RALEIGH -- Thanksgiving is here, and we sit around the table stuffing our bellies, many people are planning out where they plan on snagging holiday deals. However, supporting local businesses instead of big box chain stores is an easy way to give back.  

The Downtown Raleigh Alliance joined the Small Business Saturday initiative as part of its Shop Downtown program to help support the local economy and independent businesses. Holiday shoppers are invited to help celebrate downtown’s growing retail community by patronizing downtown merchants and exploring their special deals.  

The DRA is offering a welcome station in the parking lot of M&F Bank at the corner of East Hargett Street and South Wilmington Street. Shoppers can stop by between 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. to pick up their "Shop Small" canvas tote bag, DRA’s new retail map and enter a raffle.  The DRA is putting together a gift guide where downtown merchants highlight their favorite items for the holiday season.

Also this holiday season, the Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting Celebration, presented by Sheraton Raleigh Hotel and produced by the DRA, will take place on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 4 p.m. – 8  p.m.  The free family–friendly event will transform Fayetteville Street and City Plaza into a winter wonderland.  The biggest attraction at the event is Snowzilla. At almost 35 feet tall and 90 feet long, the Snowzilla super slide is guaranteed to be an exhilarating winter-themed ride. Throughout the event, there will be live music entertainment and holiday refreshments provided by local restaurants and breweries.

To learn more about Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting Celebration, visit their website.