Beyond spending locally, this #GivingTuesday, please consider a donation to the Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership as we work to support businesses and bring new programs, initiatives and investments to downtown Kalamazoo.
Check out our 2019 Annual Report to learn how we’re making an impact on Downtown.
A donation to the Partnership supports identifying innovative solutions for public spaces, activating vacant spaces, driving foot traffic, and marketing, promoting, and supporting downtown businesses.
Those interested in joining in the Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership #GivingTuesday initiative can:
Set up a regular donation of $10 per month or more to support the Partnership’s work year-round supporting local businesses
Santa Sightings, presented by the Radisson Plaza Hotel, is a magical place filled with holiday spirit, twinkling lights, and a Jolly old soul!
Things look a little different this year due to the pandemic, but Downtown is committed to providing a safe space to make those holiday memories with your family. Here’s what you need to know:
Santa has moved to a new location OUTDOORS on the patio of Old Burdick’s Bar and Grill (connected to the Radisson Plaza Hotel at 100 East Michigan Avenue)
Santa sightings are safe – stop by anytime during scheduled hours to wave to Santa and Mrs. Claus, share your wish list and even walk away with a goodie bag just for you!
Santa’s coming to town December 5 – December 24. Santa Sightings are scheduled 4-7 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and 12-3 p.m. Sundays through December 20. Special Hours are on December 24 from 12-3 p.m.
Santa Sightings with Black Santa are back Sundays in December from 12-3 p.m. and December 21-23 from 4-7 p.m.
Yes, you can take a picture with Santa – stand in front of the patio and capture a selfie or a family photo (social distance style; no pictures on Santa’s lap this year)
Kids who visit will get a Santa Letter writing kit to take home. The kit includes all materials needed to send a letter to Santa, a holiday craft, wrapped goodies, and more. There will be several Santa mailboxes, sponsored by Consumer Energy, placed throughout downtown for families to send their letters to Santa.
Small Business Saturday(s)
In Downtown Kalamazoo, Small Business Saturday doesn’t end on November 28 – our team is officially declaring every Saturday in December “Small Business Saturday” and calling the community to join the movement to support small businesses.
Whether you shop online, in-person, or even take advantage of curbside pickup, downtown shops have the perfect gift for you this holiday season. Check out our Downtown Kalamazoo Holiday Gift Guide for dozens of gifts from local downtown businesses.
When shopping at a downtown retailer this Small Business Saturday, you will receive an “I Shopped Local – Downtown Kalamazoo” pin. The Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership encourages shoppers to share pictures with their pins and spread the message of shopping locally in downtown throughout the entire holiday season.
Holiday Mall Market
As part of December’s Small Business Saturdays, a Holiday Mall Market featuring local vendors and entrepreneurs will be set up outdoors on the North Kalamazoo Mall.
Above and beyond the state health regulations, we ask the community to wear masks, even while shopping outdoors at the market, and continue to maintain appropriate social distance.
Support local entrepreneurs at the Holiday Mall Market from 4-8 p.m. on December 5, 12, and 19.
