Beatrice, NE, is Your One-Stop Holiday Shopping Destination in Gage County

Holiday shopping in Gage County, NE, offers a variety and charm that can rival the options found in larger metropolitan areas, such as Lincoln and Omaha. Entrepreneurs, local leaders,  and residents take pride in the county’s strong lineup of small businesses, all ready to meet every gift-giving need this season.

That vibrant local spirit is especially on display in Beatrice, where a welcoming Main Street invites visitors to explore and discover. With its diverse mix of shops and services, Downtown Beatrice serves as a convenient, one-stop destination for unique and meaningful gifts. This holiday season, Gage Area Growth Enterprise (NGage) encourages both residents and visitors to experience Beatrice’s festive events, discover standout local treasures, and support the entrepreneurs who help Gage County shine.

Discover Beatrice 

Whether it’s time to purchase gifts for a significant other, family members, friends, or the kids, Beatrice’s businesses are well-stocked to help deliver an unforgettable holiday experience. Bub-N-Bugz is a great destination for toys, games, and collectibles, while Clean Slate Soap sells an assortment of facial and body products. 

Looking for high-quality, artisan clothing? Visit Gorgeous Hangar and Grey Morning Boutique, which specialize in women’s and children’s products. A tasty snack always makes for a unique holiday gift, and the folks at Happy Kernel (gourmet kettle corn and pork rinds) and Kala’s Savory Bites & Sifted Sweets offer delicious treats. Stop by Leo’s Jeweler’s Inc. and Weigel’s Jewelry for the best precious gems. Gift card ideas could include Quilt Stitches or Stone Hollow Brewing Company.

Can’t-Miss Holiday Events

Plenty of fun holiday-themed events in Beatrice provide even more incentive to explore Main Street. On Saturday, Dec. 6, bring the kids and enjoy fire truck rides with Santa at the City Auditorium from 1 to 3 p.m. and be sure to stick around for the Holiday Lighted Parade at 5:30.

If you registered for the Gift-A-Day Giveaway, be sure to listen to KWBE AM 1450 and 94.7 FM as the winners are announced daily from December 5th through December 20th. If you are one of the lucky winners, you can put your $25 gift cards to use at any of Beatrice’s 14 participating businesses. 

By the Numbers: The Impact of Shopping Locally

Statistics show that shopping locally has an outsized impact on the community. A study conducted by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance compared the flow of money spent at national chains or large sites, such as Amazon, versus at local, independent retailers. The results were eye-opening: for every $100 spent at a chain, only about $14 stays in the local economy. However, when the same $100 is spent at a local small business, a majority - $68 - of it recirculates locally. Similarly, Capital One found that shopping small leads to 289% more revenue for local economies than is created at chain stores.

Momentum for shopping at smaller, local establishments is set to continue growing, as consumers realize that businesses in places like Beatrice can offer high-quality, unique products. Additionally, shopping locally fosters a greater sense of community pride through in-store interactions with familiar faces, personalized service, and the knowledge that purchases are making a tangible difference in yielding more substantial returns for local economies. 

Discover Gage County’s Holidays Best!

In exploring the best that Beatrice has to offer, that’s only the tip of the iceberg. Click here for the full downtown business directory, or check out Beatrice’s official 2025 digital shopping guide. For all questions, contact NGage.