NORMAL -- The weather's turning brisk and the trees in Uptown Circle are burning bright so it must be another holiday season in uptown Normal!
Every year, uptown invites the community to share our holiday spirit throughout the season as we celebrate the Twelve Days of Christmas with a new holiday event each day from Dec. 13 through Dec. 24.
The fun begins on Tuesday the 13th with free movie day at the Normal Public Library. On Dec. 14, the owners of one of our favorite new uptown businesses, The Pod, will host Art Day. Lots of original art will be displayed at various uptown locations.
On Thursday the 15th, it's the holiday community food drive. Patrons can bring a nonperishable food item to many uptown businesses to receive a discount on holiday purchases. Dec. 16 will feature a community sing where local choirs will fill uptown with holiday music.
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If you missed our free carriage rides at the Holiday Open House, fear not, because they'll be offered again on Dec. 17. Afterward, fight the chill with some free hot cocoa at several participating uptown restaurants.
Sunday the 18th is instrumental music day with several locations hosting live performances and most businesses featuring their favorite holiday music.
Monday the 18th is candy cane day, where uptown patrons will receive some peppermint cheer in the form of a free candy cane. On Dec. 20, the Normal Public Library will have a holiday themed story time, followed by the Normal Theater Bucks giveaway on Dec. 21, when businesses will give away free theater bucks that are redeemable at the theater.
Thursday the 22nd is the Christmas Album giveaway. Shop uptown and receive a cool Christmas record album at participating businesses. Friday the 23rd is the Late Night Shopping event. Many uptown businesses will be open until 8 p.m. for all those last-minute holiday purchases. Finally, we remember the spirit of the season and wrap up our community food drive by offering additional discounts to patrons who donate a nonperishable food item at participating businesses.
There's always plenty to see and do in uptown Normal, but the holidays are an extra special time. The new holiday lights add a special touch to the beautiful streets, and you never know when you might spot Santa Claus making his rounds.
Old favorites like the Garlic Press and Babbitt's Books offer wonderful holiday shopping opportunities, while some of our newer businesses such as The Pod, Fabulous Affairs and Uptown Gifts are quickly becoming the place holiday shoppers go to find that extra special gift for the person that has everything.
The Children's Discovery Museum and The Normal Theater are offering lots of holiday themed programming and the wide array of restaurants provide a taste to suit everyone. So bundle up and bring the family to uptown Normal. We know you'll have fun visiting your favorite places and discovering some new ones!
For more information on everything that's happening in uptown Normal, visit www.uptownnormal.com or like us at facebook.com/uptownnormal.
Tulley is marketing manager for uptown Normal.
