Holiday Guide
Holiday Shopping in Santa Clarita: Where to Shop Local This Season
The best holiday gifts in the SCV come with a story: a bottle from an Old Town tasting room, a handmade find from a farmers market stall, a meal at a Main Street restaurant that is rebuilding. Here is Sam's local gift circuit for the 2026 season, from Old Town Newhall to Valencia Town Center and everywhere in between.
November - December 2026 Sam Silver 5 min read
Why Local Gifts Matter More This Year
Every dollar spent at an SCV small business stays in the valley, and this holiday season that has never mattered more. Old Town Newhall's Main Street is still rebuilding from the August 24 fire that hit the Newhall Refinery, The MAIN, and neighboring businesses, and the holiday season is the neighborhood's biggest chance to recover. When you buy local this year, you are not just crossing names off a gift list. You are helping a neighbor's lights stay on.
Old Town Newhall: Main Street's Comeback Season
Five blocks of Main Street, one historic courthouse, and more small businesses than you can visit in a weekend. Old Town Newhall is the heart of the SCV's holiday shopping scene, and this year it carries extra meaning.
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Light Up Main Street, Saturday, November 21
The community tree lighting at 5:30 PM in front of the library kicks off the season, with five blocks of lights, real snow, Santa, and live music. Sam's complete guide has the full plan.
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Boutiques, tasting rooms & restaurants
Gift a bottle from a Main Street tasting room, a dinner at The Old Town Junction, a pint at Maginn's Pub, or a sushi night at Gold Coast Sushi & Ramen. Every reservation and every purchase is a direct act of recovery support.
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Weekend farmers market
The Old Town Newhall Farmers Market runs Saturday mornings at the library lot, with local produce, flowers, and handmade goods that make easy hostess gifts.
Valencia Town Center: One Stop for the Whole List
The valley's biggest shopping center is in the middle of its biggest transformation in decades, and the new lineup makes it a one-stop holiday destination. Developer Centennial is rolling out 175,000-plus square feet of new dining, entertainment, and lifestyle space in phases through 2027.
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Round1 Bowling & Arcade
The roughly 125,000-square-foot entertainment anchor in the former Sears space, with bowling, billiards, karaoke, and a huge arcade. A gift card here is the teenage-relative special.
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New dining for the gift-of-dinner crowd
KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot, Bushfire Kitchen, Slice House, Bacio di Latte gelato, and Wafflecomb are all part of the new lineup rolling in through 2027, joining the mall's existing roster. Sam's Valencia Town Center dining guide tracks every opening.
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Holiday decor & mall events
The center dresses up for the season with tree displays and Santa visits. Check the mall calendar for photo nights and late shopping hours as December approaches.
Markets, Vendor Fairs & Local Makers
The SCV's markets and vendor fairs are where the handmade, the small-batch, and the one-of-a-kind live. Here is where to find them this season.
661 Night Market, Saturday, December 5
The valley's monthly night market returns for its December edition on the first Saturday: food vendors, artisan booths, live entertainment, and a full bar. It is the best one-stop evening for edible gifts and handmade finds. Venue and hours publish on the What's Up SCV event page as the date approaches.
TASC Barnside Vendor Fair, Saturday, November 28
The community vendor market opens at 10 AM in the post-Thanksgiving glow, a relaxed local shopping morning with dozens of local vendors. Sam's November 27-29 weekend guide has the full picture.
Farmers Markets, Every Weekend
Old Town Newhall on Saturday mornings and the COC Certified Farmers' Market on Sunday mornings. Winter citrus, greens, honey, flowers, and handmade goods. Sam's farmers market guide has hours and tips for every stall.
Tree Farms for Wreaths & Garlands
Frosty's Forest and Gilchrist Farm sell more than trees: wreaths, garlands, and farm-made gifts round out any holiday order. The tree farm guide covers every lot in the valley.
Gift Cards Are Local Too
A gift card to a local coffee shop, restaurant, or tasting room is a gift of a future outing. Sam's coffee shop guide and brewery guide are full of ideas.
Give Back While You Shop
Many local nonprofits run holiday drives this time of year. Check the holiday events guide for toy drives, food drives, and volunteer shifts that make the season meaningful.
From the Local Insider
Sam's Holiday Shopping Tips
Start with the November 21 kickoff
Light Up Main Street is the season's opening bell. Do your first gift run that night, when Old Town is at its most festive, and you beat the December rush.
Shop weekday mornings for calm
Valencia Town Center and Old Town are quietest weekday mornings. December weekends belong to the crowds; go early or go midweek.
Spend a little extra on Main Street
Old Town Newhall is rebuilding after the August fire. A dinner reservation, a tasting room visit, or a gift from a Main Street shop is the most direct support a neighbor can give.
Pair shopping with the light tours
Make a full evening of it: shop Old Town, then catch the Holiday Light Tour or the Barnyard Light Tour for the lights on the way home.