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November 27th, 2024

NEWSLETTER

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Hello Newsletter Readers,


Thanksgiving is officially one day out and we are feeling overwhelmingly grateful for this wonderful downtown community of ours. This past weekend, CU's biggest fan, Ms. Peggy Coppom, Santa, Mrs. Claus, Freezie the Snowman, Congressman Joe Neguse and hundreds of community spectators gathered in the heart of the Pearl Street Mall as we officially 'Switched on the Holidays'! In case you missed it, check out the photo gallery, or even better, come visit and see for yourself!


This year's virtual winter events, Find Freezie Scavenger Hunt and Snow Much Fun AR Experiences, kicked off with a new look. Local AR company - Reality Mint brings refreshed winter-inspired virtual visuals and games to each block of the Pearl Street Mall. Looking for step-by-step instructions for these new experiences? Check out Virtual AR Experience's Frequently Asked Questions.


'Tis the season to Love the Local! Small Business Saturday (Weekend) kicks off this Friday, November 29th - Sunday, December 1st! This local shopping extravaganza doubles as the perfect opportunity to find one-of-a-kind gifts for upcoming holiday celebrations. Struggling with gift inspiration/ideas? Check out this year's Downtown Boulder Holiday Gift Guide.


Looking for more to do this month? Check out downtown's online Event Calendar for more happenings throughout the district.

Last newsletter asked for your favorite color of downtown's winter lights. The top answer was White at 41%! This week, we want to know which of the following Downtown Boulder winter events you are most excited about...

Which Downtown Boulder winter experience are you most excited about?
Small Business Saturday (Weekend)
St. Nick on the Bricks
Find Freezie Scavenger Hunt
Lights of December Parade
Freezie Fest & Cookie Crawl
Snow Much Fun AR Experiences

News You Can Use

Shop Small Business Saturday (Weekend)

Friday, November 29th | Saturday, November 30th | Sunday, December 1st

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Show your love for the locals and shop small at participating businesses all-weekend long during downtown's annual Small Business Saturday (Weekend) extravaganza! From prime gift-shopping deals to must-have seasonal styles - downtown businesses are ready to WOW you with their in-store celebrations! Psst...looking for deets on event-exclusive offerings? Check out this month's shopping specials page.

Shop Small

How to Love the Local in Three Days...

Check out these tips to support downtown's local businesses during

Small Business Saturday (Weekend)!

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The Polk Family from Pedestrian Shops

Locally-owned and operated businesses are the heart of downtown's vibrant community. From one-of-a-kind women-owned businesses and new entrepreneurs all the way down to the deeply rooted generations of the "OG" and family-run businesses, shopping and dining locally supports the dreams of real-life people. In addition to Small Business Saturday (Weekend), keep in mind other opportunities to supporting your local retail and restaurant community. Check out these seven (FREE) tips to further extend your Love for the Local...


  1. Follow / engage with businesses on social media.
  2. Recommend places to friends / family.
  3. Sign up for store / restaurant newsletters.
  4. Write a positive Google review.
  5. Walk in a shop you've never been into before.
  6. Eat at a restaurant you've never tried.
  7. SHOP SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY WEEKEND - and keep coming back!


Want to learn more about the businesses you are supporting? Meet your downtown neighbors when you explore downtown's business spotlights.

Business Spotlights

St. Nick on the Bricks

Friday, November 29th & Saturdays through December 14th | 11 AM - 3 PM

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Santa Claus is coming to (down)town! Stop by the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center from 11 AM - 2 PM this Friday, November 29th and Saturdays through December 14th for free visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Pro Tip: Make sure to have your wish list and camera ready in hand! If one visit with Santa isn't enough, you can also catch him at Rosetta Hall for additional free visits on Sundays (December 8th, 15th), as well as Saturday and Sunday, December 21st and 22nd from 11 AM - 1:30 PM.


During St. Nick on the Bricks, children ages 10 and under (and accompanying adults) can hop on the 100% Electric Snowflake Express for a free ride along the Pearl Street Mall (weather-permitting). All Aboard!


Downtown Boulder Community Initiatives (a 501c3) is committed to keeping our events free and accessible for everyone. While St. Nick on the Bricks and rides on the Snowflake Express are completely free, we kindly suggest a donation of $10 per group for Santa visits and $5 donation per group for Snowflake Express rides to help support these cherished community traditions!

Visit Santa

Retailers Supporting Restaurants Promotion

Enjoy exclusive retail deals when you dine downtown!

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It pays to Love the Local! Our friends at prAna Boulder, crafted the perfect way to support downtown's restaurant scene when they inspired the Retailers Supporting Restaurants promotion. Thanks to the support of participating downtown retailers, exclusive offers and discounts are available for dining anywhere within the downtown district.


Participating in this one-of-a-kind promotion is as easy as one, two, three...


  1. Dine at any downtown restaurant this winter season (now through December 31, 2024);
  2. Bring a food receipt within 48 hours of eating in to participating retailers;
  3. Receive exclusive offers!
View Participating Retailers

Lights of December Parade

Saturday, December 7th | 6 PM | Throughout Downtown

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The vibrant Lights of December Parade returns Saturday, December 7th at 6 PM for an evening of all things merry and bright! Watch as community groups, churches, local businesses, schools and others parade throughout downtown with Santa Claus in tow! This year's parade route with start on 15th & Walnut streets heading west to Broadway, then north on Broadway and east on Spruce - finishing on 15th & Spruce.

Parade Here

Job Openings


Interested in working downtown? Check out which businesses are hiring.

Find Jobs
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Shopping Specials


Winter is just around the corner and it's time to go shopping for fresh styles. Explore monthly shopping specials to discover deals at your favorite downtown stores.

Let's Shop
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Foodie Friday


If you love local coffee shops, rooftop bars, good eats or food specials, then check out Foodie Friday. Updated weekly, this food blog gives you all the latest news about where and what to eat downtown. Dig in!

Time to Eat
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Things To Do Downtown


Are you someone that always likes to have your calendar mapped out? Check out the Things To Do Downtown blog, where we give you all the dates and activities to fill your social schedule each month.

Get Busy
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Newsletter Archive


Did you miss a newsletter and want to catch up on all things Downtown Boulder? Check out our newsletter archive to view past publications.

View Newsletters
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FOUND DOWNTOWN

What is the name of downtown Boulder's snowman mascot?


Email your answer to

info@downtownboulder.org with the subject line "Found Downtown" by Dec. 10th, for a chance to win a $25 Downtown Boulder Gift Card. Congrats to Matt M., our last Found Downtown winner! The correct answer was: Boulder County Courthouse

I FOUND IT