LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – A dozen of Lincoln’s boutiques, book stores, art galleries and specialty shops were open late on Thursday, giving consumers a head start on their holiday shopping.

It’s all part of this year’s Shop the Blocks, which for the past 17 years has featured discounts and giveaways at local downtown businesses. It’s held every third Thursday of November, the week before Thanksgiving.

Shoppers began at the Rococo Theatre on 13th and P streets, before spending the next several hours taking advantage of the deals.

Todd Ogden, President of the Downtown Lincoln Association, said it’s the perfect night to start the holidays and see all the unique things Lincoln has to offer.

“The stronger the local businesses are, the stronger our local economy is,” Ogden stated. “They’re supporting other local businesses and supporting other vendors and that’s cyclical.”

This year’s event also showcased nearly 30 local vendors at the Makers Market, offering a variety of handmade products, from candles to jewelry to homemade dog treats.

Hosted throughout the winter at the Union Bank Place, many small business owners said it’s an opportunity to sell their wares face-to-face with customers.

Dave Vrbas, owner of Lucky Larry’s Dog Treats, said he’s been growing his company through public markets like this for the past 6 years, praising the vendors for making them so popular in Lincoln.

“They put a lot of work into their products so it’s great to be able to have them on display,” Vrbas said. “Tons of people in here shopping them and spending their money with them.”

Another Makers Market will be held again in December and so far two more are planned for early 2025.

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