Festive Shopping Offers: Complimentary Treats, Parking, and More from The Shops at Yale

Experience the wonder of the holidays in Downtown New Haven as The Shops at Yale hosts a month-long celebration with festive events, shopping rewards, and sweet surprises. Full event details are below and at TheShopsatYale.com/Holiday.

Free Hot Cocoa or Cookie with Retail Purchase

Dates: Nov. 28 through Dec. 24

Locations: Claire’s Corner Copia, 1000 Chapel St. and Cookie39, 39 Broadway

Present a same-day paper or electronic receipt for $50 or more from participating retailers at The Shops at Yale and receive one free gourmet hot cocoa from Claire’s Corner Copia or one free cookie from Cookie39.

Free Parking with Retail or Restaurant Purchase

Dates: Nov. 28 through Dec. 24

Locations: 56 Broadway and 255 Crown St.

Receive two hours of free parking with a same-day purchase of $50 or more from any participating retailer or restaurant at The Shops at Yale. Surface parking lots include 56 Broadway and 255 Crown St. Show your paper or electronic receipt to the parking lot attendant upon exit.

Small Business Saturday Events

Date: Saturday, Nov. 29, noon to 3 p.m.

Location: Chapel St. at The Shops at Yale

Strolling Connecticut Yuletide Carolers will bring a festive spirit to the Chapel Street Historic District from noon to 3 p.m. Enjoy complimentary kettle corn, holiday crafts, and an ice carving demonstration in front of Union League Pâtisserie & Üni Life, 1042-1046 Chapel St. Santa & Mrs. Claus will greet families at B Natural Kitchen from 1 to 3 p.m. at 260 College St.

Visit the Downtown NHV Tree Farm, hosted by Town Green District, to pick up the perfect holiday tree, in front of Union League, 1042 Chapel St.

In the Whitney-Audubon District, free cotton tote bags will be given out with every purchase throughout the district beginning on Small Business Saturday, and continuing throughout the holiday season, while supplies last. Don’t miss the Festive Storefronts holiday window art program at fourteen Whitney–Audubon District stores. Local artist Elizabeth Taylor hand-painted select storefront windows in white, creating elegant, festive displays that add seasonal charm to the neighborhood. Learn more at WhitneyAudubon.com/Holiday.

Storytelling & Selfies with Santa & Mrs. Claus

• Saturdays, Nov. 29 & Dec. 6, 1 to 3 p.m. at B Natural Kitchen, 260 College St.
• Saturdays, Dec. 13 & Dec. 20, 1 to 3 p.m. at Barnes & Noble—The Yale Bookstore, lower level (children’s department), 77 Broadway

Santa and Mrs. Claus will read stories to children and pose for photos with families. These events are free and open to the public with complimentary snacks.

Ice Carving Demonstrations
Dates: Saturdays, Nov. 29, Dec. 13 & 20, 1 to 3 p.m.

Location: In front of Union League Pâtisserie & Üni Life, 1042-1046 Chapel St.

A professional ice carver will transform two 300-pound blocks of ice into holiday-themed works of art.

• Elm City Elf – Nov. 29
• Reindeer – Dec. 13
• Holiday Bear – Dec. 20

Strolling Connecticut Yuletide Carolers

•Saturdays, Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 13 & 20, noon to 3 p.m. in the Chapel Street Historic District

•Sundays, Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14 & 21, noon to 3 p.m. in the Broadway District

Performances by authentically costumed Victorian quartets.

FEATURED EVENT: WEEKEND OF HOLIDAY CHEER

Date: Saturday, Dec. 6, noon to 4 p.m.

Location: Broadway Island, 56 Broadway

Free Parking: 150 York Street Garage

Five professional ice carvers will each transform 900 lbs. of ice into an iconic holiday character on Broadway Island, across from the Apple store. Guests who vote for their favorite sculptures will automatically be entered to win one of five $50 gift cards. Guests will also be treated to live performances by eight Yale a cappella groups throughout the afternoon, as follows:

• Noon-12:30 p.m.: Proof of the Pudding
• 12:30-1 p.m.: The New Blue of Yale
• 1-1:30 p.m.: Out of the Blue
• 1:30-2 p.m.: Whim ‘n Rhythm
• 2-2:30 p.m.: Cadence of Yale
• 2:30-3 p.m.: The Yale Spizzwinks
• 3-3:30 p.m.: Something Extra
• 3:30-4 p.m.: Doox of Yale

This event is free and open to the public. Free all-day parking is available at the 150 York Street garage. Bring your parking ticket to The Shops at Yale table under the big tent to be validated. This event will also feature complimentary fresh kettle corn, outdoor craft activities, and a hot cocoa competition from noon to 3 p.m., while supplies last.

FEATURED EVENT: WEEKEND OF HOLIDAY CHEER

Date: Sunday, Dec. 7, noon to 3 p.m.

Location: Broadway Island

Free Parking: 150 York Street Garage

Donate new toys for ages 0-3 to benefit your neighbors in need while enjoying seasonal songs from local high school and community choruses. Free activities throughout the day include photographs with Santa & Mrs. Claus on their holiday throne under the big tent with a professional photographer, complimentary fresh kettle corn, a craft activity, and a hot cocoa competition from noon to 3 p.m., while supplies last. Tasting cups will be available at The Shops at Yale table. Convenient free all-day parking is available at the 150 York Street garage. Bring your parking ticket to The Shops at Yale table under the big tent to be validated.

Local high school and Yale a cappella choruses will perform, as follows:

• Noon-12:30 p.m.: Sacred Heart Academy Chorus
• 12:30-1 p.m.: Guilford High School Voices
• 1-1:30 p.m.: Yale Pitches & Tones
• 1:30-2 p.m.: Yale Redhot & Blue
• 2-2:30 p.m.: Guilford High School Voices
• 2:30-3 p.m.: Branford High School Music Makers

Shop Local and Receive a Sweet Reward

Dates: Nov. 28 through Dec. 24

Locations: Katalina’s Bakery, 74 Whitney Ave. and Willoughby’s Coffee & Tea, 258 Church St.

Present a same-day paper or electronic receipt for $25 or more from participating retailers in the Whitney-Audubon District from Nov. 28 through Dec. 24 and receive a free cupcake from Katalina’s Bakery or a free hot cocoa from Willoughby’s Coffee & Tea.