From intricately-beaded necklaces and wreaths to pet bandanas and hot chocolate, the Museum on Main’s Christmas Market has it all. This Saturday, Nov. 29, the Market debuted downtown for the first time, in conjunction with Small Business Saturday. 

“This year, we decided…to do a Christmas market, and we did it intentionally on Small Business Saturday to bring people downtown to hopefully help the other businesses and restaurants out,” said Museum on Main board member Rebecca Bruner. 

Keeping Pleasanton’s Downtown Afloat

The Friday after each Thanksgiving, millions of Americans rush to shopping malls and online stores to take advantage of super sales. Small Business Saturday, however, is the lesser-known sister of this event. Instead, the Saturday after Thanksgiving spotlights small businesses and encourages local consumers to support their neighboring storefronts. 

“It’s really great to come out and support the local downtown area because it’s really important to have people putting money back into good causes and to small businesses, because they obviously put a lot of heart into what they’re doing,” said Pleasanton resident and customer Kate Wears. 

In addition to supporting Pleasanton’s businesses, the Christmas Market serves as an additional fundraiser to the Museum’s events agenda. The Museum’s events are well-known throughout the Tri-Valley – the most prominent being the Ghost Walk and Wine and Valentine events. Not only do the events bring fun to the community, they also fund Pleasanton’s historical and cultural hub. 

“We wanted to make some money, because we are being cut back from the city [budget] next year. But the other [goal] was just to get people in the Museum and to [let them] know that we’re here, as much as we can do that,” said Bruner. 

While the interior of the Museum was stocked with holiday Christmas-themed trinkets, the lawn was adorned with tents housing unique selections of locally-made products. Museum board members decided to feature small businesses this year 

“We have some empty buildings downtown, [and so] we need to get people downtown, and we need to support the businesses we have downtown – the tax dollars then go back to us, instead of [companies like] Amazon. We’re all about community, and we just want to be part of this community and to help the community as much as we can,” said Bruner. 

Community Outreach

For some small businesses, establishing physical storefronts is oftentimes difficult. Business owners have to consider management costs, utilities, and building loyal patronage amongst the community. Events such as the Christmas Market, including the Farmer’s Market and other craft fairs, allow for small businesses to showcase their products to the world. 

“I think [the Market] is a great opportunity for me to get exposure to the public. I’m a small business, and I don’t have a lot of opportunities to sell other than on social media. This was an opportunity for me to get out in the public and be seen,” said Grace Carr, owner of Gracie’s Custom Creations, which sells assorted seasonal decorations. 

A member of the Museum on Main’s special events committee, Carr’s background as a small business owner played a part in the Museum’s decision to feature local businesses. 

“We highlight the small businesses that don’t get a lot of exposure. We can’t afford a storefront. I work out of my home. So to be able to display my work and for people to see it and be exposed and hand out cards, that’s great marketing for me. It’s a wonderful experience,” said Carr. 

Amador’s Contribution

The Museum’s lawn didn’t just include businesses. Towards the side, a group of Amador students entertained guests with their unique robot, which tossed spheres into the air. The robot was a part of the FTC robotics competition and was showcased at the Market.

“We’re trying to outreach to let the community know about FTC and what it is, so that they can also experience the same things that we are,” said Namish Gohil (‘28). 

A pillar of the community, the Museum on Main consolidates Pleasanton’s history and serves as a gathering place for many. Despite this, the Museum is not the most well-known. Events such as Small Business Saturday that bring people downtown are what keep the Museum afloat.  

“As you know, we like to reach out to the community and the kids. We’ve got a lot of people from all walks of life in here today, which is lovely. [The Market] introduces a lot of people to the Museum who may not have been here. You know, we’re always trying to get people to know we’re here,” said Bruner. 

Small Business Support

One of the many benefits of supporting small businesses is the diverse selection of local goods. A majority of sold products are handmade and are intricately cared for.

“There’s some unusual things here, things that are handmade and homemade, which we obviously don’t see [in] other places. It’s been really nice to see that kind of homemade aspect,” said Wears. 

To some vendors, the opportunity to showcase their passions to the joy is part of the job. To former Museum board member and jewelry seller Lynn Skarratt, beading is a way to cope with grief. 

“I started doing beading when my husband passed away, and I loved all the beads, all the colors and the shapes. I was fascinated…I started doing it, and it really took me to my happy place. It was therapy for me, really good therapy. I’ve been doing jewelry for quite a few years and I have a lot, so I decided to come and try to sell some of my joy and be one of the vendors. It’s been fun to meet… and see people,” said Skarratt. 

Ultimately, the Christmas Market welcomed people from a variety of places, from the Tri-Valley to Southern California. The Market was not just a celebration of the holidays – it was a celebration of Pleasantonian culture and craftsmanship. 

“What I love about Pleasanton is…that you see the whole family – people bring out children, adults, [and] older people as well. Everyone support your local town. I think it’s really important to do that, especially at Christmas time, especially when lots of people shop online. Actually coming out in person is a really good thing to do,” said Wears.