will be celebrating the season with its annual ‘Shiverfest’ on Nov. 21 from 5-7 p.m. Downtown Logan will be filled with holiday lights, laughter and plenty of family fun as local businesses and community groups come together to kick off the holidays.
This year’s highlights include pictures with Santa at the Fourth Avenue Mall, a community soup supper at the Logan Fire Department (free-will donation), firetruck rides, and even live reindeer outside Empower Family Chiropractic. Visitors can also take part in a holiday prize drawing, with more details to come as the event approaches.
Woodbine’s ‘Bright Lights, Little City’ set for Dec. 3
The holiday cheer continues the week after Thanksgiving in Woodbine, when “Bright Lights, Little City” will take place on Dec. 3 from 5-7 p.m.
Don’t miss the magic — head downtown and join in the fun! Visitors can stroll through Woodbine’s beautifully decorated downtown, enjoy holiday music, cheer, and discover the variety of homemade, handmade items, décor, and baked goods offered by local merchants.
Missouri Valley’s Merry Main Street held Dec. 13
Missouri Valley will celebrate the season with its “Home for the Holidays” promotion, running from the Friday after Thanksgiving through Dec. 17. For every $10 spent at participating local businesses, shoppers will receive a ticket to enter a $2,025 prize drawing, which will take place at the Eagles Club on Dec. 17 at 6 p.m.
The city will also host a tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 5, from 6 to 6:30 p.m., marking the official start of the holiday festivities downtown.
Adding even more cheer, Watson Station will host its annual Polar Express event on Dec. 6 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., complete with family-friendly activities, treats and holiday fun for all ages.
The annual ‘Merry Main Street’ will be held on Saturday, Dec. 13, with several opportunities to check out and support the local businesses.
“We want to encourage shopping locally this holiday season to promote growth in all the communities, reminding everyone how much local support matters,” said Jeannie Wortman, Executive Director at the Missouri Valley Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber of Commerce will also be sponsoring Holiday Decorating Contests for both the downtown businesses and residential areas. Interested participants can contact the chamber, or follow them on Social Media / Facebook pages to see how to register.
Shop At Home!!
These hometown ‘shop hop’ events are more than just shopping days — they’re opportunities to celebrate the people and businesses that make Harrison County unique. Every dollar spent locally stays in the community, helping support schools, jobs and future growth.
So, this holiday season, skip the long lines and crowded parking lots. Take a stroll through your local main streets, grab a cup of cocoa, and discover the magic of shopping small. Together, we can make the holidays brighter — one local purchase at a time.
