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At our annual holiday party in December, the Downtown Alameda Business Association presents awards to member businesses in recognition of their contributions to the success of Alameda’s historic downtown. The awards represent examples of the top-notch service that is provided by businesses throughout the district. The owners and staff of these businesses are also active in Downtown Association activities and strive to cultivate improvements in our community.
Congratulations to our 2019 business award recipients!
Retail Business of the Year:
Toy Safari, owner Helen Dean
Food & Drink Establishment of the Year:
Sidestreet Pho, owned and operated by the Nguyen family
Service Business of the Year:
Visiting Angels, owner/manager Andrew Slakey
Associate Member of the Year:
Craft Chocolate, owner/chocolatier Bente Peterson
Clean, Green, and Safe Business of the Year:
Alameda Natural Grocery, owner Donna Layburn
New Business of the Year:
Swings & Wings, owner Sadiya Kazi-Koya (pictured above with DABA President Otto Wright)
Individuals were also recognized for their inspiring contributions:
Ron Mooney, Daisy’s (Member of the Year)
Allison Shannon, Alameda Theatre & Cineplex (President’s Award)
Eric Olney, Shum Financial (Block Captain of the Year)
Lois Butler, City of Alameda (City Person of the Year)
Stop by and congratulate these folks the next time you’re in Downtown Alameda!
You’ll find a celebration for every interest in Downtown Alameda. Meet up with friends at a favorite restaurant, catch a movie, or extend the evening by ringing in the new year at one of the district’s many parties. There’s even family fun for the kids.
Wine & Waffles (1505 Park Street) Celebrate the new year in color at this New Year’s Eve Glow Party!! DJ Chaz & Co will be playing your favorite party songs, there will be glow-in-the-dark cocktails, and a Black Light Balloon Drop with champagne toast at Midnight. Pre-Party Happy Hour is 6-7pm while the main event is 8pm-Midnight. Info: www.facebook.com/WineandWaffles/
The Lemon Tree (2542 Santa Clara Ave) Get the spotlight shining on you with New Year’s Eve Karaoke. The Lemon Tree and musical hosts Frankie & Gloria will have 10,000 songs to choose from, champagne toast, party favors, and great people to party with! Drop by for a visit, buy a drink, and sing some songs! Info: www.facebook.com/Lemon-Tree-Alameda-139552966096364/
The Churchward Pub (1515 Park Street) Ring in the New Year at the East Bay’s self-proclaimed number one party spot. Experience amazing dj’s, dancing all night long, and video countdown at midnight. For the early birds, an open bar will be available 8:30pm-9:30pm. Get pre-sale tickets now; price goes up at the door. Info: www.thechurchwardpub.com
Fun with the kids: Twirl will be hosting a Balloon Drop at Noon on the afternoon of New Year’s Eve and Swings & Wings will have a toddler dance party at 6:00-8:00pm.
Fun for all ages: High Scores Arcade will be open Noon-10:00pm on New Year’s Eve and and New Year’s Day. Or kick back and enjoy a blockbuster movie at Alameda Theatre & Cineplex for only $5.50 on New Years Eve.
But if you’re looking for a last-minute gathering place with the 21+ crowd, these Downtown Alameda nightspots provide festive fun on New Year’s Eve — no reservations required:
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Bundle up the kids, buy a warm beverage or dessert, and take a stroll to enjoy the festive downtown holiday displays.
You’ll find whimsical snow scenes at places like Megan Small Photography and Spinning Bones, artsy door entrances at places like PHOENIX, and Christmas gift ideas at wonderful shops like Toy Safari.
To cast a vote for your favorite downtown holiday window, post a picture on Instagram or Facebook with hashtags #holidaywindow2019 #downtownalameda — be sure to check in or mention the business in your post. Voting ends December 20.
To access an interactive map of window locations, go to https://DowntownAlameda.com/events/holiday-activities/#windows
Voting has ended! Congratulations to The Sewing Room, Megan Small Photography, and Spinning Bones. In a very close race, the people’s choice award goes to We Are Hair.
Don your favorite holiday sweater, grab your friends and family, and join our Mayor and Santa himself at Alameda’s tree lighting ceremony in front of City Hall on Saturday, December 7. All the festivities and live performances begin at 4:00pm with the popular Hot Cocoa Crawl immediately afterwards.
Stop at participating businesses for delicious hot beverages and special promotions. Sample hot cocoa, complimentary hot cider, a hot cocoa bar with all the toppings, free milk and cookies, and so much more. All ages welcome.
To locate each of the 21 Hot Cocoa Crawl locations and view delicious offerings, access the interactive map on the Downtown Alameda website using a computer or your phone: www.DowntownAlameda.com/holidays#cocoa
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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!
![[image: welcome friends]](https://downtownalameda.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/2022WelcomeFriends3StreamBinSignsLandscapeWine-300x255.png "2022WelcomeFriends3StreamBinSignsLandscapeWine")