The Downcity Holiday Social Is Back and Better Than Ever

There’s nothing like the city at Christmas — twinkling lights, ice skaters, bustling shoppers excitedly ticking items off their Christmas lists. And this year, InDowncity is teaming up with Aurora and Cornish Associates to give shoppers one more reason to head for the excitement of downtown. Every Saturday, from Nov 29 through Dec 20, shoppers can duck in to Aurora to fuel up for a day of downtown shopping or take a break between purchases.

Aurora will have hot chocolate and cookies for the kids and Bloody Marys for the adults, the purchase of which grants access to Aurora’s beautiful bagel bar with all the fixin’s. While adults warm up and chat, the kids can watch a classic holiday film, curated by Movies on the Block — think Rudolph and Frosty. Paperworks is providing complimentary supplies for kids young and old to write a letter to Santa before meeting the man in red himself and taking home a Polaroid to remember him by.

All of the shops in the area are also getting into the spirit of things. If you see a perfect gift for someone you love (even if that someone is you!), snap a picture and Tweet or Instagram it with the tag #HolidaySocialPVD. Every Saturday, a photo will be chosen at random and the winner will receive a $200 gift certificate to the participating Downcity store that holds the coveted item.

“It’s a great community of shops in that area,” said Kristin Crane, marketing for InDowncity. “Rather than there being a competitive spirit, the shop proprietors get excited for each other and help promote each other.”

And some of the area shops and other Providence institutions are getting involved in the fun at Aurora each Saturday. There’s a different theme each week with different vendors and events at Aurora. On Small Business Saturday, Nov 29, shoppers can pick up a canvas tote bag. On Dec 6 will be an arts celebration with dancers from Festival Ballet performing excerpts from The Nutcracker, carolers from The Wheeler School, and a paper craft for kids set up by Paperworks. The Rock + Roll Yard Sale will take place Dec 13. If you have a music lover on your list, don’t miss this event. Local vendors will be on hand with vinyl records, music stuff, vintage clothing and accessories, collectibles, jewelry, and handmade goods for sale. The last Saturday of the month, Dec 20, is dedicated to those last-minute shoppers among us. There will be plenty of Bloody Marys and bagels still available to fortify shoppers as they get those last items on their lists.

So as Christmas gets closer, head downtown to support your community and have a little fun while you shop. There’s a Bloody Mary with your name on it!

http://www.auroraprovidence.com/