Just when people are waking up from their turkey coma, it will be time to shop and celebrate the holiday season.

Shoppers can take advantage of Small Business Saturday as many stores in the area will offer specials and deals.

Small Business Saturday is a one-day event that takes place every November on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  The event was created in 2010 as a way to encourage support for small businesses during the recession.

Jim Ramos of Joliet said he plans to shop at local businesses rather than buy holiday gifts at big box stores.

“First of all, I hate the crowds on Black Friday, and I think these local neighborhood businesses not only offer great sales, but they provide personalized services,” said Ramos. “I want to support these small businesses, so they are successful and better our community.”

It’s estimated that for every dollar shoppers spend at small retailers, $0.67 stays in the community. Additionally, consumers are projected to spend an estimated $184 billion on Small Business Saturday.

The Village of Lockport is celebrating Small Business Saturday with a Shop and Win contest. Anyone who shops at Lockport chamber member businesses between Nov. 19 and 25 by purchasing any good or service can win $100, $150 or $250. Purchases made on Nov. 25 will receive one entry for every dollar spent. Receipts must be received by Tuesday, Dec. 5, and include the purchase date.

Receipts may be emailed to office@lockportchamber.com or postmarked by Dec. 1 and mailed to Lockport Chamber of Commerce, 222 E. 9th St., 3rd Floor, Lockport, IL 60441. All receipts should include name, address and phone number.

Before shopper’s flock to the stores on Small Business Saturday, the City of Joliet is encouraging everyone to get into the holiday spirit by attending the Light Up the Holidays Festival and Parade from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24, in downtown Joliet. It is the 25th anniversary of the event organized by Joliet City Center Partnership.

The full day of holiday fun is sponsored by the University of St. Francis. This year’s event will include a North Pole Market, North Pole Park, horse-drawn carriage rides, parade and fireworks show.

The North Pole Christmas Market will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Renaissance Center, 214 N. Ottawa St., Joliet. North Pole Park featuring an artificial ice-skating rink, kiddie Ferris wheel and train will be available from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Chicago Street lot in front of the Rialto Theater. Horse-drawn carriage rides will be available from 2 to 5 p.m., starting at the Chicago Street lot in front of Rialto. The Christmas tree lighting ceremony will start at 5:15 p.m. by the Chicago Street fountain, followed by the Light Up the Holidays Parade at 5:30 p.m. 

The Village of Plainfield will celebrate Grinchmas on the Green from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25. Santa and the Grinch will arrive at 5 p.m. via transportation provided by the Plainfield Fire Protection District. Santa and the Grinch will light the Christmas tree at 5:15 p.m. Photos with Santa and the Grinch of Whoville will begin at 5:30 p.m.

The Village of Romeoville will light up the sky with a holiday light display from Dec. 1 to Jan. 1. On Friday, Dec. 1, the village will also host its tree lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. The lights will be displayed throughout December on the grounds of Village Hall and the Romeoville Police Department, 1050 W. Romeo Road. Lights will be on nightly from4 to 11 p.m. until Monday, Jan. 1.