Make a Day of It: A Holiday Shopping Day in Downtown Watertown, SD

2 hours ago

5 min read

The holiday season is officially here, and if you're looking for a way to spend a Saturday that's a little more festive than scrolling through online shopping deals, Element Private Event Space has got an idea for you! Grab your favorite shopping buddy, put on your comfiest shoes, and head to Downtown Watertown for a full day of coffee, thrifting, boutique shopping, delicious food, and a little entertainment to wrap things up.

One of our favorite things about downtown Watertown is how much you can experience in one area. Whether you're shopping for everyone on your Christmas list, hunting for something unique, or simply looking for an excuse to get out of the house, there's plenty to explore.

We've put together a holiday Saturday itinerary featuring some of our favorite local stops. Pick your favorites, mix and match, and make a day of it!

9:00 AM | First Things First: Coffee!

Breakout Coffeehouse
Gather Coffee

Every good shopping day starts with a good cup of coffee, right? Before you start checking names off your Christmas list, grab a latte, catch up with a friend, and ease into the morning at Gather or Breakout. Whether you're the type who orders the same drink every time or someone who can't resist trying a seasonal special, a coffee stop is the perfect way to kick off your downtown adventure!

10:00 AM | A Little Thrift Shopping

Watertown Mercantile
GSI Thrift

There's something extra fun about thrift shopping during the holidays. You never quite know what you're going to find, and that's half the fun! Make your first shopping stops at Watertown Mercantile or GSI Thrift to see what treasures are waiting to be discovered.

From unique home decor and vintage finds to unexpected gifts and pieces you didn't know you needed, secondhand shopping is a great way to find something with a little personality. Plus, giving pre-loved items a second life? That's a holiday shopping win in our book.

11:30 AM | Time for Some Boutique Shopping

AMJ Style
Jade + Co

Now that you've warmed up your shopping skills, it's time to explore some of downtown's boutiques! Stop into AMJ Style or Jade + Co to browse clothing, accessories, and stylish finds for the fashion lovers on your list.

Maybe you're shopping for a Christmas gift, searching for the perfect holiday party outfit, or just treating yourself to something new. We fully support all three! One of the best parts of shopping at local boutiques is finding pieces that feel a little more personal than something pulled off a department store shelf.

12:30 PM | Refuel with Lunch

Downtown Sushi
Dempsey's Brewery Pub & Restaurant

All that shopping works up an appetite! Take a break, put down the shopping bags, and enjoy lunch at Dempsey's or Downtown Sushi.

Craving pizza, a burger, or some pub favorites? Dempsey's is a great option for a casual lunch. In the mood for sushi instead? Downtown Sushi offers another delicious way to refuel before heading back out. And remember, this is supposed to be a fun day out, not a race to finish your Christmas shopping. Take your time and enjoy the company!

2:00 PM | Gifts for the Homebodies, Bookworms & Pet Lovers

Curated
DDR Books
Happy Tails K-9 Training

You've checked off the fashion lovers, but what about everyone else? This is where Downtown Watertown really shines. There's something for just about every interest!

For the person who loves making their house feel like a home, head to Curated for home decor, thoughtful gifts, and unique finds. Shopping for someone who always has their nose in a book? DDR Books is worth a stop. There's nothing quite like gifting someone their next favorite read. And we can't forget our four-legged family members! Stop by Happy Tails K-9 Training & Supplies to find something for the pets on your list.

Whether you're shopping for others or picking up a few things for yourself, these stops are a reminder that some of the best gifts come from small, locally owned businesses.

4:00 PM | You've Earned a Happy Hour!

Watertown Brewing Co.
The 19th Hole

Shopping bags full? Christmas list getting shorter? Sounds like a reason to celebrate! Wrap up your afternoon with a stop at Watertown Brewing Co. or The 19th Hole.

Order your favorite drink, grab an appetizer if you're feeling snacky, and take a moment to relax after a busy afternoon of supporting local businesses. It's also the perfect time to compare your shopping finds, decide who gets what, and maybe admit how many gifts you accidentally bought for yourself. We won't judge!

Evening | End the Day with a Show at The Goss Opera House

The Goss
The Goss

Why end the fun when the stores close? If there's a comedy show, live music, movie, or special event happening at The Goss Opera House, make it the final stop of your downtown adventure! There's something about ending a day of holiday shopping with live entertainment that makes the whole experience feel a little more special.

Check The Goss's upcoming event schedule before planning your Saturday so you can grab tickets ahead of time and make an entire day (and night!) out of your trip downtown.

And That's Just the Beginning!

Of course, these are just a handful of the amazing businesses you'll find in Downtown Watertown.

Need something sweet? Watertown Confectionery has plenty of delicious treats for the chocolate lovers on your list. Looking for something a little more personalized? Bulldog Branding and Shirts in the Works have you covered with custom gifts. Shopping for something that sparkles? Makepeace Jewelers can help you find that perfect piece for someone special.

And that's still just scratching the surface! From unique gifts and local boutiques to delicious food, entertainment, and everything in between, there's so much to discover right here in Downtown Watertown.

This Holiday Season, Make Memories While You Shop Downtown

It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Turn it into an experience. Invite your friends, spend the day exploring, try somewhere new, and enjoy everything our downtown community has to offer. When you shop, dine, and spend time downtown, you're doing more than checking items off a Christmas list. You're supporting the small businesses and people who help make Watertown such a special place to call home.

And from all of us at Element, located right here in historic Downtown Watertown, we hope you'll make a little extra time to gather, celebrate, and enjoy the season with the people you love.

Happy holiday shopping, Watertown!