What's Happening

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 favorite and help artists win cash and prizes from sponsors Digifli and Flax Art & Design. Voting ends on December 17.

To place your vote for the People’s Choice category, post a picture of your favorite window on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter using the hashtag #DAHWC — be sure to include the shop name in your post.

Not on social media? You can still grab a ballot at your favorite window and then drop it in Santa’s Mailbox in front of the Alameda Theatre & Cineplex.

Prizes will be awarded in four additional categories: 1) Most Original, 2) Most Traditional, 3) Best Use of Lights, and 4) Best Use of Merchandise/Products.

Jessica and Wes Warren, owners of Studio 23, have been working hand-in-hand with the Downtown Association to make the district twinkle. Jess & Wes matched local artists with downtown business owners and the end results can be seen in the dozens of holiday window displays.

Our wonderful panel of judges will be out viewing the windows on an unannounced night: Mayor Trish Spencer (City of Alameda), Amos White (manager of Beyond Words: Jazz and Poetry), Liz Rush (Public Arts Commissioner, City of Alameda), Heather Reed (photographer), and Sarah Henry (Public Information Officer, City of Alameda).

Information about the artists and the judge can be viewed on the 2nd Friday ArtWalk website.

To find the 26 businesses that are participating in the contest, view the interactive map on our website: www.DowntownAlameda.com/holidays#windows.

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Who has the best window display? Cast your vote for one of these businesses:  (more…)

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.