Time once again for the Happy Holidays to catch us all by surprise...  what, already!?  At least on and off Chestnut Street you’ll find plenty of options for shopping or gathering with friends to celebrate the season!

To get you in the holiday mood, the Marina Middle School Band will be performing on Chestnut Street Friday evening, December 8th, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Books Inc., 2251 Chestnut Street at Avila for the annual SF Firefighter’s Toy Drive.  The Marina Middle School Band has become a regular performer on Chestnut during the holidays and is in hot demand all over San Francisco , playing at such venues as the opening of the Kristi Yamaguchi Ice Skating Rink at the Embarcadero Center , the Christmas tree lighting at Yerba Buena Gardens and the SPCA’s Santa Paws Spectacular.  These 6th, 7th, and 8th graders have been practicing under the direction of Mr. Gary Tong and have quite a number of holiday classics in their repertoire.  I hope you’ll come out to support the kids, sing along, enjoy a crisp winter evening on Chestnut, and get in the holiday spirit.  The Marina Merchants Association will be serving hot chocolate, coffee, cookies, and bottled water compliments of Emporio Rulli Gran Caffè, Peet’s Coffee, The Pita Pit, and Hill & Co. Real Estate.  The San Francisco Firefighters will be on hand with an elf helper to collect toys for their Toy Program.  Bring an unwrapped toy to donate for a less fortunate child and experience the true meaning of the holidays!

And what better way to celebrate the holiday season and the strength and resilience of Small Business than by joining in the Small Business Commission’s 4th annual "Shop Local First" campaign, December 4th through the 9th. The purpose of Shop Local First is to urge San Francisco residents to buy locally made products and services and support locally owned businesses this holiday season and year round. This year, Shop Local First Week will feature several neighborhood events in commercial corridors throughout the city, including social events, and special sales at participating businesses.  Small business and our thriving neighborhoods are the reason Conde Nast readers have ranked San Francisco the #1 travel destination for 18 of 19 years. Please join the MMA, the SF Council of District Merchants Associations, and your local merchants in supporting our local San Francisco small businesses by shopping local first this holiday season and everyday!