Now that Halloween is past, stores are breaking out their winter holiday decorations and preparing for shoppers. Downtown Longmont is no exception.
Beginning Saturday, Downtown Longmont business will kick off the area’s annual Winter Passport program.
In its sixth year, the Winter Passport program encourages people to shop locally during the holidays. Customers receive a Winter Passport sticker for every $10 they spend at participating in Downtown Longmont. It takes 10 stickers to fill an entry form and customers can enter the form into a prize drawing.
Winter Passport forms can be dropped off in a box at St. Stephen’s Plaza, 500 Main St., or at the Longmont Downtown Development Authority at 320 Main St. through Jan. 3.
This year the date of the NextLight “Light up the Plaza” event will be Nov. 18. The event will take place at the Longmont Library and Civic Center Plaza, 350 Kimbark St.
The holiday lighting event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with crafts and activities. Food and warm beverages will be available for purchase. Santa will be available throughout the event to hear the holiday wishes of the young at heart.
The holiday lights will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Small business Saturday, Nov. 25, will include festivities throughout the downtown area. There will be ice carvings in St. Stephen’s Plaza and roaming holiday characters with prizes for unsuspecting shoppers.
" It’s so important to remember to choose local during the holiday season. Shopping locally keeps money within our community (nearly $7 out of every $10 spent) and also allows shoppers to have a unique experience while finding the perfect one-of-a-kind gift. Small business owners are the heartbeat of our downtown neighborhood, they are your friends, community members, and neighbors," said Colin Argys, marketing and event specialist for LDDA.
The following Sunday invites people to support local artists at pop-up markets at Wibby Brewing and Firehouse Art Center.
“We’re excited that the holiday season is upon us once again. It’s a magical time of year and we love seeing all the joy and excitement throughout downtown - whether it’s at events, collecting Winter Passport stickers, or just taking a stroll and enjoying the holiday decorations and displays. We can’t wait to kick off the holiday season and light up downtown! ” Argys said.