Get ready to embrace the magic of the holiday season in downtown Ottawa! We’re thrilled to present a comprehensive lineup of festive events and activities for 2024, designed to bring cheer to visitors of all ages. From the grand opening of our Chris Kringle Market to delightful ornament-making workshops and the sparkling “Gingerbread Lane” Christmas Tree, there’s something for everyone. This year’s celebrations include holiday-themed shopping, seasonal dining specials, family-friendly activities, and unique experiences that capture the spirit of Ottawa’s charming downtown. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, please plan to join us for a holiday season full of joy, community, and festive fun!
November
Nov. 17
Iconic + Small Dog Holiday Event
Nov. 23
Christmas Craft & Bake Sale
Open Table, 10 am-2 pm
Fri., Nov. 29
Chris Kringle Market-Opening Day!
Noon-7 pm, Jordan Block and Washington Square Park
Festival of Lights Parade & Deck the Park
6-7:30 pm, Downtown Ottawa
Sat., Nov. 30
Chris Kringle Market
11-7 pm, Jordan Block and Washington Square Park
Santa Mini Photo Sessions
Paquette Photography at Prairie Fox Books
Appointment needed, $75
December
Sun., Dec. 1
Chris Kringle Market
11-4 pm, Jordan Block and Washington Square Park
Santa Mini Photo Sessions
Paquette Photography at Prairie Fox Books
Appointment needed, $75
Fri., Dec. 6
Chris Kringle Market
4-8 pm, Jordan Block and Washington Square Park
Reddick Mansion Candlelight Open House
6-8 pm, Reddick Mansion
Sat., Dec. 7
Chris Kringle Market 11 am-7 pm, Jordan Block and Washington Square Park
Holiday Make and Take &6-Year Anniversary Open Space, Sat. Dec. 7, Noon-5 pm
Pictures with the Grinch Hey Sweetie, 11 am-Noon
Pictures with the Grinch PersonaliTees, Sat., Dec. 7, Noon-4
Merry Everything Holiday Home Tour Meet at Reddick Mansion, 3-8 pm
Sun., Dec. 8
Chris Kringle Market 11 am-4 pm, Jordan Block and Washington Square Park
Pictures with the Grinch Hey Sweetie, 11 am-Noon
Friday, Dec. 13
Chris Kringle Market 4-8 pm, Jordan Block and Washington Square Park
Krampus Cookie Crawl 4-8 pm, Various Downtown Businesses
Pictures with Krampus 4-8 pm, Bold and Curvy Boutique
Reddick Mansion Candlelight Open House 6-8 pm, Reddick Mansion
Sat., Dec. 14
Storytime with Santa Reddick Library, 11 am-Noon
Fri., Dec. 20
Chris Kringle Market 4-8 pm, Jordan Block and Washington Square Park
Sat., Dec. 21
Chris Kringle Market 11 am-7 pm, Jordan Block and Washington Square Park
Sat., Dec. 22
Chris Kringle Market– Final Day! 11 am-4 pm, Jordan Block and Washington Square Park
OTTAWA, ILLINOIS | NOV. 11, 2024 | The Ottawa Downtown Association announced that the Discover Ottawa Gift card now offers a diverse range of restaurants, retailers, and services from 27 different merchants in the community, all accessible from one digital gift card. This makes supporting local businesses as quick and easy as shopping online.
Discover Ottawa is a favorite gift because recipients get to choose where to use it. They can spend it all in one spot or multiple times in many different places. For example, you could give the gift of a “Morning on LaSalle Street” where your loved one starts with a coffee from her favorite barista, pops into a boutique, and then meets a friend for lunch – all using the same Community eGift Card.
In the Right Place at the Right Time
Recent holiday shopping trends related to 1) local businesses, 2) gift cards, 3) online shopping and 4) overall spending suggest that the Discover Ottawa is in the right place at the right time. Lasting effects from the pandemic have heightened consumer interest in shopping local. According to a recent study by ActiveCampaign, a company specializing in customer experience automation, 84% of consumers said they plan to shop small during the holidays.
Moreover, gift cards have been consumers’ top choice holiday gifts for many years, but generational trends and consumer preference for choice have caused even more growth in gift cards’ share of holiday spending. According to a Blackhawk Network report, consumers plan to spend 48% of their holiday budget on gift cards, up from 39% in 2023. Being an all-digital gift card, the Discover Ottawa Gift Card also leverages the growth in online shopping, providing a 24/7 sales channel for local businesses who may or may not have their own e-commerce site.
