Eat, Shop, & Be Merry in Downtown Alameda

The holiday season is here! Let the merchants in Downtown Alameda help you find unique gifts, jewelry, clothing, toys, books, or personalized services. To make shopping downtown easier, parking is FREE on weekends.

From the cheerful SHOP LATE THURSDAYS to our popular HOT COCOA CRAWL, downtown merchants have plenty to offer for a festive holiday shopping experience.

Kick off the holiday season in Downtown Alameda on Small Business Saturday®. Celebrate and support local businesses by shopping and dining downtown the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Bundle up the kids, buy a warm beverage or an ice cream, and take a stroll to enjoy the festive downtown holiday windows. Cast a vote for your favorite display.

Need more time to check off items on your holiday gift-giving list? Retailers are joining restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues in staying open until 8:00pm (or later) on Shop Late Thursdays. Have your cameras ready on Thursday, December 5 — Santa will be popping into businesses, handing out treats, and posing for photos.

On Saturday, December 7, join Santa and Alameda ‘s Mayor when they light the official island holiday tree at City Hall. Enjoy live local holiday performances beginning at 4:00pm and meet the big guy himself. Afterwards, do the Hot Cocoa Crawl with family and friends. Enjoy the shops, have a bite to eat, and vote on your favorite downtown holiday window display.

Perk up the holidays with a nostalgic movie experience at the Alameda Theatre & Cineplex. Holiday classics “A Christmas Story” (Wednesday, December 4) and “It’s a Wonderful Life” (Wednesday, December 11) are showing on the big screen.

For last minute gifts, enjoy a cozy evening of merry-making, mingling, and gift-buying while supporting local makers on Sunday, December 15. More than 20 crafters, makers, and artists will be selling awesome gifts for the holidays at PHOENIX. All ages welcome and admission is free.

Oh, what fun it is in Downtown Alameda!