The streets of New Haven will be filled with the sights and sounds of the holiday season this month, and shoppers will find gift ideas galore — as well as sales and discounts — in the city’s shops and eateries.
Fifteen vendors are selling their wares at 1020 Chapel St.Here’s a look at some of the special offerings being presented by The Shops at Yale, a group of retail stores and restaurants in the historic Chapel Street and Broadway districts.
Decorated tree with light and sound show
Through Jan. 1
A 24-foot-tall decorated tree by American Christmas, the world-renowned company that decorates Radio City Music Hall and Cartier, will dazzle with a light and sound show every 15 minutes between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. on Broadway island (56 Broadway).
Holiday Shop at 1020 Chapel St.
Through Jan. 8
Located on the lower level and second floor, the Holiday Shop at 1020 Chapel St. features 15 vendors in one location. There shoppers will find home décor, glass and metal art/sculptures, gourmet foods, hand-crafted jewelry, and more. Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.– 7 p.m.; Sunday noon-5 p.m.
Related story: “Holiday gifts and discounts at Yale-affiliated shops”
Free parking
Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, & 27
Enjoy free parking at the 255 Crown St. lot and 56 Broadway center lot with a $15 or more purchase from any of The Shops at Yale. Offer is valid on Saturdays and Sundays in December.
Horse-drawn carriage rides
Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, & 20
Free horse-drawn carriage rides will be offered Saturdays and Sundays in December from noon-4 p.m. Board the carriages on the New Haven Green at Temple Street, at Chapel Street near College or York streets, or at York Street near Elm Street. Sponsored by the City of New Haven, Town Green Special Services District, and The Shops at Yale.
Free shuttle service
Dec. 5, 12, & 19
Shoppers can take advantage of free shuttle services downtown on Saturdays 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Board at Chapel Street near College or York streets, or at York Street near Elm Street.
Santa
Dec. 11, 12, 18, & 19
Santawill visit The Shops at Yale and read stories to children at Atticus Bookstore Café 4-4:30 p.m. on Fridays, Dec. 11 & 18 and at the Yale Bookstore 4-4:30 p.m. on Saturdays, Dec. 12 & 19. He will then stroll the Chapel Street historic district and Broadway district at The Shops at Yale; families can find him 4:30–6 p.m. for photo opportunities.
Caroling
Dec. 5, 12, 19
Connecticut Yuletide Carolers, in traditional Victorian garb, will perform on Saturdays in December 4–7 p.m. along Chapel Street and Broadway. Local school groups will visit The Shops at Yale on various Fridays and Saturdays to sing in front of the tree on Broadway island.
Free New Haven ornaments
Through Dec. 24
Evergreen trees lining the Chapel Street historic district will have ornaments for people to take home. The ornaments are three inches in diameter and feature a historic image of New Haven from winters past.
Special offers
Through Dec. 24
Show your same-day receipts of $25 or more from any retail store at The Shops at Yale while visiting Shake Shack, 986 Chapel St., to receive a free scoop of frozen custard. Show your same-day receipts of $50 or more from any retail store at The Shops at Yale while visiting Tarry Lodge, 278 Park St., to receive a $5 gift certificate.
To learn more, visit www.theshopsatYale.com.