Finally, based on the National Retail Foundation’s (NRF) 2024 winter holidays survey, consumer spending on holiday gifts this year will reach a new record: $902 per person, up $25 per person from 2023. By giving the Discover Ottawa Gift Card, you are keeping that revenue in our community and giving people what they want, all while supporting the local merchants that make our community unique.
Our mission is to champion and nurture the heart of our city. We are dedicated to fostering a thriving, dynamic downtown community, empowering local businesses, and supporting exceptional events and activities for residents and visitors alike. Through collaboration and innovation, we aim to create an inclusive and vibrant core that reflects the spirit and diversity of our beloved city.
About Yiftee, Keep Local Dollars Local
Yiftee is the leading provider of Community Gift Cards with more than 600 communities and 20,000 merchants throughout the United States. Yiftee partners with Chambers, Main Streets, Downtowns and Cities in each community to brand and market the cards locally. There is no cost to the organizers or merchants for the program and set-up is fast and easy. Yiftee also provides custom-branded cards for individual merchants, franchises, and chains. More info at Yiftee.com, email: [email protected].
The Perfect Holiday Gift Supporting Local Businesses!
This holiday season, give the gift of local shopping and dining while supporting the heart of downtown Ottawa! The City of Ottawa, Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce, Ottawa Downtown Association, and the Ottawa Visitors Center have partnered to bring you the Discover Ottawa Gift Card Program—an innovative, convenient way to encourage shopping close to home. Starting November 8th, these gift cards will be available for purchase online, just in time for the holidays!
Discover Ottawa Gift Cards are redeemable at over a dozen locations in downtown Ottawa, with more businesses joining soon. Purchasing a Discover Ottawa Gift Card is not only a great gift for family, friends, and colleagues; it’s also a meaningful way to invest in our local economy. Every dollar spent with a Discover Ottawa Gift Card remains in our community, benefiting local businesses and strengthening Ottawa’s vibrant shopping and dining scene. Visit https://app.yiftee.com/gift-card/downtown-ottawa/ for a complete list of participating businesses, and look for the “Discover Ottawa Accepted Here” stickers in storefront windows!
Perfect for Gifting and Supporting Your Favorite Businesses
This program is a win-win for both gift card holders and local businesses. Participating in the program is free for merchants, making it an appealing choice for Ottawa’s small businesses. We also invite our local companies to consider Discover Ottawa Gift Cards as a thoughtful holiday gift for their employees, offering them the flexibility to shop and dine at any participating business.
Available year-round, these gift cards make every season special. Recipients will love exploring the many shops, cafes, and restaurants Ottawa has to offer. This initiative not only boosts our local economy but also celebrates the charm and character of Ottawa’s downtown.
As you plan for the holidays, consider a Discover Ottawa Gift Card. Let’s keep our dollars local, enjoy the festive ambiance, and shop and dine in Ottawa—The Middle of Everywhere!
Ottawa, IL — October 21 2024: The Ottawa Downtown Association (ODA) proudly presented a $500 donation to the Ottawa Exploreum Children’s Museum during Smoketoberfest on Saturday, October 12. This contribution highlights ODA’s ongoing commitment to fostering a vibrant and thriving downtown area that enriches the lives of both residents and visitors.
The donation is part of the ODA’s effort to support the Ottawa Exploreum in reaching its fundraising goals as it works to open a new, interactive children’s museum in the heart of downtown Ottawa. The museum will serve as a fantastic addition to the area, offering fun and educational experiences that ignite curiosity and creativity in children of all ages.
“This donation represents our commitment to fostering a vibrant downtown for residents and visitors alike,” said Cassi Skoflanc, ODA President. “The children’s museum will be a fantastic addition to our downtown area, and we are thrilled to be able to help them reach their fundraising goal! We believe this project will not only inspire young minds but also enhance the community’s cultural and family-friendly offerings.”
Cassi Skoflanc, ODA President and Heather Pursley, ODA Vice-President were pleased to present the check to Donna Reynolds, Operations Tourism Manager, Ottawa Visitor’s Center; Stephanie Stacy, local business owner and Exploreum Board Member; and Wayne Eichelkraut, Ottawa Special Events Committee.
