As the holiday shopping season approaches, Roslindale Village boasts a unique piece of retail history: the neighborhood actually helped pilot the very first Small Business Saturday. Launched originally in partnership with American Express, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and former Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, the initiative has since grown into a nationwide tradition.

This year, Roslindale Village Main Street (RVMS) will once again encourage residents to shop local on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. RVMS supports the neighborhood’s independent storefronts by publishing local gift guides and highlighting unique holiday items. To help accommodate the influx of shoppers, free parking will be available at the Taft Hill Terrace Municipal Parking Lot, along with inexpensive parking at the Lower Commuter Rail Lot off Belgrade Avenue.

After a day of browsing the village shops, the festivities will culminate in Adams Park with the Annual Tree Lighting ceremony. Families can enjoy free hot cocoa, an ornament decorating station, photos with Santa, and more.