Shopping local is now more important than ever and the businesses of Uptown Waterloo encourage everyone in our community to support the second annual Uptown Holiday Hop N Shop – in-person or virtually – this holiday season.
“For years our main street, independent businesses have supported our community,” shares Tracy Van Kalsbeek, Executive Director of the Uptown Waterloo Business Improvement Area (BIA). “They’ve sponsored local sports teams, donated to charity auctions, provided exceptional customer service, and they pour money back into our local economy – now it’s our turn to support them and help keep their doors open for the future.”
The in-person Uptown Holiday Hop N Shop will happen Friday, December 4 until Sunday, December 6 at participating businesses, and a map can be found on the website HERE. The map also includes information about special promotions, sales, etc. that the businesses are offering.
Holiday shoppers not wishing to venture outside can still support local with Uptown’s virtual Hop N Shop. In partnership with Hey Local, a fully online, local marketplace, shoppers can visit the Hey Local site, change their location to “Uptown Waterloo,” navigate to the Uptown Hop N Shop banner which will enable to them to start viewing the local businesses participating along with their online offerings of products and services.
The community is especially encouraged to take the #wrshopslocal pledge. “We are asking members of our community to purchase at least half of their holiday gifts from local, independent businesses this season,” notes Ms. Van Kalsbeek. Browse the BIA’s online business directory for a full listing of businesses, and check out the BIA’s Uptown Love video, featuring BIA Board members supporting local businesses, for some more inspiration.
More Uptown Holiday Fun
Tune in to the BIA’s Facebook page at 7:00 pm on Friday, December 4 to join Santa, City of Waterloo Mayor, Ward 7 Councillor, and the BIA for a virtual tree lighting of Waterloo’s official holiday tree.
In lieu of visits with Santa this year, children can write their letters to him and drop them off at one of two Uptown businesses: Crumby Cookie Dough Co. (8 Regina St. N., Unit 5) or Just Love Pie (33 Erb St. W.) by Friday, December 11. Santa will collect all letters and record a video reading a selection of them, which will be posted on the Uptown Waterloo social channels the following week.
“There continues to be lots to do in Uptown – outside and with the ability to social distance,” adds Ms. Van Kalsbeek. Uptown has already been decorated for Christmas with holiday wreaths and bows on light posts and winter planters. The Wonders of Winter at Waterloo Park starts this Saturday evening at 5:30 pm for self-guided walks. Starting December 1, watch for Uptown’s unique LED lighting – all lit up for the holidays. Once the weather turns colder, the ice rink at Waterloo Public Square will also be open for skaters.
Back by popular demand, the Uptown Waterloo BIA is bringing back the Uptown Window Walkers – winter 2020. After December 4, individuals and families can take a self-guided tour around Uptown Waterloo to discover beautifully painted holiday-themed windows, created by local artists, at Uptown businesses. For a full list of participating businesses, visit the BIA website HERE.
Mistletoe Lane returns for the third year in a row, starting December 4. Bring your sweetheart to the wintery-themed laneway between McCabe’s Waterloo and the Update Parkade, and snap a fun selfie to post on social media. Don’t forget to tag #uptownwaterloo and #mistletoelane when you post. Please shop local this holiday season.