Photograph by Alana Clark

Complied by Lauri Gross and Kelli McLellan

Look no further than Chagrin Falls for your dose of holiday joy and magic. With its pristine historic homes dripping in holiday finery, quaint storefronts with captivating window displays, a huge Christmas tree sparkling in the center of town, and more, the village beckons with a holiday spirit like no other.
Shoppers delight in unique and beautiful products in every category offered by local business owners who go the extra mile to create a warm, personalized browsing and buying experience, including extra touches like beautiful complimentary gift-wrapping and more. A smorgasbord of delightful restaurants welcomes shoppers and patrons for a quick bite or an elaborate meal at the end of a long day.

In addition to the benefits of patronizing locally owned businesses, doing so helps the community overall. Shopping local means more money stays in the community. Also, local business owners tend to donate more to local non-profits. Locally owned businesses largely define the character of a town, and a vibrant local business community often means higher home values. Local businesses create local jobs, which means a stronger local economy and reduced need for long commutes which relieves traffic congestion. And, compared to chain stores, local businesses require less infrastructure and are more efficient users of public services.

Below is just a sampling of what shoppers will find in several Chagrin Falls stores and boutiques this holiday season. There’s plenty more planned and happening all around town, so be sure to plan at least a day or afternoon to explore and browse the many fine shops and restaurants of Chagrin Falls!

Chagrin Cards and Gifts: The store’s collection of Nora Fleming stoneware platters and exchangeable minis make entertaining easy. And, there’s plenty of gourmet Abdallah chocolates for all occasions. Also, check out the offerings from Vera Bradley including handbags, wallets, blankets, lanyards and zip ID cases.

Chagrin Falls Popcorn Shop: When you purchase $50 or more this season, get a $10 gift card to be used anytime after Christmas. Popular for gifting to friends near and far are the popcorn tins with scenes by local artists – one of the iconic Chagrin Falls storefront, another of the Falls, and one soon-to-be released of what’s become a popular village tradition – the New Year’s Eve Popcorn Ball Drop! The shop also carries delicious candy, Fair Trade coffee, and all kinds of delicious treats for your entertaining or gifting needs.

Chagrin Fine Jewelry: Chagrin Fine Jewelry is offering 20 percent off bridal remounts and new settings this season!

Chagrin Pet & Garden: Just outside the Village, at 188 Solon Road, Chagrin Pet, Garden & Power Equipment is the place all the locals know to go for their pet, birding, gardening, gifting, decorating and power equipment needs! Open since 1932, this is a family-owned business that at this time of year, sells only the finest and fullest Christmas trees – Fraser Firs – grown in the mountains of North Carolina. Once you select the tree you like, the staff stands ready to put a fresh cut on it, bag it, and tie it securely to the top of your car or place it inside or in the trunk. Ask about The Last Tree Stand, a durable tree stand that should last forever! From specialty wreaths offered in every size (up to seven feet across), roping and greenery – all grown in Washington State – to holiday lights, pinecones, holly, decorative branches, swags and more, Chagrin Pet is a one-stop shop for your holiday decorating needs. Locally grown and hand-made products for gifting such as honey, maple syrup, candles and more, are available inside, along with wild bird seed and feeders, quality pet food, toys and supplies, wind chimes, clothing, greeting cards and more. Well-seasoned and dry firewood is available, and Chagrin Pet will deliver and stack it for you if you wish. Hours this season are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dazzle: You may not know what a TY fashion sequin flippy backpack is but, chances, are a little one in your life does. Dazzle is the place to find these popular items that appear to change colors as you move. Hot items include “flippables” stuffed animals, plus purses, backpacks and more.

Find me!: This fun shop for women is the place to find a well-curated assortment of reasonably priced handbags, jewelry, accessories, hats, mittens, gloves, and other great stocking-stuffer ideas. Also check out their collection of sparkly and velvet party fashions, plus cashmere ruanas (a free-flowing wrap) in a range of colors.

