Eat, Shop, and Be Merry
Take a stroll downtown and enjoy all the wintry, whimsical wonder that is on display. From Shop Late Thursdays to the popular Hot Cocoa Crawl, downtown merchants have plenty to offer for a festive shopping experience.
Shop Late Thursdays & Santa Visits
Dozens of shops in the district will be open until 8:00pm (or later) on Thursday nights this holiday season. Grab a bite to eat, catch a movie, or toast the holidays with co-workers and then get a little holiday shopping done afterwards! Plus, look for Santa to be out and about visiting the shops from 6:30pm to 8:00pm.
View a list of participating businesses and interactive map:
www.DowntownAlameda.com/holidays/#shop
Holiday Window Contest
Businesses have teamed up with local artists to create festive holiday displays. Bundle up the kids, buy a warm beverage, ice cream or fro yo and take a stroll to enjoy the wonderful sights. Vote for your favorites and help artists win cash and prizes from sponsors Digifli and Flax Art & Design. Pick up a ballot at your favorite window and drop it in Santa’s Mailbox in front of the Alameda Theatre & Cineplex. Voting ends on December 17.
View a list of participating businesses and interactive map:
www.DowntownAlameda.com/holidays/#windows
Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony & Hot Cocoa Crawl
Join Mayor Trish Spencer and Santa when they light the official island holiday tree on December 8 at City Hall. Enjoy live performances beginning at 4:30pm and meet the big guy himself. Right after the tree lighting ceremony, do the Hot Cocoa Crawl with family and friends and vote on your favorite downtown holiday window. Many of the businesses in the district will have special treats and activities.
View a list of participating businesses and interactive map:
www.DowntownAlameda.com/holidays/#cocoa
Free Holiday Parking
To make shopping downtown easier, the parking meters in the downtown district and the Civic Center Garage are FREE on Saturdays and Sundays through the end of the year.
Oh, what fun it is in Downtown Alameda this holiday season! To learn more about the holiday happenings, go to www.DowntownAlameda.com/Holidays.