Walnut Creek residents have independent shops and holiday markets to explore as Black Friday on Nov. 27 and Small Business Saturday on Nov. 28 approach.

Local options include chocolates, gift cards, art supplies and food, with two holiday markets scheduled in the coming weeks.

Chocolate gifts

Love + Chocolate Shop, a family-owned store at 1397 N. Main St., sells Leonidas Belgian chocolates and other European confections.

Its website lists assorted Leonidas Gold Ballotin boxes starting at $16. Blue and gold gift-box options start at $25, while a Napolitains box is $25. A 16-piece yellow gift box is $44, a Liqueurs Crate is $42 and a 40-piece Blue Drawer box is $108.

Other options include dark chocolate bark at $16 and a Perle Truffe four-pack at $12. These are published product prices, rather than verified Black Friday or Small Business Saturday offers.

The store also carries fruit jellies, marzipan and Scottish shortbread. Orders can be placed online or by phone. Listed hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Coffee, wine and food gifts

Rooted Coffee Co., at 1321 Locust St., is a plant-based café whose family business began selling coffee at farmers markets in 2013. Its website links to gift-card purchases.

The café won the coffee shop and family-owned business categories in the chamber’s 2026 Best of Walnut Creek awards.

Residual Sugar Wine Bar + Merchant, at 1684 Locust St., dates to 2010. Its website identifies Walnut Creek native Dena Christie as its owner and advertises more than 30 wines by the glass, along with gift cards.

Residual Sugar won the chamber’s 2026 bar or brewery and women-owned business categories.

Kinder’s Meats Deli BBQ, the chamber’s 2026 BBQ winner, has a Walnut Creek location among its six East Bay shops. The family business dates to 1946. Its website advertises a 15% discount for veterans and active-duty military personnel.

Honey + Brie, at 1378 N. Main St., offers charcuterie and gift cards through its website. The business lists pickup-only orders requiring 24 hours’ notice and is closed Mondays.

Art supplies and running shoes

Diablo Valley Art Supply, at 1501 N. California Blvd., carries brands including Golden, Gamblin, Blackwing and Caran d’Ache.

The independent store lists hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Athletic Outpost, at 1528 Bonanza St., sells running and walking shoes and offers personalized fitting.

Holiday markets downtown

Gather with Santa is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 22, from 1 to 5 p.m. at 1347 Locust St.

The listing includes artisan booths, free hot cocoa, wine tasting and Santa photos. The photo line closes at 4:30 p.m.

Head West Marketplace lists its holiday edition for Sunday, Dec. 13, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on North Main Street between Bonanza Street and Mount Diablo Boulevard. The vendor roster currently displayed on its page is labeled Oct. 11, rather than Dec. 13.

Farmers markets

The Walnut Creek Farmers’ Market operates year-round on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Locust Street between Cole and Lacassie streets.

The Diablo Valley Farmers’ Market operates year-round on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at North Wiget Lane and Mitchell Drive in Shadelands. Its operator lists more than 50 farmers and vendors.

Shoppers can also use the American Express Shop Small map to locate qualifying businesses that accept its cards. A map listing does not establish a holiday discount.

Check with individual businesses for current availability, holiday hours and promotions before visiting.