Fireside Books: Besides books, this cozy shop carries a great selection of Christmas cards, plus journals and calendars in every style. Also browse their mugs, fun tote bags, sleep shirts and great puzzles, including plenty crafted from wood. And even pick up some delectable Mexican chocolate.

Geiger’s: Men’s and women’s short and long synthetic coats from the Italian earth-friendly company called Save the Duck are popular at Geiger’s. Also, check out the offerings from Patagonia, Pendleton, Sorel, Woolrich and more, including Geiger’s expanded collection of Pendleton blankets and throws. The store is also full of hats, socks, sweaters and warm base layers for the whole family. Plus, there is a lot of fun footwear from slippers to fashion boots to “walk your dog in the winter” boots,” and of course, all of the store’s renowned skiwear and equipment.

Hedges Designs: Hedges is the go-to store to find unique and extra-special gifts for just about everyone on your list. Always decorated beautifully for the holidays, the store is stocked for the season with gift items of all kinds. This year, look for Gratitude Jars, featured last year among Oprah’s favorite things. The clear jars have gold writing with the words, kindness, gratitude, or love on them. Each comes with a small box of 30 folded cards printed with daily, inspirational thoughts meant to encourage you to think or reflect about something before you place the card in the jar. It’s a thoughtful gift for a special friend or for that person on your list who has everything. Hedges offers complimentary gift wrapping and the friendly, knowledgeable staff is eager to help everyone find something special. Inquire about private shopping time with an experienced personal shopper being offered for small groups and busy individuals!

Jackson Grey Jewelers: Gift-givers will love the store’s huge selection of diamond stud earrings. And for guys, there are rustic bracelets crafted from recycled sterling silver and high-grade leather cording. There are also items for ladies in this same line. Don’t miss the wooden watch phenomenon from Tense. These are for men and women, made from reclaimed exotic wood. And the store has a great inventory of 18K gemstone jewelry in beautiful colors.

Nola True: Nola True is stocked for the season with hats, scarves, gloves, jewelry, clothing and other great gift items for all the women on your holiday gift list. Refreshments and treats are served on weekends, so stop in and browse the boutique this season!

The Artful Yarn: This fun store carries gorgeous hand-painted teak bowls for holding balls of yarn or to use as a decorative statement piece. And it’s the place to find decorative magnet and toggle closures from ClotheZure. These clever items hold knit tops, sweaters, or scarves closed or cinched together, and are great when worn as accessories. Also, pick up themed Kate Grenier Magnets made in the USA from recycled bottle caps. And, of course, there are plenty of kits of yarn and patterns for cowls, hats, mittens and more.

Valley Art Center: Visit the Art Center’s gift shop for a wide range of wearable artwork, art for the walls, and more. Choose paintings, prints, photography, 3D pieces or something functional. Shoppers will find handmade jewelry, ceramics, tabletop sculptures, mugs, glassware, and plenty of unique beautiful holiday ornaments.

Village Herb Shop: Please any hostess with a lovely gift of a mini crock that can be heated or cooled. Pair it with a party dip mix from Wind and Willow. Or, choose bath and body products in great gift combos like soap and hand lotion. The Village Herb Shop has beautiful, warm and wooly slippers and so much more.

Events for the Chagrin Falls Plaza

Complimentary Carriage Rides
Sunday, December 9th and Sunday, December 16th
2pm – 4pm
Tickets will be available at Dazzle (opens at noon)
First come first serve
Family Shopping Day at the Chagrin Falls Plaza
Sunday, December 9th and Sunday, December 16th
Check in with each store to see specials.
Refreshments will be available
at Capozzi’s from 1 to 4 p.m.
Chagrin Falls Plaza Shopping Night Out
Thursday, December 13th, 5pm – 8pm
Geiger’s, Town and Country Gifts, Dazzle…where a Girl can Shine, and Nouveau Vie
Stop in to see great holiday promotions.
Refreshments