December to Remember 2023
Thank you to the community for participating in our festive December activities in downtown Davis!
12th annual Window Decorating Contest + downtown festivities
The city of Davis’ annual Candlelight Parade & Tree Lighting was held on Thursday, Nov. 30th. The beloved Candlelight Parade begins at the Davis Food Co-op and ended at E Street Plaza, just in time for the holiday tree lighting. The city of Davis hosted several performances in E Street Plaza throughout the evening, along with a horse-and-carriage ride and other family-friendly attractions. It was definitely an evening to remember!
Davis Downtown “unwrapped” the town the same night as the city tree lighting!
November 30 to December 22 – Window Decorating Contest:
Downtown Davis was aglow with holiday décor this season, with 23 businesses taking part in our 12th annual Window Decorating Contest.
From Nov. 30 through the new year, we encouraged members to shine bright with holiday spirit. A secret panel of community judges volunteered to rate the displays. There was also an opportunity for a People’s Choice prize, through online voting. Judging and voting took place through Dec. 22.
The official winners were Mabel’s Farm Box, first place; The Paint Chip, second place; and a three-way tie for third place: Bella Luna Jewelers, Bubble Belly and Woodstock’s Pizza.
Honorable mentions were Coldwell Banker Select Real Estate, Pomegranate Salon, and Bohéme Clothing & Gifts.
In the People’s Choice category, the winner was Zumapoke. Honorable mentions were The Paint Chip (a close second), Davis Creamery and Bubble Belly. The top winning entries in each category (not including honorable mentions) will receive Davis Downtown gift cards.
Judges praised the Mabel’s Farm Box display. One called it “a creative approach to an advent calendar, with fun surprises every day. It also effectively markets things the store sells.”
Another judge noted The Paint Chip’s windows: “They never disappoint with their hand-painted themes that change each year.”
Bubble Belly got compliments as well: “I’m so glad that this business takes the time and effort to make their gingerbread-style building into a Christmas spectacle each year.”
Bella Luna’s windows were called “stunning and classy. Classy like their jewelry, but also colorful like their painted animal collection on display in the window.”
A judge noted the Woodstock’s display as “classic window paint that hit the mark. I loved the pizza tree and how the artist made use of its many windows.”
Other participating businesses that added to the holiday spirit were: Avid & Co., European Wax Center, Fleet Feet, Let Them Eat Cake, Logos Books, Lu’Ro Jewelers, Mamma Davis, Mishka’s Cafe, Pure Barre Davis, Starchild Massage Therapy, The Artery, The Avid Reader, and the UC Davis Downtown Store.
December 8 to 10 – Holiday Skate Rink on G Street
The Davis Phoenix Coalition brought synthetic ice skating to Davis for a unique winter holiday experience. They closed out the year in a big way, and always look for ways to fulfill their mission of bringing community together while celebrating across diversity. Many enjoyed this unique family-friendly experience and helped the organization with their last fundraiser of the year.
The ice skating rink was located on G Street between 2nd & 3rd Streets and was open for three days between December 8 – 10.
December 16 – Holiday Open Mic event in E Street Plaza
Davis Downtown hosted an open mic event in E Street Plaza in mid-December. This provided an opportunity for poets, musicians, orators and comedians to share their holiday cheer. Interested community members were able to sign up and take the mic free of charge.
A special thank you goes out to The Newman Associates and Watermelon Music for sponsoring and coordinating the Davis Downtown Holiday Open Mic event.
December 4 to 22 – “Let’s Go!” Shop Local Social Media Challenge:
Davis Downtown hosted a giveaway in the month of December to encourage social media traffic while helping build some enthusiasm that brought people downtown.
Any interested participant only had to follow a few simple steps:
1. Follow Davis Downtown on Facebook and/or Instagram
2. Like the Facebook and/or Instagram posts that displayed the graphic below.
3. Tag a friend they wanted to take downtown!
They were also encouraged to tag their favorite downtown businesses.
The contest’s grand prize was a $100 Davis Downtown eGift Card! Others included two prizes for $50 eGift Cards, and four $25 eGift Cards. These gift cards may be used at any of the 50+ participating downtown businesses in the program! Check out our Gift Card webpage for a complete list.
