The City of Frederick, local non-profits, and the Frederick business community are ready for another season of holly and jolly shopping!
Below we share a few tricks and tips to keep in mind while taking care of your holiday shopping lists this December:
Take Advantage of Free Parking
Throughout the holiday shopping season — starting on Thanksgiving Day and ending on New Year’s Day — on-street and public garage parking in The City of Frederick will be free every Saturday and Sunday.
Click here for a map of downtown parking options.
Escape The Black Friday CHAOS
Not interested in taking on the insanity of a typical Black Friday? Kick off your holiday season with all-day shopping in Downtown Frederick instead!
The Friday after Thanksgiving, downtown shops will open early and stay open late. Additional special events throughout the day include: a Frosty Friday Breakfast, Early Bird Bag Giveaway, caroling and live music, Santa!!!, marshmallow roasting fire pits, a Frosty Friday Cocktail Competition, and more!
Learn more here.
Make it Fun!
The holiday shopping fun isn’t just limited to one day!
I think preparing for the holidays should be as fun as the holiday itself. So, when you are out shopping in Downtown Frederick, take time for some drinks (we've got everything from craft beverages to hot cocoa to nostalgic soda), snacks (chocolate, popcorn, pretzels and more) or a meal (over 60 places to grab a bite). Enjoy yourself while you are out shopping for those you love.
Downtown Frederick Partnership
And even better, there’s seasonal fun available across our whole city! On the city’s west end, entertainment destinations such as Way Off Broadway Theatre, Warehouse Cinemas, and AT VR are gearing up with holiday programming. Over on Frederick’s east side, DIY centers, like AR Workshop and Live Young Candle Co., offer opportunities to make your own holiday decor. Escape rooms around the city will feature holiday-themed rooms. Special events such as “Caroling in the Village at Worman’s Mill” will add a little extra cheer through our northern commercial corridor.
Shoppers looking to add in some of special holiday activities during their trip can also explore the events calendars of: Celebrate Frederick and VisitFrederick.
Access the World, Locally
Just because you’re shopping local, it doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy cultures from around the world!
The City of Frederick is growing both in size and in diversity. A “Diversity Index” measures the probability that two people from the same region will be from a different race/ethnic group. Within Frederick’s population of just over 80,000 residents, that probability is now 77.5% and projected to continue increasing (JobsEQ).
Use the holiday shopping season as a chance to explore & enjoy products and services of community business owners with different backgrounds than yourself.
“One of the best things about the city’s west end, the Golden Mile, is the diversity of the restaurants and bakeries - Mexican, Salvadorian, Peruvian, Nicaraguan, Indian, Chinese, Thai, Pakistani, Japanese, Korean, and more. Travel the world by experiencing the wonderful and diverse ethnic foods authentically served on the Golden Mile.
Sandy Wastler, Golden Mile Alliance
And don’t forget to shop at various international markets and add a taste of the world to your holiday menu!”
Shantay DeMar, President, Golden Mile Alliance
Ask For Help
Stumped by that hard-to-shop-for person? A major benefit of shopping in-person is the opportunity for real-time & personalized customer service!
Downtown Frederick store owners and staff really know their products and offerings. Ask for gift giving ideas for the people on your list - you're bound to get some great suggestions!
Downtown Frederick Partnership
Appreciate the Positive Impact You’re makING
Remember, your efforts to shop locally will directly benefit store owners and employees right in your own community. Your dollars are helping neighbors receive a paycheck and continue to operate their amazingly unique businesses.
Shopping local is the ultimate win - win. You get a great gift for your loved one and you make an investment in Frederick - keeping your dollars right here in our local economy. - Kara Norman, Executive Director, Downtown Frederick Partnership
Shop local (and shop often) this holiday season and support our Frederick economy!