10 Places to Shop Downtown Watertown, SD This Holiday Season

Element
1 day ago
5 min read

Watertown, SD Ornament — Photo Credit: Visit Watertown

Christmas has officially arrived in Watertown! The season kicked off in the most magical way last night with Deck the Downtown, the return of the beloved Carnegie Christmas Market, and

Downtown Watertown’s inaugural Living Windows event, bringing storefronts to life with holiday cheer. Add in the excitement of Santaland at the Watertown Mall, and so much more still to come, and it’s clear our community is ready to celebrate in full sparkle.

This year, instead of scrolling endlessly online or rushing through big-box stores, make your holiday shopping meaningful by exploring the charm and creativity found right here in Downtown Watertown. Our downtown is filled with small businesses that pour their hearts into creating unique products, unforgettable experiences, and warm hospitality. When you shop locally, you’re not only finding one-of-a-kind treasures, you’re supporting the entrepreneurs who make our community vibrant all year long.

Here is a glimpse of just 10 of the must-visit places to shop downtown this holiday season, each offering something special for your Christmas list.

1. Curated

If you love stylish goods, thoughtful gifts, and beautifully designed items, Curated is a can’t-miss stop on your downtown stroll. The shop features a fresh selection of modern home décor, stationery, colorful accessories, and pieces perfect for elevating your everyday life.

Curated has a little something for everyone, from candles and journals to décor accents that feel boutique-level without the big-city price tag. Their seasonal Christmas displays alone are enough to put you in a festive mood. Whether shopping for a friend, a coworker, or yourself, you’re guaranteed to walk out inspired.

🔗 Shop Curated

2. Maud’s Mercantile

Maud’s Mercantile at The Goss blends charm, nostalgia, and modern style. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and eye-catching displays, Maud’s carries apparel, accessories, home goods, gifts, and a rotating collection that keeps every visit fresh.

If you’re hunting for cozy sweaters, unique jewelry, or stocking-stuffers that feel personal, this boutique has you covered. Maud’s is a go-to stop for holiday gifting because every item feels curated with heart and an eye for detail.

🔗 Shop Maud's Mercantile

3. Jade + Co.

Trendy, vibrant, and full of personality, Jade + Co. is a boutique where fashion meets fun. This shop is perfect for the style-lover on your list, or the friend who loves to accessorize with flair. You’ll find on-trend clothing, denim, seasonal favorites, jewelry, handbags, and plenty of giftable pieces for the holidays.

The staff is warm and welcoming, always ready to help you pick out pieces that match someone’s style or create an outfit for holiday photos, parties, or winter events. If you enjoy fashion-forward boutiques, Jade + Co. needs to be on your downtown route.

🔗 Shop Jade + Co

4. AMJ Style

Looking for timeless style with a fresh twist? AMJ Style offers clothing and accessories that make gift-giving easy and enjoyable. With a curated collection of classic pieces, comfortable knits, stylish jackets, and accessories that complete any look, AMJ Style is ideal for shoppers seeking quality and versatility.

Right across the street from Gather coffee, it’s also a wonderful place to shop for yourself if you want a new outfit for a Christmas gathering or a cozy winter pick-me-up. Pair the helpful service with their well-designed displays, and you’ll be inspired to check off several names from your list in one stop.

🔗 Shop AMJ Style

5. Makepeace Jewelers

A true Watertown staple, Makepeace’s blends tradition and modern shopping beautifully. This shop offers a wide range of beautiful pieces and gifts for all ages. Known for quality and customer service, Makepeace’s is a place where you can find thoughtful gifts that mix practicality with charm.

Shopping here feels like stepping into a warm tradition: authentic and welcoming.

🔗 Shop Makepeace Jewelers

Watertown, SD local businesses. Photo Credit to Visit Watertown — Photo Credits: Visit Watertown

6. Unorthodox

If you love discovering clothing that feels original and a little bit bold, you’ll love Unorthodox. This trendy boutique brings in stylish pieces that stand out, perfect for the fashion-forward person on your list.

Unorthodox brings bold style, edgy fashion, and pieces you won’t find anywhere else. Step up your wardrobe game and shop local right here in Watertown. Unorthodox is a fantastic stop for shoppers who enjoy supporting fresh, creative boutiques that aren’t afraid to define their own style.

🔗 Shop Unorthodox

7. Happy Tails K-9 Training

Shopping for a pet lover, or better yet, a pet? Happy Tails is the perfect holiday stop. They deliver high-quality pet accessories, treats, toys, grooming products, and unique pet-themed gifts you won’t find at big retailers.

Whether you’re filling a stocking for your dog or shopping for a pet parent, you’ll find something adorable. They also offer behavior evaluations and a multitude of private training and group course options!

🔗 Shop Happy Tails

8. DDR Books

No holiday shopping experience is complete without a visit to DDR Books. This beloved independent bookstore is a treasure trove for bookworms and casual readers alike.

With a wide selection of fiction, nonfiction, local authors, children’s books, and beautiful gift editions, DDR Books makes it easy to choose gifts that feel personal and meaningful. Bookstores also bring a sense of holiday magic with cozy corners, staff recommendations, and that warm “bookstore smell” that makes you want to linger. It’s a must-stop for anyone looking to give knowledge, imagination, or a new favorite story this season.

🔗 Shop DDR Books

9. Watertown Mercantile

Step into Watertown Mercantile, and you’ll find a wonderful mix of antiques, vintage finds, locally crafted goods, and nostalgic pieces. Check out all the vendors they host under one roof and shop local.

It’s the perfect place for treasure hunters and those who love giving gifts with meaning and character. You might find old-fashioned home décor, unique collectibles, vintage holiday pieces, or handmade items created right here in South Dakota. A stop at Watertown Mercantile often ends with something unexpected, and that’s part of its charm.

🔗 Shop Watertown Mercantile

10. Watertown Confectionery

No holiday shopping trip is complete without a sweet treat, and Watertown Confectionery offers the ultimate indulgence. With handmade chocolates, gourmet confections, truffles, gift boxes, and seasonal sweets, this shop makes gifting delicious and thoughtful.

Bring home a beautifully wrapped box of chocolates, pick up stocking stuffers with personality, or treat yourself to something sweet as you shop. This stop also adds a little romance to your holiday season; the atmosphere is warm, inviting, and filled with the nostalgic scent of fresh chocolate, and don't forget about their winery, Ghost Town Winery!

🔗 Shop Watertown Confectionery

Why Shopping Downtown Watertown Matters

Supporting local businesses keeps our community strong. Every purchase helps a neighbor, a dreamer, a small business owner, and the local economy. Downtown Watertown thrives because people choose to show up, not just during the holidays, but all year long. And this list is only a TASTE of what Downtown Watertown has to offer.

Shopping downtown isn’t just about buying things. It’s about creating memories, walking under the lights, sipping a holiday drink, meeting shop owners, discovering new favorites, and enjoying the heart of the city during its most magical season.

Whether you’re searching for clothing, chocolates, books, home décor, gifts for pets, or something handmade and unforgettable, Downtown Watertown has you covered. Bundle up, grab a friend, and make a day of exploring, supporting, and celebrating everything our downtown community has to offer this Christmas.

Happy shopping, and happy holidays!