Mayor London Breed is urging San Francisco residents and visitors to shop locally this holiday season. Sporting solidarity with city business leaders, she's championing in-person shopping to boost the local economy. According to SF.gov, small businesses employ roughly a million people in the Bay Area and constitute 95% of the city's commerce.

"I am excited and hopeful that this holiday shopping season will be the best in years, but it will take all of us to support our great City by showing up for our local businesses," Breed said. Union Square is providing festive attractions with new food offerings from Tyler Florence and a Winter Walk from December 15 to 24, offering limited-time holiday experiences.

San Francisco's dining scene is in the spotlight with restaurants featured in "Bon Appetit’s The 24 Best New Restaurants" and the Michelin Guide. Breed's administration is encouraging the purchase of gift cards and promoting cultural events like the Symphony's holiday concerts for added seasonal enjoyment.

Cultural activities abound, including art markets at City Hall and performances like the San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker. The Symphony and the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus are highlighted as seasonal attractions, in a city with neighborhoods like Chinatown and the Mission, providing a multitude of shopping options. Grace Horikiri of the Japantown Community Benefit District challenges everyone to find unique holiday inspiration in Japantown.

In essence, San Francisco is inviting all to support local businesses, from high-profile retailers to family-owned stores. Lawanda Dickerson, Bayview’s advocate and Small Business Commissioner, adds, "let's make sure we take every opportunity to support our black-owned and all the local businesses, and everything our wonderful neighborhood has to offer." The message is clear: shopping locally this season can brighten the community, one purchase at a time.