Downtown Antioch shines bright this holiday season with shopping deals, festivities

ANTIOCH – The holiday spirit is alive and well in downtown Antioch. Local businesses and organizations are offering shopping deals and festive activities for everyone to enjoy.

From trendy bars and coffee shops to chic boutiques, restaurants and more, for every dollar spent at Antioch’s small businesses, 67 cents stay in the local community. Much of that amount goes to the business owner and their employees. People who shop at small businesses this holiday season are doing more than supporting a community’s economy, they are supporting a dream, Mayor Scott Gartner said.

“It’s a win-win when you shop local,” Gartner said in a news release. “Whether you’re grabbing coffee, picking up holiday gifts or treating yourself, you’re supporting hardworking business owners and their families. Your support truly does make a difference.”

Here are some ways to find the perfect holiday gifts and deals in Antioch this month:

• Christmas Loyalty Reward Program: The Antioch Chamber of Commerce invites you to save while you shop with the Christmas Loyalty Reward Program. Running through Dec. 24, the program rewards holiday purchases at local businesses. It’s the perfect way to support the community while finding perfect gifts for your loved ones.
• The PM&L Theatre’s production of “A Christmas Carol” runs through Dec. 22. Eat at Station 51 Truck Company Bar & Grill next door for 10% off your ticket.
• Sweeten the holidays with Candy Cane Lane on Main at the Lodge of Antioch, 893 Main St. It features holiday drink specials and a magical atmosphere for all ages from 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. The festive offshoot also offers a full food menu and special kids’ events from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

In addition to great shopping experiences, downtown Antioch is hosting free and/or affordable holiday-themed activities for people of all ages.

• Santa at the Sawmill: Bring the kids and a camera and capture heartwarming moments with Santa Claus from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, and Saturday, Dec. 21, at the historic Hiram Buttrick Sawmill, 770 Cunningham Drive.
• Stroll through Kringle’s & Dickens’ Christmas Village through Jan. 1. The village is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The holidays come alive as the showroom (located in Orchard Street Plaza) features dozens of decorated trees and elaborate winter scenes. Admission is free thanks to a title sponsorship from Raymond Chevrolet-Kia.
• Take photos in front of the Christmas tree and hang out at the fire pits at the new Sequoit Creek Park.
• Christmas Musical Light Show: Pack up the family and head to the Antioch Bandshell to enjoy a festive light show queued up to a 20-minute show that runs continuously through Dec. 25.

Several other dining locations in town are hosting special brunches and dinners to celebrate the holiday season.

For more information, visit www.enjoyantioch.com.