Downtown Longmont will transform into a winter wonderland of festivities starting Saturday. Each week events, shopping promotions and immersive experiences for everyone will spread holiday joy.
The season will begin Saturday with the launch of Longmont Downtown Development Authority's annual Winter Passport. The program runs through Jan. 3. Patrons can participate in the program by shopping at downtown businesses and collecting passport stickers. After they collect 10 stickers, or a page, they can fill out the form on the back of the page and drop it off at one of three downtown locations; St. Stephen's Plaza at 500 Main St., LDDA office at 320 Main St. or at High Country Bank at 110 Main St.
Participants can win up to $1,000 in prizes from gift cards to other prizes provided by local businesses. Drawings will be held periodically throughout the season.
The festivities continue on Nov. 16 with the Fall Al Fresco Sidewalk Sale and Street Market. Local businesses and street vendors will line the streets offering sidewalk sales and homemade gifts from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
On Nov. 23, people from far and wide will gather at the Longmont Library for the annual holiday lighting event. This year the event will feature mariachi performances by Las Dahlias, holiday music, craft activities, sweet treats and warm drinks. Santa will also be there welcoming attendees to snap a photo with the jolly elf.
Longmont will celebrate Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30, welcoming shoppers to support more than 100 local businesses in the downtown area. There will be photo opportunities in St. Stephen's Plaza and holiday characters will roam the area. Later in the day, patrons are invited to participate in a Dress Up Downtown Santa Crawl where they will find participating businesses offering themed food and drink specials, games, challenges and more.
On Dec. 7, family and friends are invited downtown to capture memorable holiday moments during the Downtown Seasonal Smile Photo Opportunity event. LDDA has commissioned three ice sculptures that will appear throughout downtown. Patrons can also enjoy a 10-foot walk-in illuminated ornament/snow globe that will be located at St. Stephen's Plaza.
The annual Holiday Lights Parade is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Dec. 14 on Main St. Patrons who shop in the downtown shops can earn double stickers for the Winter Passport Program before and after the parade. To celebrate the season, a pre-party will be held in the 300 block of Main St. at 4 p.m. Kids can register for the annual Shoes & Brews' Main St. Kids Run at www.shoesbrews.com.
The holiday celebrations continue on Dec. 21 with a Winter Solstice Celebration and Astronomy on the Sidewalk. TinkerMill will host an astronomy event from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. featuring a telescope and solar scope. Nature crafts, activities and food and drink special will also be available.
The season ends with a Roaring 20s costume crawl on Dec. 28. Patrons are encouraged to dress in 20s garb as they wander through the many sales and themed activities downtown.
Want something to enjoy anytime? Downtown Longmont is also hosting a Downtown Ornament Scavenger Hunt. Downtown businesses are placing a painted ceramic snow globe ornament in their windows during the season. Those who would like to participate can grab a clue sheet, search for the ornaments and return the sheet for a chance to win a Downtown gift card.
Local businesses will also participate in a holiday display and decoration contest between Nov. 30 and Dec. 31. QR codes will be displayed by each display for people to vote for their favorite. The winning business will receive a cash prize.
