Downtown New Haven retailers launch holiday promotions, concerts

Photo | Contributed The corner of Broadway and York.

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By Liese Klein

Discounts, outdoor performances and the Holiday Shopping Passport promotion are all back for 2021 with the launch of downtown New Haven’s holiday shopping season.

With the Holiday Shopping Passport, running now through Dec. 19, shoppers who spend $25 or more at any three of 45 participating retailers get a chance to win a prize package valued at $1,125.

Retailers taking part in the passport promotion include over 40 businesses, such as Breathing Room Yoga, Atticus Bookstore Cafe and the Wine Thief.

Shops at Yale retailers are hosting Santa & Mrs. Claus on Saturdays and Sundays starting this weekend, with visits from 1-3 p.m. for storytelling & selfies at Book Trader Cafe, Claire's Corner Copia and the Yale Bookstore. Visit theshopsatyale.com for more details.

Attractions starting Saturday also include the Connecticut Yuletide Carolers, who will be performing in the Broadway and Chapel area in traditional garb on Saturdays from 12:30-4:30 p.m. with additional performances from the Andy Wolf Holiday Tubulation Series.

Other holiday promotions include free cocoa or coffee when you spend $25 or more and two hours of free parking with a same-day $25 retail or restaurant receipt from participating merchants in November and December.

Bruno Baggetta, interim director of marketing and communications for Market New Haven, said, “It is our hope that by maintaining an immersive holiday shopping experience, we will provide some much-needed holiday cheer. With the variety of retail options downtown provides, shoppers will find the perfect holiday gifts while supporting small businesses and without the added stress of packages arriving late.”

Contact Liese Klein at lklein@newhavenbiz.com.