If Arvada families are getting excited for anything this time of year, it’s the winter traditions distinctive of Olde Town. The Olde Town Arvada Business Improvement District has organized a combination of past elements and new developments for local parents and children this upcoming winter, starting on November 27th and running through December 19th. Some notable events include Small Business Saturday, the Olde Town Holiday Market, the famous tradition of Lagniappe, the annual Eggnog and Cider Competition, and the first-ever Olde Town Holiday Maker’s Market. Read on to get a feel for what Olde Town has in store this holiday season.
No. 1
Holiday Happenings in Olde Town starts off with Small Business Saturday, taking place at 10:30 a.m. over at Olde Town Square. The event will be offering free coffee, courtesy of Hunter Bay Coffee Roasters Arvada, as well as free breakfast tacos from the cooks at School House Kitchen and Libations for the first 100 attendees. To add to the excitement, the occasion will be awarding prizes from a collection of local shops to those who register. Small Business Saturday doesn’t end there though - attendees will also be invited to the Annual Olde Town Tree Lighting by the Mayor. Since most businesses in Olde Town begin to turn on their holiday lights around 5:00 p.m., the celebration begins with a holiday march starting at Carly’s Boutique. Following the march, you and your family can enjoy a relaxing time in the Square, sipping hot cocoa and awaiting your name to be called throughout the prize giveaways. Of course, the tree lighting will take place as well at 6:00 p.m. in accordance with Arvada tradition!
No. 2
Next, Holiday Happenings in Olde Town is keeping adolescent dreams alive throughout early and mid-December with the free opportunity to see Santa in person! Starting on December 4th, Santa will be available to grant young wishes at 57th and Olde Wadsworth Blvd from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The big bearded fellow will also be making an appearance on the 11th and 18th, in the same place, at the same time.
No. 3
Additionally, on these same dates between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., the Olde Town Holiday Market will be in session. This fruitful event showcases the work of dozens of local vendors who offer handmade gifts, toys, and mouthwatering food options. Such gifts and trinkets include handcrafted candles, clothes, jewelry, soaps, sauces, and mixes aimed at taking your holiday self-care and cuisine to the next level. The Holiday Market is the result of a partnership with the Arvada Farmers Market, while Saturdays with Santa have been organized by the Olde Town Arvada Business Improvement District.
No. 4
Next, the famous Lagniappe tradition, as well as the Olde Town Eggnog and Cider Competition, will be taking place on December 6th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
As you very well may know, Lagniappe is a familiar Arvada tradition where merchants and business owners include a little something extra for their customers with each purchase. To many locals, this is the most symbolic trait of the tradition - to others, it’s the late hours and late-night conversations which draw them to Olde Town in the winter. Just be sure to pronounce it right (“lawn-yap”).
The annual Eggnog and Cider Competition, similarly to recent celebrations, will feature eggnog and cider from a number of different participating businesses. Entries in past years have included eggnog ice cream from Scrumptious and eggnog whoopie pies by Global Goods & Coffee - not to mention the alcoholic drinks from School House Kitchen & Libations which kept parents coming back for more. Those wishing to partake will need to purchase a pass to visit participating businesses, from whom they’ll receive samples of eggnog and cider around the walkways of Olde Town before voting for a winner.
No. 5
Lastly, the debut of the Olde Town Holiday Makers Market will be taking place from November 26th to December 19th. Streets will be closed down, outdoor activities will take place, and open container ordinances will be in the public’s favor! Thanks to the work of the Olde Town Arvada Business Improvement District, Olde Town is being continuously refined as a prime holiday destination for the family to enjoy. The market will feature local creators and artists who you may recognize from around the block, harboring a passion to show their works to the surrounding community.
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Be sure to browse the collections of the vendors at the Olde Town Holiday Makers Market, as many of them offer unique gifting options for any last minute holiday purchases. The event exclusively takes place on the weekends between November 26th and December 19th, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Fridays and 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
