KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership (KDP) announced Monday that a series of free holiday-themed events will be returning to the Downtown Kalamazoo area this year.
The events, sponsored by Consumer Energy, will include Santa’s Workshop, Small Business Saturdays, a window decorating contest and more.
The KDP provided details on each event to WKZO, all of which can be viewed below:
Visit with Santa at the Bronson Park Tree Lighting
Join in on this annual event scheduled 5-7 p.m. on Friday, November 26 in Bronson Park. Festivities include live music, crafts, hot chocolate, and other holiday fun. Visits with Santa, sponsored by the Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership, will be available in the park.
The Tree Lighting Ceremony is always free, and everyone is welcome to join the fun.
Paws with Claus
Bring your furry friend (and your camera) to Gazelle Sports for a fun, holiday photo with Santa Claus before the Bronson Park Tree Lighting from 3-4:30 p.m.
Pet food donations will be collected during the event to donate to local pet shelters – consider purchasing from Beowoof in downtown Kalamazoo.
Plus, enjoy a cast of costumed characters on the Kalamazoo Mall. Special appearances from Olaf, Elsa, Paw Patrol, and Princess Sophia on November 26, 3-5 p.m. and November 27, 12-2 p.m.
Santa’s Workshop opens Saturday, Nov. 27, featuring visits with Black Santa every Thursday and Sunday afternoon
Santa’s Workshop, presented by the Radisson Plaza Hotel Downtown Kalamazoo and supported by the Black Arts and Cultural Center, opens Saturday, November 27 on the first floor of the Radisson Plaza Hotel in the Blush Salon Beauty Lounge Space at 100 W. Michigan Avenue.
Each child who visits will receive a Santa Letter Writing Kit to take home. The kit includes all materials needed to send a letter to Santa, a holiday craft, and wrapped goodies. Santa mailboxes, sponsored by Consumers Energy, will be placed throughout downtown for families to send their letters to Santa.
Mailboxes are located at Rocket Fizz (125 S. Kalamazoo Mall), Spirit of Kalamazoo (154 S. Kalamazoo Mall), outside Old Burdick’s Bar and Grill (100 W. Michigan Ave.), and in the newly renovated Haymarket Plaza.
Santa will see visitors from near and far Thursdays and Fridays from 4 to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 12 to 4 p.m.
In the spirit of ensuring Santa reflects the vibrant diversity of the community, Santa’s Workshop welcomes Black Santa every Thursday and Sunday in December from 12 to 4 p.m.
Getting around Downtown
The Holly Jolly Trolley runs Thursdays through Sundays throughout Downtown Kalamazoo
The Holly Jolly Trolley, sponsored by Kalamazoo Valley Community College, will run its traditional route through Downtown Kalamazoo November 26 – December 29, and on Tuesday, December 31 for New Year’s Eve.
With nine stops throughout dDowntown, the route includes stops at City Hall, along the Kalamazoo Mall, Portage Street and Michigan Avenue.
The trolley will run during the following times:
- Thursdays and Fridays from 5 to 9 p.m.,
- Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and
- Sundays from 12 to 4 p.m.
Special hours include Friday, December 24 from 12 to 4 p.m. and Friday, December 31 from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
All trolley rides are free.
Park for free Thursdays in Epic Parking ramp throughout December
Returning this year, enjoy free Parking Thursdays in December in the Epic Parking ramp, located on South and Lovell Streets.
Free 90-minute on-street parking is also available throughout downtown, plus free parking all day Sundays.
Support local businesses this holiday season
Officials are encouraging residents to shop local for the holiday season, starting with Small Business Saturday on November 27.
In addition, each Saturday through December will be a Small Business Saturday.
To help encourage local support, the KDP recently launched a Downtown Dollars BOGO deal.
Between November 5 – November 19, when a customer purchases $20 in Downtown Dollars, they will receive an added $10 free.
This deal is limited to $100 per person until funds run out.
Many of the businesses will host in-store promotions and specials. Plus, when shopping at a downtown retailer this Small Business Saturday, customers will receive a limited-edition reusable holiday retail shopping bag, while supplies last.
Additional information on Small Business Saturday can be found by clicking here.
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