The ODA encourages local businesses and community members to join them in supporting the Ottawa Exploreum as it continues its fundraising efforts. The museum is set to become a dynamic and integral part of the downtown experience, attracting both local families and visitors from out of town. For more information, please visit https://srccf.org/fund/ottawa-exploreum-childrens-museum-fiscal-sponsorship-agreement/
About the Ottawa Downtown Association: The Ottawa Downtown Association is dedicated to promoting the vitality of Ottawa’s historic downtown district. Through events, advocacy, and community involvement, the ODA works to create a vibrant, welcoming space for residents and visitors alike.
About the Ottawa Exploreum Children’s Museum: The Ottawa Exploreum Children’s Museum provides interactive exhibits and educational programming designed to foster creativity, imagination, and curiosity in children. The museum serves as a resource for families in Ottawa and the surrounding region, offering engaging experiences that inspire learning through play.
Ottawa Downtown Association Presents “A Victorian Haunting: A Taste of Ottawa and Its Spirits” on October 19
Ottawa, IL – July 26, 2024 – The Ottawa Downtown Association is delighted to announce its upcoming fundraising event, “A Victorian Haunting: A Taste of Ottawa and Its Spirits,” taking place on October 19, 2024. This unique and immersive experience will offer attendees an evening filled with gourmet food, handcrafted drinks, historic exploration, and festive activities, all set against the enchanting backdrop of Victorian-era Ottawa.
Event Details:
Date: October 19, 2024
Time: 4-8 PM (Check-in begins at 4:00 PM)
Check-In Location: Saffron Bazaar, 123 Main St, Ottawa, IL 61350
Highlights of the Evening:
Chef-Curated Appetizers: Guests will enjoy five gourmet appetizers from some of Ottawa’s finest restaurants, showcasing the culinary prowess of the city’s top chefs.
Hand-Crafted Cocktails: Two exclusive hand-crafted cocktails will be served, created by Ottawa’s premier mixologists to perfectly complement the evening’s theme. 21+ Must show ID at check-in.
Exclusive Access to the Reddick Mansion: Attendees will have the rare opportunity to explore the historic Reddick Mansion, an iconic landmark that will be open exclusively for this event.
Costume Contest: Guests are encouraged to come dressed in their best Victorian or Halloween attire for a chance to win exciting prizes in our costume contest.
Victorian Parlor Activities: Various downtown businesses will host Victorian-themed activities, from fortune-telling to vintage games, offering a range of engaging and nostalgic experiences.
“This event is a celebration of Ottawa’s rich history and vibrant culinary scene,” said Cassi Skoflanc, President of the Ottawa Downtown Association. “We’re excited to bring the community together for a night of delicious food, delightful drinks, and captivating activities, all while supporting our downtown initiatives.”
How to Participate: Tickets for “A Victorian Haunting: A Taste of Ottawa and Its Spirits” are available for purchase now. Guests are encouraged to secure their tickets early, as this event is expected to sell out. Check-in begins at 4:00 PM at Saffron Bazaar, where attendees will receive their event wristbands and additional information.
Local businesses have a unique opportunity to showcase their support for the community by becoming a corporate sponsor. Sponsorship packages offer a range of benefits, including prominent brand exposure, VIP tickets, and more. Sponsors will be featured in event marketing materials, including social media, the event website, and onsite signage, ensuring high visibility to a diverse audience of attendees. By partnering with the Ottawa Downtown Association for this prestigious event, businesses can enhance their community presence, attract new customers, and contribute to the vibrancy and economic growth of downtown Ottawa. To become a sponsor or in-kind partner, please visit https://ottawadowntownassociation.org/victorian-haunting-sponsor-opportunities/
Join us on October 19 for “A Victorian Haunting: A Taste of Ottawa and Its Spirits” – an evening of history, mystery, and culinary delights!
About Ottawa Downtown Association: The Ottawa Downtown Association is dedicated to promoting a vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous downtown Ottawa. Through events, initiatives, and advocacy, the association works to enhance the cultural, social, and economic vitality of the downtown area, making it a welcoming place for residents and visitors alike.
Media Contact: Cassi Skolflanc, President, Ottawa Downtown Association at [email protected].
