Never has it been more important to support small businesses than it is right now. We’ve gathered a list of some of our favorite shopping spots in Anoka to check everyone off on your holiday shopping list this season! Downtown Anoka Charming Downtown Anoka is a premier shopping destination with some of the most progressive and unique shops that the Twin Cities metro area has to offer. The community of diverse local merchants offers antique shops, clothing and gift boutiques, furniture, an ice cream shop, dessert cafe, wine bar, bars, and restaurants. The classic and historic riverfront town of Anoka is located just 20 minutes north of Minneapolis and St. Paul on highways 10 or 169. Boutiques Pineapple Girl A unique and fun store offering up-cycled furniture, whimsy, clothing, jewelry, and home decor. 216 East Main Street Anoka Website   The French Market At the French Market you will find a mix of all things beautiful, found and new, for you and your home. A great and ever-changing assortment of furniture, home decor, linens, accessories, wall accents, textiles, soaps, candles, lotions, jewelry, etc. in a gorgeous cohesive look and feel. Open the second Thursday through Sunday of each month with occasional pop-ups. 211 E Main Street Anoka Website   The White Owl The White Owl Home Comforts & Boutique (formerly Paddywac’s) is owned and operated by two sisters, offering inspiration and a vetted collection of new, reclaimed, repurposed artisan-restyled furniture, home décor, gifts, women’s apparel, jewelry, and more. 201 E Main St Anoka Website   Antiques   The Big White House The very best selection of antiques, collectibles, furniture, coins & historical memorabilia, all inside a 116-year-old mansion! 1900 3rd Ave S Anoka Website   Antiques on Main Antiques On Main is a family-owned business that opened in May of 1992 in historic downtown Anoka. The historic building dates back to 1884 and includes two levels of antiques, collectibles, vintage furniture, jewelry and so much more! 212 E Main St Anoka Website   Amoré Antiques Where you’ll always find everything Antique, Vintage, and Collectible, with more than 45 dealers in 7,800 square feet and open daily. 2008 2nd Ave N Anoka Website One of the biggest perks of downtown Anoka: Parking is easy and free! Walk to the many fine eateries including cafés, specialty restaurants, ice cream, and pastry shops, bars and grills, co-ops, and cool coffee shops. Enjoy live theater and music along with annual art festivals and parades. Stay at the historic Ticknor Hill Bed & Breakfast. Walk the trails, corridors or visit the Mississippi River Community Park.   Holiday Décor Galore!   Mickman Brothers Garden Center A fresh evergreen Christmas Wreath is the perfect way to welcome home friends and family for the Holidays! The Holiday Season is a time of giving – of remembering those that mean so much to us. Fresh Holiday Evergreens delivered in a festive container are the perfect gift; timely, personal and a welcome addition to the Holiday decorating nearly all of us look forward to each year. This Season, complete your Holiday Shopping List for all those hard to shop for friends, relatives and business colleagues with fresh, handcrafted Holiday Evergreens that will be sincerely appreciated and displayed with fond memories throughout the Seasons! 14630 Hwy 65 NE Ham Lake Website   Events Anoka welcomes all to its Annual Hometown Celebration and Christmas Tree Lighting event. It’s an all-day family event where you can enjoy Holiday fun in one of the most beautiful historic towns in Minnesota! The Hometown Celebration brings you the Participating Merchant Happenings while the Tree Lighting Event brings you horse-drawn trolley rides, holiday music, food vendors, bonfires, visit with Santa, selfie stations, and more! Enjoy a magical start to the holiday season in Historic Downtown Anoka on December 2nd. The Coon Rapids Community Tree Lighting Festival started in 2021. This chilly event is made merry by celebrating the holiday spirit through warm drinks like cocoa and cider, gathering around bonfires, singing around the tree, and ends with a spectacular sight as the tree is lit up with festive lights. Experience the fun on December 9th in Boulevard Plaza, Coon Rapids. Join the Ham Lake Chamber of Commerce as they celebrate Hometown Holiday on December 9. The event will be located at the Crosstown Mall parking lot and inside Vocate.  Visit with Santa and his elves by the indoor fireplace at Vocate, take photos, decorate cookies, and sip some hot chocolate. The event ends outdoor in the green space with caroling and a tree lighting to ring in the holidays! Make it a weekend! Find great places to stay here. For more shopping, dining, and adventure inspiration, follow Twin Cities Gateway on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The post Your Guide to Holiday Shopping and Events in the Twin Cities Gateway appeared first on Twin Cities Gateway.