Here Come Santa Claus and Small Business Saturday Event Guide

Here Comes Santa Claus Event Guide

When: Friday, November 25, from 6 - 8:30 pm
Where: Old City Hall, Peace Plaza, Shops at University Square (111 S Broadway)
Parking: Parking at all City ramps and street parking is free after 5 pm. The two closest ramps will be 3rd Street Ramp and Center Street Ramp. Click here for more options.
Official Webpage: DowntownRochesterMN.com

Schedule & Activities

4 - 6 pm, Cambria presents, Cookies and Cocoa - Visit Cambria for a festive get-together offering cookies and hot cocoa at the Cambria gallery. Space is limited. RSVP by today to JessicaMarkley@cambriaUSA.com
6 pm, Santa rescued from atop Old City Hall
6:30 pm, Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony - the City’s largest switch-flipping ceremony will take place with the community countdown lead by Rochester Mayor Ardell Brede
Following the tree lighting ceremony, follow Santa inside the Shops at University Square for a meet and greet!

“Here Comes Santa Claus,” downtown Rochester’s cherished holiday tradition, features appearances by Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, local celebrities, live entertainment, and Peace Plaza tree lighting ceremony. Click here for more information and schedule.

This Saturday: Small Business Saturday

When: Saturday, November 26, all day
Where: Downtown Rochester
Parking: Parking at all City ramps and street parking is free on Saturday. Click here for map.
Official Webpage: DowntownRochesterMN.com

November 26th marks the seventh annual Small Business Saturday, a day to support the local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy, and preserve neighborhoods.

IN STORE ACTIVITIES AND DEALS

(Click business name for details)

#ShopSmall Selfie Contest

Show your support on Small Business Saturday with selfies at local businesses and be entered to win a $100 gift card to a downtown small business of your choice!

How to play:

Visit any downtown Rochester small business on Small Business Saturday, Nov 26
Take a photo or selfie (at the business)
Post it online and tag us on Facebook at DowntownRochesterMN, on Twitter at @DowntownRochMN, and/or Instagram at @DowntownRochesterMN
Use the hashtag #ShopSmall

Multiple posts/submissions welcome! Actually, it's encouraged. Click here for more details.

There's Still Time: 'Why do you Shop Small?' Facebook contest

Click here and tell us why you Shop Small for a chance to win a $50 gift card. Two winners will be chosen. Visit our Facebook page now.

stART-UP Grant Application Deadline is November 30

Above: stART-UP Grant recipient Rochester Jazz Fest

Have a new event that could use some help getting off the ground? Submit your request to the the Rochester Downtown Alliance, Downtown Cultural Initiatives Committee's stART-UP Grant.

Funds range up to $3,000 for grassroots artists or organizers putting on events that are diverse, different, new (first-time), and celebrate arts & culture in downtown Rochester. Click here for more information.

Deadline for applications is November 30. Click here for a printable handout.

SocialICE 2017 Wall of ICE Opportunity

Get exposure for your business during one of the busiest winter events with the SocialICE 2017 Wall of ICE. The Wall of ICE will provide your business the opportunity to gain exposure to over 40,000 people over the course of 3 days. Click here for more information.

End the Battle of Where to Eat & Drink

Downtown Rochester has choices bound to bring everyone together. Check out the full list of places to Eat & Drink on our newly re-designed website. Click here for more information.